Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid During Garage Door Installation

Installing a new garage door can completely change the look of your home while adding functionality and security. However, a faulty installation can lead to big problems down the line. From safety issues to costly repairs, avoiding common mistakes during a garage door installation is essential to ensure everything works smoothly. Here are five common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them.

The 5 Mistakes You Need to Avoid

1. Incorrect Measurements

Measurements are the foundation of a successful garage door installation. If your door size doesn’t fit your garage opening, you’ll face alignment issues and struggle to properly seal the space. Always measure the height, width, and depth of the garage opening, as well as space on the sides and ceiling for the door tracks and opener.

Pro Tip: Measure twice to ensure all calculations are accurate before purchasing the door.

2. Ignoring Garage Door Weight and Balance

Garage doors are heavy, and ignoring their weight distribution can lead to operational difficulties. Using the wrong type of springs or counterbalance systems can cause the door to become unbalanced, straining the motor and increasing the risk of accidents.

How to Avoid It:

Match the springs to your door’s weight.
Regularly check the balance by manually lifting the door a few feet off the ground. If it doesn’t stay in place, it’s improperly balanced.

3. Choosing the Wrong Door Type or Material

Picking the wrong type or material for your garage door can cause issues like poor insulation, weather resistance, or durability. For example, a wooden garage door may look great but requires more maintenance than steel or aluminum.

What to Do Instead:

Think about your climate and how much insulation you need.
Consider your preferred style but balance it with practicality and durability.

4. Forgetting Safety Features

Safety features like auto-reverse systems or robust locking mechanisms are critical. Skipping these can put your family and property at serious risk.

Solution:

Ensure your garage door opener includes sensors to detect objects or people in the door’s path.
Test all safety features during installation to confirm they’re working.

5. Attempting a DIY Installation Without Experience

While DIY projects can save money, installing a garage door without professional experience can be risky. One wrong step can damage the door, motor, or tracks. Worse, injuries can happen if tools or heavy parts are mishandled.

Best Practice:

Unless you have the right tools and technical knowledge, consider hiring professionals to ensure everything is installed securely and correctly.

Smooth Garage Door Installation for Hassle-Free Use

Avoiding these mistakes will save you time, money, and frustration, leading to a smooth and secure garage door installation. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult or hire a professional, like Garage Door Supplier Columbus Ohio, to handle the installation safely and efficiently. A little attention to detail now ensures your garage door operates flawlessly for years to come!