A replacement follows a set order: release the old springs, take down the old door, tracks and hardware, check the opening, stack the new sections into new tracks, set the springs, then reconnect the opener and run the safety tests. At ForgedLift a trained two-person crew does the work, and removal and haul-away of the old door are included.
Before the day: measuring
ForgedLift offers a free in-home or virtual measurement for new doors. Part of that is headroom: Clopay's instructions say to confirm there is enough room above the opening, and low headroom may need special instructions and extra hardware.
Taking the old door down
The springs come first. This Old House's install starts by releasing the old springs, then unbolting the sections and tracks. Clopay's instructions are blunt: if the old door has standard torsion springs, do not remove the door or springs yourself, because an uncontrolled release of spring force can cause serious injury. Clopay notes some large doors weigh as much as 500 pounds, and single-car doors as much as 200, once spring tension is removed.
Sections then come off one at a time from the top, and the old track comes out. Clopay says not to reuse old track on a new door. On a ForgedLift install, the old door is hauled away.
Checking the opening
With the opening bare, Clopay says to inspect the jambs for rotted or damaged wood and replace it right away. Track and spring brackets go into solid 2x6 wood jambs, never straight into drywall, where they could pull out with dangerous force.
Building the new door
Clopay's sequence:
- Set and level the bottom section.
- Fit lift handles and stack the remaining sections.
- Reinforce the top section where the opener will attach.
- Assemble and install the track.
- Install the lock, if there is one.
- Install the springs.
- Attach the opener.
This Old House's crew checks the vertical tracks with a level and plumb bob and measures diagonals to confirm the horizontal tracks are parallel.
Springs, opener and the final checks
Before an opener goes on, Clopay says the top section must be reinforced, any pull rope removed and any lock disabled. LiftMaster's manual says to test the safety reversal system once installation is done: the door must reverse on contact with a 1 1/2 inch object, or a 2x4 laid flat. Clopay's balance check: lifted by hand to halfway and let go, a balanced door should hang in place.
After install, leave the springs, cables and bottom brackets alone. Clopay warns they are under great tension. Every ForgedLift install carries our workmanship warranty.
What to plan around
- Clopay notes the garage will be open and unsecured during installation and cannot be used until the tracks are in.
- Clopay's do-it-yourself instructions budget about 1 to 3 hours just to remove an old door and 9 to 12 hours for a typical homeowner install. A trained crew's time on your job will depend on the door.
- Clopay advises against installing in windy weather, since sections can be blown down.
Ready to start? Request a new door quote or read about garage door installation.
Need a hand with it?
New garage doors installed by trained two-tech crews, residential and light commercial.
Common questions
Can I use my garage while the new door is going in?
Not until the tracks are installed. Clopay notes the garage stays open and unsecured during installation.
Will my old tracks be reused?
No. Clopay's instructions say never to reuse old track or hardware on a new door, because it can cause installation problems or let the door fall.
What happens to my old garage door?
On a ForgedLift install, removal and haul-away of the old door are included.