Last updated: August 6th, 2026

A new garage door can transform the front of a home, but installing one involves far more than stacking panels and fastening tracks to the wall.

This guide explains the garage door installation process, including how the project is planned, which components are involved, and how the door and hardware are assembled. It is not a substitute for the instructions supplied with the specific door and hardware system.

Important safety warning: Torsion springs, extension springs, lift cables, cable drums, bottom brackets, and an unsupported door can be under substantial tension or load. Sudden movement or the release of force can cause serious injury. Spring winding, cable adjustment, bottom-bracket removal, and work beneath unsecured sections should be performed only by individuals with the necessary training, knowledge, and proper tools.

Start With the Opening, Not the Door

Before choosing or buying a garage door, measure the space it must occupy and the area through which it will travel. Start with the garage opening dimensions, then proceed to sideroom, headroom, and backroom.

Record the following measurements:

• Opening width: Measure between the finished left and right jambs at the widest and narrowest points.
• Opening height: Measure from the finished floor to the underside of the header at several locations.
• Sideroom: Measure the usable wall space on both sides of the opening for the vertical tracks, jamb brackets, and related hardware.
• Headroom: Measure from the top of the opening to the ceiling, joists, pipes, beams, or other overhead obstructions.
• Backroom: Measure from the opening toward the rear of the garage to confirm that the horizontal tracks and opener rail have sufficient space.

Uneven jambs, a sloped floor, damaged framing, low ceiling beams, or limited space beside the opening can change the hardware and track configuration required. The jambs and header should also provide suitable fastening points for the brackets and spring assembly.

Use these measurements to determine whether the opening can accommodate standard hardware or requires a low-headroom or specialized configuration.

Common Tools Required for Installation

• Impact driver
• 5/16-inch impact socket
• 3/8-inch impact socket
• Impact socket extension bar
• Two vise grips
• Two winding bars
• 7/16-inch (11 mm) 12-point wrench

Additional tools may be required depending on the door manufacturer, framing material, and hardware configuration. Use the fasteners, tools, and installation sequence specified for the exact door system.

Garage Door Opening, Framing, and Clearance Requirements

The framing around the opening must provide flat, solid mounting surfaces for the vertical tracks, jamb brackets, flag brackets, bearing plates, and spring hardware. Before installation, confirm that the side jambs are plumb, the header is level, and all three surfaces align on the same interior plane.

Check the following measurements and conditions before installing the hardware:

• Sideroom: Allow at least 4 inches on each side of the opening, or the greater clearance specified for the selected track and spring system, for the vertical tracks and jamb brackets.
• Stem-wall clearance: The vertical track may require approximately 1¾ inches of unobstructed space between the edge of the opening and a concrete stem wall. If the available clearance is insufficient, the concrete may need to be cut.
• Standard torsion headroom: Allow approximately 12 inches above the finished opening.
• Low-headroom systems: Approximately 9 inches of headroom may require 3½-inch-radius tracks. Zero-clearance tracks can be used with approximately 4½ to 5 inches of headroom. A rear-mounted torsion system may be needed when the available headroom is below the minimum required for the zero-clearance track system. These measurements should be verified against the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Backroom: Allow the door height plus approximately 18 inches for the horizontal tracks.
• Structural backing: Confirm that the jambs and header provide solid fastening points for the track brackets, bearing plates, and spring hardware.
• Obstructions: Check for concrete curbs, pipes, support beams, lights, storage racks, or ductwork that may interfere with the tracks or opener rail. An opener, larger track radius, rear-mounted torsion assembly, or specialty door may require more space than these baseline measurements.
• Automatic opener clearance: Limited headroom may leave insufficient space for a standard ceiling-mounted garage door opener. Confirm the opener’s required headroom and backroom before installation. A wall-mounted opener may be an option for certain applications; however, it cannot be used with zero-clearance tracks and is generally not recommended for use with 3½-inch-radius tracks.

Both side jambs should be flush with the interior wall or studs. If extra studs are added to align the opening, they should extend from the sole plate to the header and be securely fastened into the surrounding framing. Short blocks or loosely attached lumber can shift under the door movement and pull the tracks out of alignment.

The header should be flush with the side jambs and provide solid structural support for the center bracket. Do not cut the horizontal tracks unless the door manufacturer permits it. Shortening the tracks can prevent the door from opening fully and may affect roller travel.

Choosing the Right Garage Door Size

The nominal door size should match the finished opening width and height. For example, a finished opening measuring 16 feet wide by 7 feet high generally requires a 16-by-7-foot garage door. Confirm the size against the manufacturer’s specifications before ordering, especially when the opening is uneven or the floor slopes. If stop molding will not be used, check the required door overlap before choosing the final size. If you are building the garage from scratch, plan the opening around a common garage door size to simplify ordering and framing.

