Why Garage Door Installation is not a DIY Task
by Jimi Forster on Nov 1, 2017
Are you considering DIY garage door installation? Perhaps it's time to reconsider taking that there are many risks involved in such tasks. Find out more here.
There is no doubt that the main reason why do-it-yourselfers prefer to install garage doors alone is to save money. But do they really save money with DIY new garage door installation? Which are the risks with such DIY tasks? And why should they be left to professionals only?
To understand the significance of leaving such tasks to garage door repair pros, consider the matter from another perspective. By installing a new garage door, you want to:
- Make your home exterior more beautiful
- Increase home value
- Possibly increase energy efficiency
- Enhance your convenience
- Make the garage a safe place
- Increase garage security
Whether you aim at some or all of the above, installing a new garage door is not a task for you. Let's explain why.
Do you know which garage door to select?
Even if this is a garage door replacement project and thus you plan to get the exact same door, you will need help. No doubt you will have more questions if this is the very first door you install. But in either case, you need to make an informed decision which means you are aware of what's available out there. From the material and type of the door to the opener and springs, everything is vital when it comes to selecting new garage doors. And since there are many, many choices and this is a big investment, it's always helpful to have some help.
The difficulties of installing garage doors
- If you get sectional doors, you will need to assemble them first.
- Installing garage doors (regardless of type) is a two-man job.
- Even the most lightweight aluminum garage door is too heavy to handle with ease.
- The garage door cable and spring systems are very complex.
- Choosing and installing openers both need great knowledge.
The dangers of DIY garage door installation
Since garage doors are very heavy, the wrong move can get you injured. Not to mention that the door might get damaged. It's not about having the space to prepare and install it. It's about handling it right and having the physical strength to do so.
There is no doubt that there are many DIY videos online which show you how to install garage doors. But remember that they are not always accurate. On top of that, not all garage doors are the same. They have different parts and are installed differently. Even if you are a handyman and have the power to fit the door, you will still need to deal with the parts.
When it comes to garage door springs, they must be tensed right. They must be connected with the cables, which in turn must be attached to the tracks, which must be aligned to house the rollers which must be connected with the hinges that are attached to the door.
And then it's the garage door opener and its parts. The unit must be installed at a specific location while the sensors must be placed exactly opposite one another to be effective.
If any connection is done wrong, the door might not close right, open all the way, or remain open. The smallest mistake will cost you garage door damage, property damage, security gaps, safety hazards, and convenience.
To install garage doors right and be sure that they will perform properly and safely, you must have the right tools, expertise, physical strength, and knowledge. In other words, what professionals have and you lack. One more advantage of calling a pro for the job is that you get warranties. So you are covered.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
70571 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
67408 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
62855 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
43060 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
26825 Views
Latest Articles
How Much Does it Cost to Install Hardwood Floors
There are specific considerations to make before laying hardwood flooring in your house. The first thing you need to know is that the price of...
on Jan 19, 2023
Home Maintenance Jobs You Need to do This Winter
Winter is the perfect time to get some home maintenance jobs completed. Not only are you stuck inside because of bad weather, but this same bad...
on Jan 10, 2023
Design Tips to Level Up Your Kitchen
Kitchens are the heart of the home. Aside from being where we cook and eat, kitchens can be our workspaces, spaces for relaxation, and - in the...
on Jan 9, 2023
5 Irresistible Reasons for Working with a Realtor
Buying your first home can be a daunting task. If you do not know about the intricacies of the real estate industry, you will not be able to make...
on Jan 5, 2023
DIY Solar Panel Guide
DIY solar panel installation is cheaper than professional solar panel installation, but installing your panels is costly and requires some DIY...
on Jan 2, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Property investment SINGAPORE
on Jun 1, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Are you an investor who wants to invest in a luxury condo in Singapore to diversify your portfolio? It is obvious why so many people want to invest...
Real Estate Investment for Future Generations
on Mar 14, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Purchasing a home is not simply a financial commitment. It is also an excellent way to start accumulating your wealth. Your home is also a...
Can I Sell My House with a Leaky Roof?
on Oct 28, 2021
Real Estate / Finance

The answer to this query is YES. It is possible to sell a house with a leaking roof, but it's always essential to evaluate some factors before...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 193
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 183
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 143
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 116
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
6 Tips to Hire the Perfect Roofing Contractor
Building a roof for your house in just a one-time thing and in some cases can need repairing but that is also not so often. This can lead to a lot...
Do These 5 Things Before Moving
Let us face it: moving can be extremely stressful. Regardless of how prepared you feel, moving can be overwhelming and stressful. On top of making...
The Beautiful Elegance of Window Blinds
If you want to completely alter how your home looks, all you really need to do is install new window blinds. Once you have changed such a simple...
How to Clean Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are a great addition to your home and one that is going to increase the value. You will love that something so simple can...
I Would Like to Do a Loft Conversion. What Do I Need to Know?
You have probably heard so much about the different benefits that loft conversion has to offer, which includes the increase in your living space,...