Around 54% of American homeowners have never had their garage door safety check performed by a professional. Failing to take safety into consideration puts our households at risk and decreases the quality of the locking system.
Perhaps you’re installing a garage door but you’re worried about making an error.
Does that sound like you? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top garage door installation mistakes.
1. Choosing the Wrong Garage Door
After figuring out garage door installation costs, you must find the perfect door for the job. Garage doors affect your home’s curb appeal, so find one that complements your home’s appearance and aligns with your neighborhood (if there are any rules).
Before buying a garage door, know that there are different garage door sizes. Make sure that you properly measure the frame.
You can’t force a larger model to fit, so factor in the space your car needs, your budget, and if it pairs well with the garage door opener.
You should also consider the many types of doors, such as doors that slide right-to-left, swing outwards, or roll-up. Take time in your decision-making process.
2. Getting the Cheapest Model
Once you’ve browsed the various types of garage doors, consider the price. Although it’s tempting to choose the cheapest model, at least go with a mid-range option. Going for the lowest cost use could impact your ROI.
In that case, your door becomes a liability if you’re planning to sell.
Plus, a more expensive door means it will have a longer lifespan, and that you won’t have to spend a fortune on repairs. To play it safe, call several garage door installation services for estimates to help you find the best price.
3. Rushing the Project
You’ve got the garage door installation tools and you want the project finished that day. But this is a major mistake because if you rush the process, then you’ll likely make an error or skip a crucial step. Instead, take time and don’t get stressed if you can’t complete it within the day.
Another reason why you mustn’t rush is you may forget to install a steel stiffener. This is placed on the edge of the top panel, and it only comes with certain garage doors, so make sure to check your model.
Many homeowners cut corners by skipping the stiffener installation stage, but this dangerous. If you do, the opener will jerk and bend the panel, and eventually, jam the entire system. This happens over time, and by the time you realize what’s going on, your warranty may have expired.
Once you’ve installed the stiffener, test the feature to ensure it’s safe.
4. Installing the Garage Door Opener in the Wrong Place
Another recurring mistake is placing the garage door opener in the wrong place. This means the door won’t work correctly, meaning that you’ve wasted your money.
Homeowners may accidentally connect the door opening slightly to one side which means the door twists when it opens. Ensure that you check to make sure the lift motor is in the center of the door opening so that the door doesn’t bind and bend the door panels.
5. Using the Wrong Fasteners
You might want to choose nails because they’re cheaper than screws, but you mustn’t as they bend easily. This causes severe damage to the door and you’ll possibly need a replacement.
Instead, use a large screw. They’re durable and connect heavy materials that bear huge loads, like your garage door.
6. Not Checking the Track System
Ensure that you correctly install the garage door track system as it offers support and stability. If this is stage is rushed, your door may be misaligned which can lead to problems.
For instance, the garage door may jam, causing your car to become stuck inside. Because you can’t lock the door, intruders are also able to break into your home. The off-balance door can also fall off its track and harm someone.
To avoid this, check the track system during the installation process. Check that it’s level, and adjust the tracks to ensure that your door opens and closes correctly.
7. Doing It Yourself
In 2019, 47% of homeowners in the U.S took on DIY home improvement projects.
While there’s a time and a place for DIY, leave a garage door installation to the professionals. They have the expertise and the tools for the job.
The springs can also pose a safety threat, so make sure to remove them before starting the installation. If they uncoil, they can break your fingers and hurt you. Garage doors are also too heavy for a one-person job, so hire experts to guide you through the process.
Remember that after the installation, you mustn’t forgo regular maintenance. This is because the garage door contains moving components that you use multiple times. This can lead to problems in the future.
Working with a professional will ensure that you stay safe and that everything runs as it should.
Avoid These Garage Door Installation Mistakes
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know the top garage door installation mistakes.
Make sure you have the right measurements and avoid rushing the project. It’s wise to hire professionals as they will install your garage door correctly so that you don’t face problems down the road. Good luck!
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