Installing the Garage Door

1. Identify and Organize the Door Sections

Before assembly, place the garage door sections on a clean, protected surface and identify the bottom, intermediate, and top sections. Installing the sections out of order can lead to complications and unnecessary rework.

Use the manufacturer’s labels, stickers, predrilled holes, reinforcement locations, or hardware diagram to confirm each section:

• Bottom section: Usually includes the bottom seal retainer and mounting locations for the bottom brackets.
• Intermediate sections: Installed between the bottom and top sections and commonly include predrilled locations for center and end hinges.
• Top section: Uses adjustable top fixtures that position the upper rollers.
• Section markings: Look for numbers, arrows, labels, or identification stickers showing the correct installation order and orientation.
• Assigned hardware: Separate the hinges, rollers, brackets, fasteners, and reinforcement pieces supplied for each section before installation begins.

Some sections may look similar but use different hinge numbers, reinforcement, or hardware locations. Keep the manufacturer’s parts diagram nearby and confirm the orientation of every section before attaching hardware.

2. Install the Hinges, Rollers, and Brackets

Lay out the hardware for each section before installation. Center hinges, numbered end hinges, rollers, top fixtures, and bottom brackets serve different purposes and must be installed in the correct locations. Follow the manufacturer’s hardware diagram and use the specified fasteners for the exact door.

• Center hinges: Install the center hinges, often marked as number 1, between adjoining sections. These hinges connect the panels while allowing them to bend as the door moves through the curved portion of the tracks.
• Numbered end hinges: Install the correct numbered hinge at each end of the intermediate sections. The hinge numbers increase as you move upward because each hinge positions its roller slightly farther from the door face, keeping the stacked sections aligned with the track angle.
• Rollers: Insert each roller stem into the lower sleeve of its assigned end hinge. Confirm that the roller turns freely and is fully seated before placing it into the vertical track.
• Top fixtures: Attach the adjustable top fixtures to the top section. Their position controls how closely the upper section sits against the header and how the top rollers enter the horizontal tracks. Do not tighten the final adjustment until the tracks are installed and aligned.
• Bottom brackets: Attach one bottom bracket at each lower corner of the bottom section using the manufacturer-specified fasteners. The garage door cables connect to these brackets, so they must be installed in the correct orientation.
• Fasteners: Use the screw and bolt sizes specified for the door. Fastener length and type may differ for steel, wood, insulated, or reinforced sections.

Do not substitute hinge numbers or install all end hinges in the same position. Incorrect hinge placement changes the roller spacing and can cause the sections to rub and bind.

3. Position and Stack the Door Sections

Stacking methods vary by manufacturer, so check the installation manual before starting. The two most common methods are:

Method 1: Stack the sections inside the vertical tracks. Install the vertical tracks first, then position each section with its rollers inside the tracks. The tracks help support the sections, but they may need to be loosened and repositioned if the stack requires alignment corrections.

Method 2: Temporarily secure the sections before installing the tracks. Position each section in the opening and hold it in place with nails or another suitable temporary support.

Have at least one helper lift, guide, and support the sections, particularly when installing a wide insulated garage door or a full view door.

• Position the bottom section. Place it in the center of the opening with the exterior face pointing outward. Check that the overlap is even on both sides.
• Level the bottom section. Place a level across its top edge. If the floor slopes, place a suitable shim beneath the low side until the section is level. The position of the bottom section establishes the alignment of the sections and tracks above it.
• Secure the section. If the vertical tracks are already installed, insert the attached rollers into the tracks to help hold the section in position. If the tracks are not yet installed, drive a 3-inch nail partway into each side jamb and bend it slightly over the inside face of the section. The nails should prevent the section from tipping without pressing it tightly against the framing.
• Position the next section. Insert the rollers into the lower sleeves of the numbered end hinges, then lift the next section directly above the bottom panel.
• Align and connect the sections. Keep the ends flush, close the joint evenly across the door, and fasten the center and end hinges to the section above.
• Continue stacking upward. Repeat the process for each intermediate section, securing each one before adding the next. Install the top section last.
• Check the completed stack. Confirm that the door remains centered, both ends align vertically, and the joints between the sections close evenly.

Keep hands and fingers away from the joints while lowering each section. Do not leave the stacked door unsupported or remove temporary support until the vertical tracks are positioned to hold the rollers.

4. Install the Vertical Tracks

Install one vertical track on each side of the door. The sequence for placing the rollers depends on the stacking method used in the previous section:

Method 1: Install and position the vertical tracks before stacking the sections, then place each roller inside the track as the sections are added.

Method 2: Stack and temporarily secure the sections first, then position the vertical tracks around the rollers.

