Any mechanical job can be tough so if you do not want to spend the money on hiring a professional then just make sure that you are doing it right. Here are some tips on how to install a garage door opener.
1. Test Door Balance by Hand
First close the door and pull the emergency release cord otherwise it will come crashing down on you. Then, open your garage door halfway and then let it go. It should not move but if it does move up and down by itself then the torsion spring is out of adjustment or needs to be replaced. This causes the opener to work harder and wear out a lot faster which is why yours could be on the fritz. It is very dangerous to try and fix the torsion spring by yourself so be sure to call a professional for that one.
2. Purchase the Correct Garage Door Opener
Get a 1/3 hp or 1/2 hp opener for a single door, a 1/2 hp for a double door, and a 3/4 hp for a garage door that has a wood or faux wood overlay. Installing an opener that has a higher horsepower will not open your specific door any faster so make sure to get the correct one for your door. Openers are also available with either a chain drive, a belt drive, or a screw drive. Chain drives are the least costly but are also very loud. Screw drives are medium priced, do not need a lot of maintenance, but are still not very quiet. Belt drives are the most costly but very quiet. Choose the one that suits your lifestyle better.
3. Installation
Place a ladder underneath the where you will be installing the opener. Mount the opener’s rail to the header bracket above the door and then set the opener on the ladder. Put some wood boards under the opener if the ladder is not high enough. This will hold the position while you measure for your lengths of angle iron. When installing the garage door opener, have the door open and clamp locking pliers onto the roller track below a roller. This will keep the door from closing. Having the door opener makes it much easier for installation.
4. Mounting Straps
Garage door openers are packaged with everything you need for installation but the mounting straps included are usually very weak. The best thing to do would be to buy slotted angle iron and cut it to the needed size with a hacksaw. The purpose of angle iron is to reduce vibration and give you a stronger installation. For unfinished garages, put the angle iron on the joist using 1 inch sized lag screws. Unlike unfinished garages, for finished garages, put it on the bottom of the joist using 3 inch sized lag screws. Then, hang it using two cuts of the angle iron with nuts. You should also use lock washers to prevent the nuts from loosening from all the garage door motion.
5. Light Bulbs
Use light bulbs that can handle all of the vibration coming from the garage door. When purchasing, look for “rough service” or “garage door” light bulbs. You also need to be careful with the wattage. Use the correct wattage that is specified in your manual. If you mistakenly use higher wattage, it could melt the plastic covers on the light bulbs and could even damage the circuit board inside the garage door opener.
Don’t forget All 4 Seasons Garage Doors is home of the $20 Service Call. We are available 24/7 for emergency service. Call us today at 678-981-8454!