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A garage door installation is no more a DIY project than roofing or installing a gas furnace. Garage doors look harmless when they’re closed with their faces to the sun, but some garage doors weigh more than 300 pounds. They must be properly installed or everyone who uses the garage is in danger. Furthermore, garage doors are lifted not by their motor, but by springs that store massive amounts of energy. People have died while working on these springs when they’ve snapped. In this post, we’ll look at this and other mistakes people make relative to overhead garage door installation.

Garage Doors: Installation Mistakes and Miscues

Installing a garage door is an exacting process that requires proper training, proper equipment, and lots of experience. Most residential garage doors and commercial garage door installation mistakes in occur because homeowners decide to take the process into their own hands. While this is certainly their right it’s also playing with fire. Common mistakes include:

1. Incorrect Measurements

Accurate measurements are crucial for a proper fit. Misjudging the size can result in a door that doesn’t align correctly, leading to operational problems and potential security risks. Always double-check all dimensions before proceeding with the installation.

2. Installing the motor off-center 

To ensure the door is lifted properly the motor and lift assembly must be installed in the exact center of the door. Offset either one just a bit and your door will shake and shimmy when opening, the tracks will eventually loosen and the door may collapse onto the car or someone you love. Even if the door does not collapse other components like the motor, tracks, and spring(s) will wear out before their time.

3. Using nails instead of screws 

Some DIY garage door installers decide lag screws are nothing more than expensive overkill and use nails instead to attach the garage door to the frame. Mistake. Doors exert enormous stress on those nails and will eventually pull them right out of the frame. Trust us; you don’t want to be near a garage door when that happens. Always use lag screws to attach the door to the framing.

4. Overlooking Safety Measures

Neglecting essential safety features, such as sensors and emergency release mechanisms, can pose significant risks. Ensure all safety components are correctly installed and tested to prevent accidents.

5. Not considering the whole garage

We’ve seen a lot of wacky DIY installations including ones where the door was installed in such a way as to bring it into contact with a light fixture in the center of the garage ceiling. This is particularly dangerous if the garage door is steel. Every garage door installation must take the whole garage environment into account and if anything needs to be moved to accommodate the door it should be moved.

6. Neglecting to install the stiffener 

The top panels of the door are subject to tremendous stress every time the door opens. For this reason, a steel stiffener should be installed across the top of the door to ensure long-term structural integrity. Failing to install the stiffener is a common DIY mistake that can result in the door needing to be replaced.

7. Forcing the door into a too-small space 

Every garage door requires a minimum amount of space. There needs to be adequate room on each side and above the door assembly for all the components to do their job. Many a DIYer has ignored manufacturer recommendations and tried to jam their door into space whether it wants to go or not. Typically it only takes a few days for problems to arise like the door lurching during use, shaking upon opening and closing and even failing to open.

8. Ignoring Manufacturer Guidelines

Disregarding the manufacturer’s instructions can lead to improper installation and void warranties. Always adhere to the provided guidelines to ensure the door functions as intended and maintains its warranty coverage.

9. Skipping Site Preparation

Failing to prepare the installation site can result in misalignment and operational issues. Ensure the area is clear of debris, and the mounting surfaces are level and structurally sound before beginning the installation.

After installation, failing to perform regular maintenance can lead to premature wear and operational issues. Regularly inspect and lubricate moving parts, check the balance of the door, and ensure safety features are functioning correctly.

The health and safety of everyone in the home is dependent on whether the garage door is properly installed. Don’t confuse garage door installation with real DIY projects like cabinet refacing. Call Smart Doors, your garage door replacement professionals in Toronto, and rest easy knowing your new garage door will work perfectly for years to come.