Complete the following steps on both sides:

• Loosely attach the jamb brackets. Fasten the brackets to each track and into solid framing, but leave the hardware loose enough for adjustment.
• Position the tracks correctly. The flat side should face the wall, while the curved edge should face the door opening.
• Place the rollers inside the tracks. Confirm that every roller wheel is fully seated and moves freely.
• Maintain roller clearance. Leave approximately ⅛ inch between the roller’s outer lip and the hinge so the door can move without binding.
• Follow the hinge offset. Position each vertical track to follow the roller line created by the numbered end hinges. Depending on the system, the upper portion of the track may sit slightly farther from the door than the lower portion. The track position also controls the distance between the door sections and the wall, therefore, leave enough clearance for the sections to move freely without rubbing against the framing.
• Compare both sides. Confirm that the tracks are positioned evenly and that the door remains centered between them.

Do not fully tighten the jamb-bracket fasteners yet. Final spacing and tightening should be completed after the horizontal tracks are installed and the full track system is aligned.

5. Install the Flag Brackets and Horizontal Tracks

Attach the flag brackets at the top of the vertical tracks. Each bracket should connect to the track and solid wood framing, but the hardware should remain loose enough for final adjustment.

Complete the following steps on both sides:

• Attach the flag brackets. Level each flag bracket and fasten it into solid wall framing using 5/16-inch × 2-inch zinc hex lag screws unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer’s manual. Leave the track bolts slightly loose so the assembly can still be adjusted.
• Connect the horizontal tracks. Attach the curved end of each horizontal track to the lower portion of the flag bracket. Connect the track angle to the middle or upper portion of the bracket. Many horizontal tracks include a built-in angle for this connection. Leave the bolts slightly loose so the track can still be repositioned.
• Support the tracks temporarily. Suspend each horizontal track from the rafters with rope or another secure temporary support. This keeps the track near its final position while allowing easy height and alignment adjustments.
• Level the horizontal tracks. Check each track from front to back and adjust the rear supports until the tracks are level or positioned according to the manufacturer’s required slope.
• Install the rear track supports. Secure the rear of each horizontal track to ceiling joists or other structural framing with 16-gauge punched angle. Use 5/16-inch × 2-inch zinc hex lag screws where the angle attaches to wood framing, unless the manufacturer specifies different hardware.
• Compare both sides. Confirm that the left and right tracks are installed at the same height, extend the same distance into the garage, and remain evenly spaced from the door.

Keep the flag-bracket and rear-support fasteners loose enough for final alignment. Do not fully tighten the horizontal track system until the vertical and horizontal tracks have been checked as one complete system.

6. Align and Secure the Track System

Before tightening the hardware, check the vertical and horizontal tracks as one complete system.

• Confirm that the door remains centered in the opening.
• Check that both horizontal tracks are at the same height and extend equally into the garage.
• Confirm that every roller is fully seated and can move without rubbing or binding.
• Adjust the jamb brackets and rear supports as needed to maintain proper clearance between the door and the wall.
• Check that the horizontal tracks are not twisted or leaning inward toward the door.
• Remove any temporary nails, ropes, or supports once the tracks securely hold all rollers and the rear supports are firmly attached.
• Tighten the jamb brackets, flag brackets, horizontal-track bolts, rear supports, and related fasteners.

Recheck the track spacing after tightening because the brackets may shift as the fasteners are secured.

7. Install the End Bearing Plates and Center Bracket

The end bearing plates and center bracket establish the alignment for the torsion assembly. The end bearing plates support the torsion tube at both sides, while the center bracket anchors the stationary spring cones and may support the tube through a fixed or separate center bearing. These components should be aligned before the springs and cable drums are secured in place.

Note: Supported end bearing plates are often used with standard torsion systems. They are typically secured to the flag bracket or horizontal-track angle and to the header. Unsupported end bearing plates are often used with low-headroom systems and may be secured at only one mounting area: the flag bracket, horizontal-track angle, or header, depending on the configuration.

Complete the following steps:

• Mount the end bearing plates. Position one plate above each vertical track. Attach supported plates to the applicable flag-bracket or horizontal-track-angle connection and to the header. Attach unsupported plates at the mounting area designed for that configuration. Use 3/8-inch flat-head screws at the flag-bracket or track-angle connections. Where required, fasten the plate to the header using 5/16-inch × 2-inch zinc hex lag screws.
• Orient the fasteners correctly. When flat-head screws pass through the flag bracket or track angle, position the flat side toward the garage door so the hardware does not interfere with the rollers or door sections.
• Level the bearing plates. Check that both plates are installed at the same height and that their bearing openings align across the width of the door.
• Position the center bracket. Place the center bracket above the middle of the opening. The bracket may be a slotted spring anchor bracket that uses a separate center bearing or a spring anchor bracket with a fixed bearing.
• Establish the centerline. Align the center bracket with the bearing openings in both end plates. A straight, level centerline allows the torsion tube to pass through all three supports without bending or bowing.
• Secure the center bracket. Fasten it into solid structural framing using 5/16-inch × 3-inch or 3/8-inch × 3-inch zinc hex lag screws, depending on the bracket and framing.

