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- Total time: 1 to 2 days
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Project cost: $200 to $400
Garage door openers are a necessity when you have a garage. Gone are the days of leaving the vehicle and lifting the door by hand. Garage door openers also help with security since you can remain safely in your car until the door is closed.
Installing a garage door opener by yourself can be challenging but it’s a cost-saving, worthwhile project. Approach the project slowly, and be sure to have an assistant nearby who you can call on.
When to Install a Garage Door Opener
When the garage door stalls, sticks, refuses to open or close or when it reverses itself when opening or closing, the problem might be with the door itself. In many cases, though, the issue may center around the garage door opener.
If the garage door operation is very loud, it may need to be lubricated or it may need to be replaced.
Safety Considerations
Garage door springs and cables—which balance the door and help it move up and down—are tightly tensioned and can break, causing serious injury. Call a pro for any work on springs and cables. Leave the door opener motor unit unplugged to its power source until the very end of installation.
Tools
- Cordless drill
- Circular saw
- Manual screwdriver
- Six-foot ladder
- Bubble or laser level
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Nails
- Screws
Materials
- Garage door opener kit
- Scrap two-by-fours
- Cable staples
Instructions
1. Assess Door Operation
Open and close the garage door to assess its freedom of movement. If there is a working garage door opener, use this. If not, detach the door from the existing door opener, then open and close the door by hand.
2. Lay Out Parts
Garage door opener kits contain many unfamiliar parts. Acquaint yourself with the parts by laying them out, organizing them and checking them against the parts list.
3. Assemble Rail
The rail is the track that runs from the garage door back to the motor unit attached mid-point on the ceiling. The rail is usually composed of four or five individual pieces that form a single rail. One end attaches to the motor unit and the other end to the door; the ends are not interchangeable.
4. Attach Idler Pulley to Rail
The idler pulley is the wheel at the garage door end of the rail that helps the door raise and lower. Slip the idler pulley into the slot on the rail. Then, fit the bolt through the pulley and secure it with the lock washer and bolt.
5. Install Chain or Belt
Slip the chain or belt over the idler pulley. At one end of the chain or belt is the trolley connector. This will attach to the trolley on top of the rail, so make sure that it is positioned correctly for this.
6. Attach Trolley to Rail
The trolley is the unit that moves along the rail and which moves the door up and down. Make sure that it is pointed in the correct upward direction.
NOTE: For some garage door openers, you may need to attach the trolley as you are assembling the rail.
7. Attach Rail to Motor Unit
Using the provided hardware, attach the rail to the motor unit. First, attach the separate bracket to the top of the motor unit with small screws. Next, attach the rail to the bracket with a large bolt and lock nut.
8. Install Garage Door Header
The header bracket will support the door end of the rail. With the tape measure, determine the center of the garage door. Mark this center point just above the door opening. Cut a piece of two-by-four long enough to span between the two studs. Nail the two-by-four in place across the studs.
9. Install Header Bracket
Attach the metal garage door opener bracket to the garage door header.
10. Mark Opener Location
With the tape measure, mark the distance from the garage door end of the rail to the intended location of the motor unit on the garage ceiling. Make sure that rail will be exactly perpendicular to the garage door.
11. Attach Motor Unit Ceiling Brace
A two-by-four may need to be attached to the ceiling to support the motor unit. Ceiling joists run perpendicular to the garage door, so the ceiling brace must run parallel to the garage door. Check the garage door opener instructions, as some do not require a two-by-four brace and can attach directly to the ceiling.
With the circular saw, cut the two-by-four to 20 inches or long enough to span two ceiling joists. Attach the two-by-four to two of the ceiling joists with screws.
12. Attach Structural Supports to Ceiling Brace
Steel angle structural supports should be included with the garage door opener kit. Attach these to the ceiling brace. Usually, one steel support runs along the ceiling bracket and is attached with lag screws. Two more supports extend downward and are attached to that first support with bolts, washers and nuts.
13. Attach Opener to Ceiling
Position the step ladder under the intended location of the motor unit. Set the unit on the top step of the ladder. With an assistant holding the free end of the rail, attach the motor unit to the steel supports with bolts.
14. Install Door Bracket and Rail
Attach the metal door bracket to the two-by-four header bracket (above the garage door opening) with lag screws. Next, attach the garage door rail to the metal door bracket.
15. Connect Door Arm to Trolley
The door arm is the L-shaped metal armature that connects the garage door to the trolley on the rail. Connect the door arm with clevis pins and bolts so that the arm can move freely when in use.
16. Add and Adjust Sensor Eyes
Attach the LED sensor eyes to both sides of the garage door frame no more than six inches above garage floor level. The sensors should face each other and should be unobstructed.
