A new garage door will give your home's outside a new look. While a damaged garage door should be replaced, a new garage door may also improve the aesthetic of your home, provide curb appeal, and even increase security. Furthermore, it is a project with a positive return on investment: Homeowners can expect to recoup 94 percent of the cost of upgrading a garage door when selling their home, according to data from Zonda Media's 2021 Cost vs. Value analysis.
"Since 2010, garage door replacements have consistently scored among the top five household renovation investments in the annual Cost vs. Value Report," says Christian Morrow, senior brand marketing manager for Overhead Door.
What You Should Know Before You Install a Garage Door
Installing new garage door panels is strenuous job that necessitates extreme caution and the assistance of a partner or two to help assemble all of the parts and bear the weight.
"Even lighter-weight garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds," notes Morrow, "with an older garage door weighing as much as 450 pounds." "Furthermore, garage door spring systems are under a great deal of tension and can be dangerous to remove without the right training and equipment. We recommend talking with a reliable, experienced garage door installer for these safety reasons."
A professional installer can remove and install a door in a few hours, according to Clopay home products director Justin Evans, whereas DIYers should set aside 8 to 12 hours.
What You Should Know Before You Install a Garage Door
When it comes to selecting a door, keep in mind that some types are easier to install than others. Tips for Taking Good Garage Door Measurements from Michael Brickner, president of Precision Door Service, a Neighborly company
Start by getting accurate measurements, which involve more than just the opening itself, for homeowners taking on this project themselves. Pay attention to these four areas, according to Evans.
Opening the Door
To establish the garage door size, measure the width and height of the door opening in feet and inches.
Separate Room
Take measurements to the left and right of the door. For vertical track installation, different types of doors require a minimum amount of space on each side of the door. Consult the specifications
Release the tension in the springs first, then lower the old garage door and remove the panels one by one. Whether the door uses torsion springs (placed on the header above the door) or extension springs will affect the operation slightly (above the upper roller track).
- Next, take apart the garage door opener, including the tracks, laser sensor, and all of the brackets that hold the system together.
- The rough opening frame should be replaced and prepared.
- To guarantee a correct fit, level the door by reducing the bottom of the panel to make it as flush as possible with the concrete floor.
- Complete the bottom panel with weatherstripping to create a weather-tight barrier that protects the home's interior from the elements.
- Attach the lower panel once it's finished.