If you have recently purchased your own garage door, you might make the decision to try to install it yourself, especially if you have previously proven your DIY prowess in other areas of your home. However, garage door installation in McDonough, GA is more difficult than it might seem, and there are a number of pitfalls that could cause major problems along the way.
Off-center lift motors
For typical DIY-ers who are attempting to install their own garage doors, when something is preventing the lift motor from sitting precisely centered, the natural inclination is to just shift it to one side or the other. The only problem is that, if the motor is off center, your garage door will twist every time it opens and closes, causing premature wear of key components, such as the belts and chains. In addition, this motion can also cause the door panels to bend over time, and the door mechanism will eventually fail completely. When all is said and done, believing you can save a little money on installation by doing it yourself can actually end up costing you more money in the long run.
Forgetting the steel door stiffener
Since garage door systems that don’t use motorized openers don’t require steel door stiffeners, they are oftentimes not included with the installation kit. That means that those who don’t know the ins and outs of garage door installation well might not pay this omission any attention, even though steel door stiffeners can save you from running into major problems down the line. They are especially important for garage doors that will be using a motorized opener, and consulting with a professional who knows the many nuances of installation can guarantee extended use of your garage doors.
Using incorrect hardware
Because your garage door is used so frequently, it is important that the hardware that is used is built for repeated use. If you use standard nails for your installation, they can easily come out and leave your garage door system compromised. Lag screws, however, offer much more stability and durability. They blend well with the frame, and as a result can withstand continued use without being one click away from getting pulled out.
Although these pitfalls might seem insignificant, when it comes to the proper operation of your garage door over an extended period of time, they make all the difference in the world. Not only will reaching out to a professional ensure that your garage door is safe and operating properly, but it will also give you added piece of mind knowing that you won’t have to deal with constant repairs because of a faulty garage door installation in McDonough, GA.
Here at Affordable Dock & Door, we have been installing garage doors of all kinds for homeowners for over 20 years, which means that we have the kind of experience you can trust to make sure your installation is done right the first time. Contact us today to learn about what we can do for you, and schedule your appointment right away.