17. Run Wiring to Motor Unit
Run the low-voltage sensor wiring from the door sensors to the motor unit on the ceiling. Attach the wiring to studs and wall or to ceiling surfaces with the cable staples. Attach the end of the wire to the motor unit.
18. Program Opener
Program the garage door remote opener so that it will activate the unit. The door should move freely up and down and it must be capable of stopping in mid-travel for safety.
When to Call a Pro
Call a trained garage door installation technician if the garage door does not move freely or if it is out of balance. Because you’ll need a grounded electrical outlet near the motor unit (on the garage door ceiling) contact a licensed electrician to install this or to convert the ceiling light to an outlet.
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THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
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FAQs
How To Install A Garage Door Opener? ›
Replacing your old opener is a simple do-it-yourself project. Not only can you stop worrying about the creaking and wobbling of an old opener, new smart garage door openers can provide peace of mind by accessing the system remotely – for those times you're not sure you closed the door.
Is installing a garage door opener a DIY project? ›Replacing your old opener is a simple do-it-yourself project. Not only can you stop worrying about the creaking and wobbling of an old opener, new smart garage door openers can provide peace of mind by accessing the system remotely – for those times you're not sure you closed the door.
What does Lowes charge to install a garage door opener? ›How Much Does Lowe's Charge to Install a Garage Door? Lowe's charges between $199 and $599 (CAD 270 and CAD 800) to fit both a new garage door and the opener. This figure is for labor fees only; the door would cost extra. Fitting an opener to an existing door is less expensive than having a new door installed.
What is the easiest garage door opener to install? ›Genie StealthDrive Connect Smart Garage Door Opener
It packs a 1.25-horsepower motor with intuitive features and convenient controls into an easy-to-install design, making it our top pick for the best garage door opener. This model relies on a five-piece rail system that's lightweight and sturdy.
Type of installation – It takes roughly 4–6 hours to replace a garage door, but installing a garage door compatible with the existing structure is generally more straightforward.
Can I program any remote to my garage door? ›The simple answer to this question is no. Not all garage door remotes are universal. The compatibility of garage door remote control depends on several factors. If you're looking specifically for a universal remote for your garage door opener, there are two models you need to look for.
Why is my garage door not responding to remote? ›Your opener remote batteries will deplete over time (~2 years) and may need replacing if your garage door is not opening when clicking on the remote. Solution: Replace your remote's batteries and test it. In most cases, you will not need to reprogram the remote even after changing the batteries!
Which is better chain or belt driven garage door opener? ›Most experts consider belt drive systems to be superior, and there are many quality products in this line. A belt drive garage door opener uses a rubber belt instead of a metal chain to open the garage door.
Can you install a garage door opener on an existing garage door? ›Most newer garage doors with multiple horizontal sections should be compatible with an opener. Older types, such as those that are one solid piece, may need to be replaced before you can install an opener.
What is the toughest part of installing a garage door? ›Springs are some of the most complex aspects of installing a garage door that are difficult to handle, especially if you don't have the right tools to make the garage door installation easier. To minimize the chances of accidents, you should have at least two people to assist with the installation of the garage door.
How long does it take a professional to install a garage door opener? ›
It typically takes about four to six hours to install a garage door opener. However, the time can vary whether you're installing a garage door opener in a garage that doesn't have one or if you're replacing an existing unit.
What is the labor cost to install a single garage door? ›Labor: Paying a professional installer usually costs $200–$500 per door. That doesn't include running electricity to operate the door. Manual vs. automatic: Installing a manual garage door costs anywhere from $600–$2,150. Making the door automatic will add $200–$1,300.
How much space do I need to install a garage door opener? ›Without proper spacing, a garage door just won't work. Most standard automatic openers require at least 12 inches of overhead clearance, some taking 18 inches. This includes about 12 inches for the door and torsion springs and three inches for the garage door opener. Some wood garage doors might require 18″ headroom.
Is a 1 2 HP garage door opener strong enough? ›Ratings ranging from 1/2 horsepower to 1-1/2 horsepower are typical for residential models. If you have a sectional double-car garage door, a 1/2-horsepower motor should be sufficient, but a higher-power model will operate with less effort and less wear and tear on the motor.
Which is better LiftMaster or Chamberlain? ›While LiftMaster door openers tend to be aimed at the professional market or people with large garages, Chamberlin openers are better suited to you if you're interested in DIY or have a small garage.
Can I replace a garage door opener unit without changing the rails? ›Can you Replace an Automatic Garage Door Opener Without Changing the Rails? Fitting a new garage door with an automatic opener requires rails for that specific system. This means you cannot replace an automatic garage door opener without changing the rails.
