Because the average homeowner rarely buys more than one garage door (and some of them never even need to do that), then knowing what to expect during the installation process can an uncertain experience. However, it doesn’t have to be a overwhelming or difficult. After all, the biggest part of the garage door installation process is the selection of the door. Once that piece is accomplished, then the installation part is up to the garage door company.
However, if you are the type of homeowner who likes to be fully informed about every element of your home – and there’s nothing wrong with that! – then chances are you have some questions or concerns about the garage door installation process. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin the process of selecting a garage door and understanding the installation process.
- If you are considering putting your home on the market, then updating your garage door(s) is a great way to add value and curb appeal.
- If the door is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider getting a new one as mechanical issues are more likely and the opener itself might not work as well.
- The older your door gets, the more likely it will be loud when opening/closing.
- The safety features that are common in new door opener designs, were not the norm on older systems.
- You need to understand the types of openers available on today’s market. The most common are chain drives, belt drives, jackshift drives, and screw drives. The quietest of these is the jackshift which is mounted to the wall, rather than ceiling, while the loudest is the screw drive openers which work with a steel rod and a trolley.
- Keep in mind that the door doesn’t do the actual lifting. Consequently, it is important that the team that does your installation, is fully certified and licensed for the work so that you can be sure it will work properly.
- Take time to look at the various features of the different types of garage door openers. From being able to open them through an app to having a battery backup or a wireless and keyless entry that doesn’t require a fob of any sort, there are many choices – beyond just considering the type of door and amount of insulation.
Once you have determined which type of door you want, don’t try to cut costs by doing the installation as a weekend DIY project. Talk to a garage door installation team and schedule an appointment.