How To Install Overhead Garage Door

Overhead garage doors are a convenient and space-saving way to access your garage. They are also relatively easy to install, making them a good DIY project for homeowners with some basic carpentry skills. Here are the steps on how to install an overhead garage door:

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, you will need to gather the following materials:

Overhead garage door
Mounting brackets
Lag bolts
Screws
Level
Tape measure
Circular saw
Drill
Socket wrench

2. Prepare the Opening

The first step is to prepare the opening for the garage door. This involves framing the opening and installing the header. The header is a horizontal beam that supports the weight of the door.

To frame the opening, you will need to cut two pieces of 2x4 lumber to the width of the opening. These pieces will be placed on the sides of the opening and will support the header.

The header is a 2x10 or 2x12 lumber that is cut to the length of the opening. The header will be placed on top of the side supports and will be secured with lag bolts.

3. Install the Mounting Brackets

The next step is to install the mounting brackets. The mounting brackets are attached to the header and will support the door tracks.

To install the mounting brackets, you will need to mark the location of the brackets on the header. The brackets should be spaced evenly across the header.

Once the brackets are marked, you will need to drill pilot holes for the lag bolts. The lag bolts should be at least 3 inches long and should be driven into the header until they are flush with the surface.

4. Install the Door Tracks

The next step is to install the door tracks. The door tracks are attached to the mounting brackets and will guide the door as it opens and closes.

To install the door tracks, you will need to cut the tracks to the length of the opening. The tracks should be placed on the mounting brackets and secured with screws.

5. Install the Door

The next step is to install the door. The door is attached to the door tracks and will be lifted into place with a garage door opener.

To install the door, you will need to attach the door brackets to the door. The door brackets are typically included with the door and will be attached to the top and bottom of the door.

Once the door brackets are attached, you will need to lift the door into place and attach it to the door tracks. The door should be lifted until it is flush with the header.

6. Install the Garage Door Opener

The next step is to install the garage door opener. The garage door opener is attached to the ceiling and will lift and lower the door.

To install the garage door opener, you will need to mount the opener to the ceiling. The opener should be mounted in the center of the door and should be level.

Once the opener is mounted, you will need to connect the opener to the door. The opener will typically come with instructions on how to connect the opener to the door.

7. Test the Door

The final step is to test the door. The door should open and close smoothly and without any binding. If the door does not open or close properly, you will need to adjust the door tracks or the garage door opener.