A new garage door can significantly upgrade your living space, boosting its curb appeal and functionality. However, whether you plan to tackle the installation yourself or hire San Diego professionals specializing in garage door replacement, understanding essential do’s and don’ts saves your time, effort, and money.

But if you don’t know anything about it, don’t worry. We have you covered. In the following article, we share the key secrets to installing a garage door properly. Check it out!

What are the major do’s and don’ts of garage door installation?

Installing a new garage door is a serious household project. It requires considerable skills and adequate tools. Here are the things you should/shouldn’t do:

Garage door installation do’s:

Take measurements properly. Accurate dimensions are essential for smooth door installation. So take your time and measure your garage door opening precisely, including its depth, width, and height to make sure your new door fits perfectly.
Inspect the level. The garage floor and header must be level. Otherwise, your door will tilt or won’t be able to close properly, diminishing your home’s security and functionality.
Choose door material carefully. Pick one that matches your living space’s aesthetics and take durability, maintenance requirements, and insulation into consideration. Options include low-maintenance fiberglass doors, elegant wood doors, sleek steel doors, etc.
Adhere to the door manufacturer’s instructions closely. Typically, every door system has different components and installation procedures. That’s why following the manual carefully is essential, as it ensures every part is installed properly.
Secure the door opener. If you opt for an automatic garage door opener, install it on the ceiling with a secure support structure. It must be properly aligned with the center of the door to allow smooth operation.
Use safety cables if you want to install a garage door with extension springs. These cables go through the springs to prevent them from flying across your garage and causing damage or injuries in case they break.
Test your door’s balance by lifting it halfway manually after you’ve finished with the installation. The door should remain in place without too much effort. If it doesn’t, the springs probably need to be adjusted.

Garage door installation don’ts:

Don’t start the process without the appropriate tools handy. Make sure to have adequate tools including wrenches, a power drill, a hammer, a level, and PPE such as safety glasses and gloves. Without the right equipment, you won’t be able to finish your project properly and might even hurt yourself.
Don’t neglect essential safety measures. Garage doors are very heavy and can be extremely dangerous if an unskilled person tries to handle them. For instance, torsion springs hold a lot of tension and must be installed cautiously. If you’re not trained or experienced, don’t attempt to adjust the springs to avoid injuries.
Don’t forget about insulation, especially if you live in areas with extreme weather conditions. A well-insulated garage door helps you regulate the temperature in your household, reduces energy costs, and protects your valuables from weather extremes.
Don’t forget to lubricate rollers, hinges, and tracks to keep them in top condition. Proper lubrication is essential as it decreases friction and slows down the deterioration of your door’s moving parts.
Don’t skip steps or rush. Putting in a garage door requires a lot of patience and hard work. If you rush through steps or skip passages in the manual, you may have problems like inadequate alignment, squeaky operation, or even damage to your door.
Don’t attempt any complicated installations by yourself. Professional help is essential if your garage door installation includes heavy doors, intricate wiring, or cutting-edge spring systems. Unless you’re a trained professional, attempting to install these systems on your own can cause serious injuries or expensive mistakes.

Where in San Diego can I find experts in garage door replacement?

Have you decided to install a new door in your house in San Diego? Congratulations! It’s an investment that will significantly influence the functionality of your family life. Now you just need to find reliable experts to do it for you, right?

Well, here at Dlouhy Doors, we have years of experience in garage door installation and our staff has all the hacks up their sleeves to help you achieve the look and quality you want. Give us a call, tell us what you need, and we’ll make your wishes come true while you unwind in Mission Beach. We are waiting for you!