Guide to Installing and Insulating Garage Doors

Installing and insulating a new garage door can be a difficult job best left up to professionals. However, with the help of a friend and the right instructions, tools and supplies, it is a job that any homeowner can do in a weekend. Installing new garage doors and insulation can do more than just improve the look of your home. It can also save you money when it comes to your heating bills.

Installing the Garage Door

Supplies:

• Garage door kit


• Bolts, nuts, and screws

Tools:

• Sawhorses


• Stepladder


• Drill with 1/4", 3/16". and 3/8" bits


• Pliers


• Set of socket wrenches


• Level


• Tape measure


• Screwdriver


• Hammer


• C-clamp
  
  

1. Attach the weatherstripping to the bottom edge of the first panel of the garage door. Put the panel into the doorway of the garage. To hold it in place, partially nail the panel to the door or use a c-clamp to hold it in place.


2. Assemble the pieces of the track so that you have three parts: vertical, curved and horizontal.


3. Connect the rollers to both sides of the first panel, which most likely requires brackets, then slide the horizontal section of track onto the rollers.


4. Screw the hinges for this panel into place along the top edge.


5. Fasten the rollers and upper hinges onto the second door panel and place it in the door track. You need a second set of hands for this part.


6. Fasten the first and second panels together using hinges.


7. Repeat this process for all but the last panel.


8. Mount the vertical section of track and make sure that it is level.


9. Screw the top plates and jamb brackets into place.


10. Bolt the curved and horizontal sections of track together and connect those to the vertical track.


11. Measure the horizontal tracks so they are level with the ceiling and cut them to the correct length.


12. Screw each hanger to the ceiling joists and then bolt the section of hanger together.


13. Mount the door's torque tube and connect it to the track. The exact process for mounting the torque tube varies so follow the manufacturer's instructions.


14. Remove any nails that you used to attach the door temporarily and tighten all permant screws and bolts.
    
    

Insulating the Garage Door

Supplies:

• Polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam


• Nails


• Garage insulation kit


• Aluminum foil tape

Tools:

• Hammer


• Utility knife


• Putty knife
  
  

1. Measure each garage door panel and buy the proper number of polyurethane foam sheets from your local hardware or building supply store.


2. Using your measurements, cut the sheathing with a utility knife.


3. Place the sections of foam on to the garage door panels.


4. Cover the sections of foam with aluminum foil tape.

or

1. Purchase polystyrene foam.


2. Cut it into the right measurements and glue it to the door panels.


3. Use panel brackets to secure the insulation to the door.

You can also purchase a ready made insulation kit from your local hardware store. Follow the manufacturer's instruction for installation.