All garage doors eventually need replacing, be it due to age, damage, or a desire to increase curb appeal. However, replacing a garage door isn’t an easy job. In fact, you shouldn’t count on doing the main work yourself. Instead, your role when you have the garage door replaced involves preparing the surrounding area before the work starts.
Hire Professionals to Perform the Installation
The top safety tip regarding garage door installation and replacement is to have a professional garage door service do the actual work. Removing the old door and installing the new one are not DIY projects. The weight of the door and the tension that the parts are under make this a dangerous job. For example, the springs can snap without warning. Professional installers know how to reduce those risks substantially and install the new door safely.
What You Must Do Before the Installation Process
Before the garage door company arrives, move everything away from the old door and the workspace. All vehicles should be out of the garage and driveway, including bikes and anything else you might have in there. Just because something is on a shelf doesn’t mean it won’t be in the way. Ask the garage door company ahead of time about what clearance its employees will need. Also, secure pets and kids. Keep pets in another part of the house or in the backyard.
Note that the loud noises from removing the old door and installing the new one might scare some pets. If you have any that tend to run when scared, have a household member or friend stay with the pet for the entire time.
As for kids who either aren’t in school or who are coming home early, warn them to stay away from the garage area. Some kids might be curious about the work and want to observe. However, whether they can do so (from a safe distance) is really up to the installers. They won’t want to take any chances. If the installers ask you to move the kids away from the area, please do so immediately.
What You Can Do After the Installation Is Complete
When the installation is complete, verify with the installers that all the remotes work with the new door opener. Test each one while the installers are still there, if possible. Ensure you understand how to operate the new opener and know where any off switches are. Ensure the speed and force with which the door opens and closes are satisfactory to you. Over the next couple of weeks, observe how the door works. If you detect any problems, contact the garage door company.
Garage door removal and installation projects require professionals. But you will have to prepare your garage and driveway for the technicians. That’s essential for making the work area safer for everyone. If you live in Baton Rouge, LA or a surrounding area and need garage door installation services, make your first call to Highland Garage Doors.
