Many seasoned do-it-yourselfers embark on garage door installations, only to find themselves struggling through the process. This home project isn’t as straightforward as others. Installing a garage door can be quite a task, even for seasoned professionals. What garage door installation challenges might you encounter along the way?

Garage Door Installations Require Special Tools and Equipment

Garage door kits often lack installation hardware. Most Pleasanton homeowners don’t know where to get the missing parts – or exactly what they need. In addition, even the most experienced do-it-yourselfers typically find themselves lacking the specialty tools necessary for a safe installation, such as a counterbalance spring system, which professional installers know is essential for lifting heavy garage doors into position. 

Garage Doors are Large and Heavy

Garage doors are big, awkward, and heavy, ranging from 100 lbs. at a minimum to 300 lbs. or more for larger doors. Errors during removal or simply managing the door’s weight can result in serious injury. A husband-and-wife duo is not enough. Multiple people are necessary to remove and install a garage door.

Ordering the Right Track System is Tricky

To order the right track system for your San Ramon garage, you must determine the track’s length and radius. If you order and install the wrong track radius, you can seriously damage your garage door. Many homeowners also forget to order the track nuts and bolts, which are sold separately.

Some Garage Door System Components are Surprisingly Dangerous 

Those who are new to garage door installation are often ignorant of door spring and cable dangers. These system components can quickly unwind and launch during installation or when improperly secured, potentially causing severe injury. Stay safe – learn more about garage door spring dangers. Garage door springs and cables are best installed by a professional. 

Houses are Rarely Square

Each garage door component must be perfectly aligned to ensure proper support and smooth operation. The door opening on your Livermore home is likely out of square, making installation extremely challenging. Tracks must be perfectly level. Hinges, brackets, axle supports, and other hardware must be precisely measured and installed. Garage doors in systems that are just slightly out of alignment can bind, getting stuck in the track, or failing to fully open or close.

Improper Garage Door Opener Placement Can Cause Big Problems

When installing the garage door opener in your Alamo home, we always install the motor and lift assembly at the door’s exact center. Many homeowners install them off-center to avoid obstructions, but this could cause the door to buckle and bind in operation. The garage door opener you choose must also be able to manage the door’s weight and include necessary safety equipment.

You Have to Dispose of Old Doors

No one ever thinks of getting rid of their old garage door until it’s out. Huge, heavy doors are tough to toss or slide out of the way. Unless you have a large pickup and your Brentwood home is near a waste/recycling facility, the easiest way to dispose of your old garage door is to hire a reliable garage door company.

Keep it together and avoid garage door installation challenges with help from your friendly neighborhood pros. Contact Madden Door & Sons at 925-208-4907 and learn about our affordable garage door and installation services in Pleasanton, San Ramon, Livermore, Alamo, and Brentwood today.