Are Garage Doors Difficult To Install In Ontario?

Are you considering installing a garage door yourself in Ontario? If yes, you have come to the right place. In this article below, we will walk you through all the steps you need to install a door yourself. We will also talk about things you must consider when buying a new door and installing it yourself. While the installation process is difficult and time-consuming, there is nothing better than taking on a project and completing it all by yourself. Let’s dive right into it.
How to Install Garage Door By Yourself
If you are thinking of installing a garage door yourself, it is important to know that doing so can be difficult if you do not have the proper knowledge and skills to do so. While most people call professionals, Like Custodia in Ontario, some prefer to do it themselves to save on the installation costs.
Related read: What Is The Average Price Of Installing A New Door In Ontario?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a garage door yourself:

1. Take Precise Measurements
The process of installing a new garage door starts with accurately measuring the garage opening. For this, you must take a measuring tape and take precise measurements of width and height from multiple places. It is important to collect the right size as it will ensure proper installation that will last you years.
2. Check the Existing Frame
When collecting the size of the garage door, you do not want to forget the frame condition. Inspect the condition of the existing frame and make repairs where needed. This step is important as you want your door to sit and fit perfectly for stability and longevity.
3. Buy the Garage Door
After making sure the frame is in good condition and you have the right measurements, visit your local hardware store to pick your desired garage doors. Garage doors come in a variety of types, materials, and sizes, so make the choice based on your preferences.
4. Install the Track
Once you have your hands on the garage door. It is time to install it properly. Start by attaching the track system to the ceiling using proper equipment and hardware. Also, make sure it is level. Next, by using mounting brackets, you need to adjust the height of the tracks according to your preference.
5. Hang the Door
By following the manufacturer’s instruction manual, assemble the door section and screw in the hinges. Next, you want to install the rollers on the door section and put them on the tracks so that they can slide smoothly.
6. Attach Cable and Spring System
You also want to make sure that you are attaching the cable and spring system accurately to ensure proper door balance. To do this, start by connecting the cable to the door section and then attach the torsion system. You want to adjust the tension of the torsion spring until the door seems perfectly balanced.
7. Install Door Opener
Next, you will need to install the door opener. Make sure the garage door opener you are selecting is compatible with the door type, weight, and size. For this, follow the manufacturer’s user manual to the word.
8. Final Checks
Once everything is installed and attached, check your door for alignment so that it is opening, closing, and locking smoothly. You can add safety sensors as well, making sure your home is safe and secure all the time.
What to Consider When Installing Garage Door
Before you buy a new garage door for installation, you must be aware of a few important factors that make a whole difference. From selecting the size of the door to ensuring it has safety features, here are a few important considerations.

1. Garage Door Type and Size
When it comes to choosing a garage door to install in Ontario, you must consider its type and size. These are two of the most important aspects to consider, as they can affect longevity and functionality. In Ontario, where the weather can get harsh with freezing cold and heavy snowfall in winter, you must install a door that is perfect for the local climate.
Some of the most common types of garage doors include sectional, roll-up, side-hinged, carriage, and contemporary. Out of all these, sectional is probably one of the most common and popular choices. These are ideal for Ontario’s fluctuating weather as they offer excellent durability, insulation, and ease of use. Side-hinged garage doors are probably the most aesthetic option out of all, but they are not ideal for Ontario’s weather.
Moreover, when choosing the size, there is no such thing as “almost” with the garage doors. For the door to offer proper durability, insulation, and functionality, you must choose the perfect size door. If the door was custom-built before, you will not find the size you are looking for in a hardware shop. You will need to have it custom-built again.
2. Material Selection
Once you have finalized the type and size of the door, the next thing not to take lightly is the material of the door. Now, when choosing the material, you must consider factors like durability, insulation, and performance. For Ontario’s weather, your garage door must be functional and well-insulated. Selecting the right material will make a huge difference in maintaining energy efficiency and consistent indoor temperature.
Among the choices include steel, aluminum, wood, vinyl, and fiberglass. Since the weather in Ontario can get very humid in summer and freezing cold in winter, a steel garage door is the best option. This is because steel doors work well in both cold and hot weather and offer excellent durability and insulation. Plus, they stay functional even during heavy snowfall and rain. With steel garage doors, your home will stay warm in winter and cold in summer, reducing your energy bill significantly.
Fiberglass is another excellent option due to its durability and functionality, but it is less well-insulated than the steel door. When it comes to wood garage doors, they are aesthetically pleasing. Also, they require regular maintenance as they can warp, crack, or rot over time. However, high-quality wood doors with proper insulation offer excellent durability and performance in any weather condition, only if maintained well.
3. Garage Door Opener Compatibility
Choosing high-quality garage door openers increases its durability, functionality, and ease of usage. Therefore, choosing the one that fits the weight and size of the door is extremely important. Openers usually come with three different drive mechanisms such as screw, chain, and belt drive.
Chain drive openers are among the top choices as they are relatively cheaper. They use a thick bicycle-like chain and are compatible well with aluminum doors. However, they tend to make more noise compared to other garage door openers. If maintained regularly, they offer excellent durability and performance.
On the other hand, belt drive openers are less robust than chain drive openers but are quieter compared to belt drive, making them an ideal option for homes where noise might be a concern. These openers use a steel-reinforced rubber belt that allows the garage door to move up and down. Belt drive openers are compatible with steel, aluminum, and fiberglass garage doors.
Lastly, there is a screw drive garage door opener which does not squeak or clunk when you open or close them. These openers are powerful and compatible with heavy garage doors made of wood and steel. However, for smooth functioning, they require constant but minimal maintenance.
4. Safety Features
When looking for a new garage door, you must pay attention to security features as well. Given Ontario’s fluctuating weather, which can get harsh and extreme, you must pick a garage door that comes with certain security features to ensure the door withstands extreme weather conditions as well as potential security threats.
In this regard, some of the non-negotiable security features include an auto-reverse mechanism, manual locking system, smart controls, smart alerts, and motion-activated lighting. You also want to consider garage doors that have features to ensure children and pet security. All these features combined enhance your garage door safety and ensure your home stays safe and protected even when you are not at home.
5. Professional Help
If you lack skills and expertise, hiring a professional garage door installation company like Custodia may be the best decision to make. One of the reasons is years of experience in installing garage doors. In Ontario, where climate plays a massive role in determining what type and material of door should be installed. This is because professionals know what works well for your property according to your requirements.
Moreover, garage doors are usually heavy and require multiple individuals or professionals to handle them with proper care. Improper installation can lead to costly mistakes and sometimes severe accidents. So, if you need to be better versed in this kind of project, you must call experts to get the job done professionally.
Lastly, most garage door companies in Ontario necessitate professional installation for warranty coverage. This means if you are installing the garage door yourself, there will be no warranty protection against defects. Therefore, hiring professionals such as Custodia will save you a lot of money and ensure you are covered. (Read more about Can I Replace A Screen Door Myself In Ontario?)
Final Words
Installing a garage door yourself in Ontario is not that difficult if you follow the steps mentioned above in the article and follow the user’s manual provided by the manufacturer. If you find it difficult even after that, calling a professional garage door replacement company such as Custodia will save you time, money, and any potential accidents.