How to Replace a Garage Door

Before learning how to replace a garage door, it's important to know that there's risk involved whenever you're handling any aspect of a garage door. If you insist on making this a DIY project instead of hiring a pro, make sure that you are not doing this task alone. Get a helper to be present while you're working on the garage door.

Don't forget to turn off or disconnect the existing garage door opener before you begin this project!

Start by confirming that your new door will fit into the opening. While simple, this step is essential for making sure you don't go into this project unprepared. You can get this step done by first measuring across the existing door. Compare the measurement you get against the measurement of your new replacement door.

Purchase durable, attractive weatherstripping that can be added before installation. Cut strips to correspond with the dimensions of your door. The core places to put weatherstripping are the bottom, sides, and top of the door. You can also add thin strips between your door panels if you need an airtight seal.

Keep in mind that the process of removing your existing garage door can vary based on how your door was originally installed. Due to the danger associated with removing garage doors, it's highly recommended that you contact a professional for assistance.

Here's a rundown of the basic steps to removing a garage door:

1. Lift the door as far as it will go.

2. Put a C-clamp in the track to prevent the door from rolling down.

3. Remove steel cables connecting the garage door and springs on both sides.

4. Disconnect the garage door arm.

5. Gently lower the garage door.

6. Tape any windows in the garage door to prevent glass from flying at you if shattering occurs.

7. Starting from the highest panel, remove all door panels. You will need assistance for holding the other door panels in place as you work.

Get a drop cloth to protect your new door while you work on it! With the door's bottom section in a facedown position over a table or garage floor, attach the bottom bracket and first hinge using your socket set and impact driver.

After attaching the bracket, slide a roller set into the hinge and bracket. If you're using a work table, move it into the center point of the garage door opening to work the attached rollers into the track. Install brackets, rollers, and hinges. The bottom bracket should be aligned with the holes in the panel. Be sure to secure the bracket using your impact driver before moving to the hinge.

Next, carefully remove the table to allow for the lower panel to be lowered down toward the ground. Use a level and shim to ensure that your panel is perfectly level. This will set you up for success with attaching the subsequent panels.

Repeat this process for the next three to four panels left in your door.

When you're done, review the top panel to confirm that the new brackets will align with your track. You will also need to reattach the springs. While it's not advised for a homeowner to attempt to reattach garage door springs on their own, the process involves hooking the cable to the bracket on the bottom panel before routing it over the pulley. The cable then needs to be routed back toward the pulley that's attached to the spring before being connected with the tension clip.

Keep in mind that instructions can vary by manufacturer. The door must be fully open with the clamp on the track to prevent the door from falling while you are reattaching the springs.

Lower the door to the fully closed position to prepare for the finalizing steps.

Once the door is lowered, disconnect the arm that's attached to the garage door closer to slide it forward. The screws keeping the middle hinge steady will also need to be removed. Next, position the bracket over the top of the hinge to keep it in place with screws.

You can now test your work by lifting the door open until you see the arm snap into the closing mechanisms.