When you’re upgrading to a new garage door, you’re not only increasing the curb appeal of your home; it can also provide increased security and improve the energy efficiency of your residence. For both brand new homes that don’t have any garage doors and for those that are replacing a garage door that has reached the end of its life cycle, garage door installation is one of those home improvement projects that should be done with care. In addition to the skill level of the company you trust to perform the installation, the day of the installation is largely dependent on how well you prepared for it.
At Elite Garage Doors & Gates, which provides several services ranging from general residential garage door installation to the RV garage door installation phoenix homeowners need, we know what you should do in preparation for a garage door installation. We’ve put together the list below so you can have your driveway and garage area prepared for the expert installation team before they arrive.
Clear the Workspace: Creating a Safe Environment for All
While the garage area is typically a convenient place to store just about anything, on installation day, there is a need for a clean area so that the installation personnel can have adequate room to move, lift up heavy panels, and maneuver power tools.
Move Cars and Anything That is Blocking
Moving your vehicle out of the garage and out of the driveway area is a must, but it’s just as crucial to make sure your driveway is clear. This way, your service vehicle can be moved as close to the garage as possible and be positioned properly so that all components can be unloaded from the truck. This will also prevent your other vehicles from being exposed to falling debris and dust when the current garage door is being taken down.
Create a Perimeter of Ten-Foots or More
In addition to removing your vehicles from the area, also clear off an area at least ten to twelve feet from the opening to ensure the installers have enough room to perform the work. This should include removing any bikes or lawnmowers, trash cans, work benches, and anything that will need to be lifted to clear the floor area.
If you have stored items in the ceiling or near the upper track of the garage area, it’s a good idea to move those as well. By clearing the floor area, you’ll not only prevent any possible trip hazards but will also provide the installers with a clearer area so that they can work both more efficiently and more safely.
Getting Technical: Power and Access
When a garage door installation is done today, a motor, sensors, and wall stations often accompany it.
Check Your Power Sources
If you’re replacing the opener, or if a genie garage door repair guy is integrating a newer tech, there should be a working outlet close to the center of the garage ceiling. If this is the first time an old manual door has been made automatic, there may need to be a new electric circuit run by an electrician before we arrive.
Secure Pets and Children
The parts involved in garage doors can be quite heavy, and the springs are under lots of pressure. Please lock children and animals away in the home or in the yard to protect them while we work on your garage door. Many animals do not like loud work, and they shouldn’t be in the garage while it’s in the middle of being repaired, so no one will inadvertently walk into the work site.
Confirm the Design and Technology You Want
Tucson homeowners who need a garage door installation need to confirm what they are ordering before the day comes. Be sure to verify the color, where windows are placed, and the insulating degree of your new door.
An insulated door is recommended because the heat in Arizona is quite high. A well-insulated garage door can really help your home with garage temperature control and keep your things safe and sound.
Inspect the Area For Structural Issues
Take a moment to look at the “header” (the wooden beam above the door opening) and the side jamb. If there is noticeable wood rot or structural damage, it should be addressed before the new door can be safely installed.
A solid frame and torsion spring header brackets are required to bolt the tracks together for a secure installation. If you are unsure about the integrity of your frame, talk to our live operator when scheduling, and we can send an expert to evaluate it during the measurement phase.
Why Business Setup Matters
While DIY projects are popular, garage door springs are extremely dangerous to handle without the correct tools and training. Our team brings years of practical experience and a passion for excellence to every Arizona home. We serve everyone from Phoenix and Tucson to Flagstaff, ensuring every door is perfectly balanced. A door that is unbalanced even by half an inch can cause premature burnout of the opener or dangerous door collapse.
Conclusion: Trust the Experts at Elite Garage Doors & Gates
Preparation is the key to a stress-free home improvement experience. By clearing the area, ensuring access to power, and keeping your pets safe, you allow our technicians to focus on what they do best: providing a flawless, high-quality installation.
At Elite Garage Doors & Gates, we are proud of our “We Fix It Right” promise. From speaking to our live operator to the final security check of your new door, we provide transparency, professionalism, and unrivaled expertise. Whether you need a brand new garage door installation or a complex Genie garage door repair, we are available 24/7 to meet your needs.
FAQs:
1. How long does it take to install a typical garage door?
Most standard residential installations can be completed in three to five hours. If the project involves a complex commercial setup or a sizable RV garage, this could take an entire day.
2. If the track and springs look fine, should I replace them?
Yes. When you invest in new garage door installation, it is highly recommended to replace the entire system, including the tracks and springs. Newer doors have specific weight and balance requirements that older hardware may not be designed to support.
3. Do I need to be home for the entire installation?
We recommend being present at the beginning to show the installers the job site and at the end to review operation, safety features, and warranty information.
4. Can you install a new door if my current opener is broken?
Absolutely. We provide comprehensive services, including opener repair and replacement. We can install a new door and pair it with a brand-new, high-efficiency opener during the same appointment.
