As we have discussed before, garage door installation is a very high-risk project, especially for those with no prior installation experience. Firstly, garage doors are very heavy, and a fall from an improper installation could cause severe harm to you, your loved ones, or your property. Secondly, the torsion spring tension can be harmful or even deadly if released incorrectly. If you understand the risks, and you’d still like to tackle garage door installation yourself, here are some tips to help you do it as safely as possible.
Prepare for the Worst
Like the boy scout motto, “Be Prepared.” Make sure that if the worst case scenario were to happen:
- Someone is nearby who could drive you to the hospital
- There is a charged phone close by that could call an ambulance
- There is a first aid kit that can help temporarily control bleeding from injuries.
Don’t Get Locked Inside
One common mistake people make when attempting to install their garage doors is forgetting that, should they fail to fix the door, they could be trapped inside the garage. If you can access your garage through a side-door, you don’t have to worry about this. But if that’s not the case, be sure to have all your tools inside before closing the door, as well as a charged phone which you can use to call for help.
Use Quality Materials
Make sure that all your parts, especially hinges, ball-bearing rollers, springs, and tracks, are sturdy and new. Remember that if these parts fail, a 400-lb door could fall on your vehicle, or worse, a person. This is not the time to be a penny pincher; use the best, most high-quality materials on the market.
Release Torsion Springs with Caution
The most dangerous part of the installation process is releasing the torsion springs. If you loosen a garage door spring improperly, it will release all its stored energy in a fraction of a second, rapidly flinging your tools into the air and causing them to hit you, your property, or a bystander. The springs themselves can also cause life-threatening lacerations and injuries. Therefore, be sure to handle torsion springs with great care and caution.
Due to the risks involved, we highly recommend that you hire a garage door repair company to perform this task for you. However, if you have some contracting experience and are still determined to attempt the installation yourself, a comprehensive list of instructions can be found here.
Need a Garage Door Installation in Apex, Cary, or Raleigh?
Once again, garage door installation is not a DIY project for the average homeowner to attempt. While we have designed these tips to help small contractors and maintenance repairmen, inexperienced laypersons are far better off calling a professional garage door company to perform your garage door repair, installation or replacement. Hiring a pro minimizes your risk both during the job itself, and as you use your garage door for the rest of the year! To schedule an appointment for a free estimate, please click here.