Is installing a new garage door opener difficult? ›Installing a garage door opener is a moderately challenging task that can be accomplished in an afternoon using essential tools you probably already have in your home collection.
Can you install a new garage door on old tracks? ›If you are installing a different brand door, or even a different style within a given brand, the old track may not fit with the new door. The door thickness and weight are key factors in determining the type of track a specific door will need.
What happens to old garage doors? ›For old wooden doors, for the most part, their journey will end up in a landfill. It is typically difficult to recycle old wooden garage doors because the wood has aged so much. However, metal garage doors will be taken to a scrap recycling yard. There, the steel will be repurposed into all sorts of projects.
How do I know what garage door opener to buy? ›1/2 horsepower garage door openers work well with standard aluminum doors in a residential garage. If the garage is the main entrance to your home, have a one-piece or oversized door, choose an opener with the lifting power of a 3/4- to 1 1/4-horsepower. Think about your garage's proximity to bedrooms or living space.
How do I know if my garage door opener is compatible? ›
The best way to know which remote control matches with your garage door opener is to check the manufacturer and model information on the opener's motor. Garage door remotes fall into two categories: Standard Remotes and Universal Remotes.
Can I use my phone as a remote for my garage door? ›Yes, you can use your smartphone to control multiple garage doors. While some products integrate this feature into the app, others may require individual garage door sensors. Although, most people opt for products with all-in-one benefits.
Will a universal garage door opener work on any door? ›When it comes to garage door remotes, universal does not mean it will work on any garage door opener. Older opening systems use DIP switches to set the codes, so the remote must also have DIP switches that can be set to match.
Do all garage door openers have a Learn button? ›Modern Garage Door Security
Most standard garage door remotes today use rolling code technology and a learn button on the garage door opener motor. The learn button allows you to erase the code on the unit and reset it so that your remotes and the buttons in your car will open the door.
If someone has hacking skills and a device called a code grabber (records the code sent by an opener), they can easily hack into your system and open your garage door. Typically, the intruder will leave a code grabber hidden near your garage door when you are not present.
Will unplugging a garage door opener reset it? ›Garage door opener FAQ
Yes, unplugging a garage door opener will reset it. Unplugging the opener erases the programmed settings. You will have to reprogram it again once you plug it in.
Sometimes a battery put incorrectly can cause a remote to start to stop working following a battery change. So, if you're wondering why your remote start isn't working, make sure the coin cell battery is oriented correctly. Usually, the positive side is facing up.
What part connects the garage door to the opener? ›Galvanized Aircraft Cable (GAC)
The Galvanized Aircraft Cable is the metal cable that connects the garage door to the motor. These cables are the most common type of cable used on a garage door and they can be upgraded to be made of stainless steel.
The opener is operated by a radio transmission (the remote you carry), which sends radio signals to the radio receiver built into the opener. The radio waves used to communicate between the two devices are on a precise frequency, 315, 315 or 390 MHz, which is picked up by the receiver in the motor housing.
Are garage door openers on their own circuit? ›Garage door openers should have their own circuit with an electrical motor that needs an input telling it to start.
Why won t my garage door open with wall switch or remote? ›
Garage Door Opener Remote and Wall Switch Don't Work
Make sure that the garage door opener has a secure connection to a nearby GFCI outlet. If the lights on your garage door opener aren't flickering when you press the button, the fuse, GFCI or circuit breaker might have burned out.
A wall mount, also known as a side mount or jackshaft opener, is typically found on either side of your garage door. This style is common in garages with high or irregularly shaped ceilings. Unlike the ceiling mount, this type of system is connected to and relies on the torsion bar to operate the garage door.
Can you add a keypad to an old garage door opener? ›If your garage door opener did not come with a keypad this is a quick and easy upgrade that can be added to nearly any garage door opener. Genie's Wireless Garage Door Opener Keypad is a system for easy access to your garage without the need for a remote or a physical key.
Is it safe to have a keypad for a garage door opener? ›Some homeowners are not convinced whether the convenience of using the keypad is worth the risk of someone gaining access to your house by “hacking” it. Any garage door company has clients asking whether garage door keypads are safe, and the simple answer is YES. Garage door keypads are entirely safe to use!
How many years can you expect a garage door opener to last? ›The average lifespan of a garage door opener is 10 to 15 years, and like your garage door, many factors contribute to its durability. You can keep your garage door opener functioning for a long time with proper care and attention, just like you should give to your garage door.
What are the disadvantages of a belt drive garage door opener? ›One disadvantage of the belt drive garage door opener is that it's slightly more expensive than a chain drive garage door opener. The belt may also stretch out over time and need to be adjusted to ensure the right amount of tension is constantly applied.
