What Is the Toughest Part of Installing a Garage Door?

Installing a garage door may look easy on videos, but it can be hard and even dangerous. Many people try to do it themselves. But they often learn that some parts of the job are very tricky. In this post, we will explore the toughest part of installing a garage door and why you might want to think twice before doing it alone.

What Happens During Garage Door Installation?

Installing a garage door involves more than just putting panels in place. You have to measure the opening, install the door tracks, hang the panels, set up the garage door opener, and make sure everything is safe. You also need special tools for garage door installation. If you don’t have them, you might do things wrong.

Some tools used are:

• Wrenches and screwdrivers

• Level and tape measure

• Ladder

• Safety glasses and gloves

You also need to follow the instructions closely. Even a small mistake can cause the garage door to not work right.

The Toughest Part: Garage Door Springs

So, what is the toughest part of installing a garage door? Most people agree: it's dealing with garage door springs.

Garage door springs lift and lower the heavy door. They are under high tension, which means they can snap back with great force if not handled right. There are two main types of springs:

• Torsion springs (above the door)

• Extension springs (on the sides)

Setting the right garage door spring tension is very hard. If the spring is too tight, the door may fly up. If it’s too loose, the door won’t lift. Getting the tension just right takes practice and skill.

Why Spring Work Is Dangerous

Garage door safety is a big reason to be careful. Springs can hurt people if they snap. Many DIY garage door installation videos skip this danger. But professionals know the risk and use special tools.

This is why hiring a professional garage door installer is often the best choice. They have the tools and training to do the job safely.

Other Hard Parts of the Job

While springs are the hardest part, there are other tricky steps too:

• Installing garage door tracks: The tracks must be straight and level, or the door won’t move smoothly.

• Garage door alignment: If the panels don’t line up, the door can jam or wear out fast.

• Setting up the garage door opener: The opener must match the door type and be installed right.

These steps take time and care. Making a mistake here can mean more repairs later.

Common Garage Door Installation Mistakes

Here are some common garage door installation mistakes people make:

• Not wearing safety gear

• Using the wrong tools

• Misjudging the spring tension

• Failing to level the door

• Not reading the manual fully

Even one of these mistakes can cause big problems.

When to Call a Pro

A professional garage door installer knows how to do the job right. They install doors every day. They also know how to fix garage door alignment, adjust spring tension, and connect the opener safely.

Hiring a pro saves time and gives peace of mind. It also helps avoid injury and extra costs from mistakes.

Why Garage Door Safety Matters

Garage doors are heavy. If something goes wrong, someone could get hurt. That’s why safety is so important.

Always use safety glasses, gloves, and follow the instructions. If you're not sure how to do something, it’s safer to call a pro.

Final Thoughts

So, what is the toughest part of installing a garage door? The answer is simple: working with garage door springs. They are dangerous and hard to adjust. Add in other tasks like installing garage door tracks and setting up the opener, and it becomes clear why this job is not easy.

If you are not sure you can do it safely, call a professional garage door installer. They have the skills, tools, and experience to do the job right the first time.

FAQs

How long does garage door installation take?

It can take 4 to 8 hours for a professional. DIY may take longer.

Can I install a garage door myself?

You can, but it is not easy. Garage door spring tension and alignment are very tricky.

What tools are needed for garage door installation?

You need wrenches, screwdrivers, safety gear, a level, and more.

What happens if springs are installed wrong?

The door may not open or close. Worse, the springs could snap and cause injury.