How to Install Overhead Shed Doors

Believe it or not, the type of overhead door that is recommended for installation on a shed is an ordinary, regular garage door. Because of this, the same steps that are used for installing a garage door can be used to install an overhead shed door with few (if any) modifications.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape
• Pencil/paper
• Standard garage-door kit (will include the door itself, as well as any hardware, accessories and instructions)
• Electric drill or screwdriver
• Hammer
• Wood and metal screws
• Nails
• Other equipment, as specified in instruction/installation manual

How to Install Overhead Shed Doors

1. Measure the existing door opening of the shed to determine the size of garage door kit you will need to purchase.

2. Garage door kits come in many different sizes, so it is very likely you will find one that matches your measurements. If not, simply enlarge the existing door opening to fit your specifications.

3. Purchase the garage door kit.

4. Once you are satisfied you are ready to begin, and have assembled all the necessary tools and accessories, attach weather stripping to the bottom of the first panel that is to be installed.

5. Fit the first panel into the doorway and secure it by fastening nails to the jamb at an angle. Don’t hammer them in all the way; rather, leave them partially out. (You may wish to use an ordinary hammer and nails for this part.)

6. Unless you have already done so, attach the hinges to the top part of the door, at the edge.

7. Put the door tracks together, following the instructions provided with the kit.

8. Find the brackets, rollers, and other parts that make the door go up and down, and fasten them to the tracks, wall and other places specified by the kit instructions.

9. Pick a side and put the track on the bracket, following the instructions. Do the same to the other side.

10. Continue to install rollers and other necessary equipment to the second section, and lift it into place. (This may require some help.) Then attach the first and second sections together at the hinges.

11. Follow the same steps for the third and other sections, then check to make sure the door is level at the top and square on the sides.

12. Continue to install the top tracks and other parts of the door, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the instruction/installation manual thoroughly before beginning any phase of the installation. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment that the instruction/installation manual calls for.
• Lay out all of the parts to the kit, and familiarize yourself with each one by comparing it to the illustrations and diagrams shown in the instruction/installation manual In this way, you will know in advance that you are installing the right part in the right place.
• Use care when lifting the second and subsequent door sections. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Make sure the door frame is fastened securely to the wall, and that the door itself is fastened securely to the frame. The up-and-down motion exerts a lot of pressure on the moving parts, and the door must be secure to support the weight.
• Take care when operating the door. Moving door parts can pinch body parts if they are too close, and a lowering door can severely injure or even kill someone should it be lowered onto him, especially with force.