Should I install a garage door by myself? ›As long as you take the appropriate safety precautions and security measures during and after installation, there is no reason why you shouldn't DIY install a garage door. Installing your new roller or sectional garage door yourself has plenty of advantages.
How long should it take to install a garage door? ›Type of installation – It takes roughly 4–6 hours to replace a garage door, but installing a garage door compatible with the existing structure is generally more straightforward.
What you should know about garage door installation? ›- Hire a Professional Garage Installer. ...
- Avoid Using Old Garage Parts. ...
- Make Sure Your Safety Sensors Are Working Correctly. ...
- Replace Your Garage Door Opener If Needed. ...
- Inspect High-Tension Springs and Cables Regularly. ...
- Install a Double-Lock on the Outside Door.
STRENGTH. While both types of door openers function the same, chains are simply stronger. The metal chain will lift heavier doors more easily, and some belt opener models won't work with two-car doors at all.
Can one person install a garage door? ›
While many DIY projects are fun and can save you money, you may want to think twice about installing your new garage door yourself. While it can be done, DIY garage door installation can be dangerous and cost just as much as paying a professional to do the same work.
How much should I budget for a new garage door? ›Homeowners can expect to spend between $590 and $1,650 on a professional garage door replacement, with an average cost of $1,120. Replacing a garage door is an easy way to boost your home's curb appeal, and research shows this home improvement project has a high return on investment.
How much backroom do I need for a garage door opener? ›To have an adequate backroom, you'll need a depth equal to 18 inches plus your garage door height. You may need additional backroom to install an automatic garage door opener, usually about 4 feet and 2 inches.
How big of a garage door opener do you need for a 12 foot door? ›How much horsepower does the motor for my residential garage door opener need? A ½ HP motor certainly enough for doors in the 8 ft. to 12 ft. (2.4 to 3.7 m) wide range. Use a ¾ HP motor for doors measuring over 14 ft.
Can you replace a garage door opener without changing the rails? ›Can you Replace an Automatic Garage Door Opener Without Changing the Rails? Fitting a new garage door with an automatic opener requires rails for that specific system. This means you cannot replace an automatic garage door opener without changing the rails.
Can you put a garage door opener on an old garage door? ›Is it possible to make an older model garage door opener smart? Absolutely! Most older model garage door openers have an option to add a wall control panel / push button which you can use to open or close the garage door.
Can you install a new garage door opener on old tracks? ›Can I use my old garage door tracks? Using old garage door tracks for your new system is not only inadvisable, but also highly dangerous. How so? Typically, garage door tracks are designed to suit only a particular garage door.
Can you replace an old garage door opener? ›There are several reasons you could find yourself needing overhead garage door opener replacement. Opener remotes typically last 10 to 15 years, so you should replace yours if it's getting old or worn out. Also, consider technological advancements in safety — upgrading your remote could improve your home's security.
Can you put a new garage door on old tracks? ›If you are installing a different brand door, or even a different style within a given brand, the old track may not fit with the new door. The door thickness and weight are key factors in determining the type of track a specific door will need.
Which is better liftmaster or Chamberlain? ›While LiftMaster door openers tend to be aimed at the professional market or people with large garages, Chamberlin openers are better suited to you if you're interested in DIY or have a small garage.
How many HP do I need for a garage door opener? ›
Evaluate your garage door size and how often you use it. 1/2 horsepower garage door openers work well with standard aluminum doors in a residential garage. If the garage is the main entrance to your home, have a one-piece or oversized door, choose an opener with the lifting power of a 3/4- to 1 1/4-horsepower.
What is the life expectancy of a garage door opener? ›The average lifespan of a garage door opener is 10 to 15 years, and like your garage door, many factors contribute to its durability. You can keep your garage door opener functioning for a long time with proper care and attention, just like you should give to your garage door.
Should a garage door open into the house or into the garage? ›The door between your house and an attached Garage is considered an exit door from the home, and should swing into the house and not the Garage. The door should be a Steel Insulated door and the frame should be sealed as well to prevent carbon monoxide fumes from getting into your home.
How difficult is replacing a garage door opener? ›Installing a garage door opener is a moderately challenging task that can be accomplished in an afternoon using essential tools you probably already have in your home collection.
Do I need permission to change my garage door? ›Generally Speaking You Can Change a Garage Door Without Permission. You can build a garage without planning permission. This applies as long as it doesn't take up more than half of the room around the original property. So, if you can add an entire garage, there is often very little issue with changing your garage door ...
Should I replace my garage door myself? ›As long as you take the appropriate safety precautions and security measures during and after installation, there is no reason why you shouldn't DIY install a garage door. Installing your new roller or sectional garage door yourself has plenty of advantages.