Leave the hardware loose enough for minor adjustment until the torsion tube is test-fitted. If the tube does not sit level and pass smoothly through the supports, realign the end plates and center bracket before tightening the fasteners.

8. Assemble the Torsion Tube, Springs, and Cable Drums

The torsion tube, springs, and cable drums must be installed in the correct order so each component reaches its proper position on the shaft. Before starting, confirm the number of springs required for the door and identify the left and right garage door springs and drums by their labels, winding direction, and color markings. References to left and right in this section are from inside the garage while facing the door. Follow the steps below in order:

• Insert the torsion tube. Slide one end of the tube through the first end bearing plate, leaving enough exposed shaft to add the drum and spring.
• Install the first cable drum. Slide the drum onto the tube with its set screws facing the center bracket. On many residential systems, the red drum marked “L” is installed on the left side, with the drum positioned next to the end bearing plate.
• Install the first torsion spring. Slide the correct spring onto the tube with its stationary cone facing the center bracket and its winding cone facing the end bearing plate. On standard torsion systems, the spring with the red winding cone is installed on the left side of the center bracket.
• Pass the tube through the center bracket. If the center bracket uses a separate bearing, place the bearing inside the stationary spring cone before passing the torsion tube through the center bracket.
• Install the second spring and drum. Shift the torsion tube as needed and slide the second spring onto the opposite side, followed by the remaining cable drum. On standard torsion systems, the black drum marked “R” and the spring with the black winding cone are installed on the right side.
• Seat the tube in both end bearing plates. Adjust the torsion tube from side to side until it extends through both plates and all components are positioned correctly. Allow approximately ½ to 1 inch of tube to extend beyond each end bearing plate when the shaft length permits.
• Secure the stationary spring cones. Fasten the stationary cones to the center bracket using 3/8-16 × 1½-inch hex-head bolts and 3/8-16 flanged hex nuts.

Before continuing, confirm that:

• Springs and cable drums are installed on the correct sides.
• The drum set screws face the center bracket.
• Both stationary spring cones face the center bracket.
• Both winding cones face the end bearing plates.
• The spring orientation and coil direction match the manufacturer specifications.
• The center bearing, when used, is correctly seated inside a stationary cone.
• The torsion tube extends through both end bearing plates and turns freely without binding.

Do not tighten the cable-drum set screws yet. The drums will be positioned and secured after the lift cables are installed and tensioned. Do not rely on the hardware’s color alone; confirm the letters, labels, winding direction, and hardware diagram before securing the assembly.

9. Install and Route the Lift Cables

The lift cables connect the bottom brackets to the cable drums and transfer spring force to the door. Before installation, confirm that the cables match the door height, weight, bottom brackets, and drum design. Most garage door hardware kits already include premade lift cables sized for the door system.

For a standard torsion system and track configuration, the approximate cable length is commonly calculated as:

Door height + 18 inches = approximate cable length

Most standard garage doors use ⅛-inch-diameter cables, while some heavier custom or wood doors may require 5/32-inch cables.

Complete the following steps on both sides:

• Attach the cable loops. Hook each cable loop securely onto the lip or attachment point of the bottom bracket.
• Route the cables. For a garage door with a standard torsion system, run each cable upward behind the rollers, behind the torsion tube, and toward the cable drum. Reverse-wound and rear-mounted torsion systems use different cable paths. Keep each cable straight and clear of hinges, brackets, and fasteners.
• Insert the cable stops. Place the cable stop or tip into the designated slot on the cable drum. Confirm that it is fully seated before wrapping the cable into the drum grooves.
• Check for twists. Make sure each cable runs flat and is not crossed, kinked, or twisted. A twisted cable may climb out of the drum grooves or create uneven tension.
• Check the torsion tube position. Confirm that the tube extends through both end bearing plates far enough to support the drums and allow proper set-screw placement.

Before continuing, confirm that both cables are securely attached, correctly routed, fully seated in the drum slots, and free of twists or kinks. The drums should also sit correctly beside the end bearing plates.

Do not tighten the cable-drum set screws yet. The drums will be secured while the cables are tensioned in the next step.

10. Set the Cable Drums and Level the Door

Confirm that the door is fully closed and securely held in place. Both lift cables must remain seated in their drum slots and grooves throughout this process. Note that the process is different for reverse-wound torsion systems.

Complete the following steps:

• Secure the door. Clamp a vise grip onto the torsion tube and brace it up against the header to prevent the tube from rotating. Clamp a second vise grip onto the torsion tube and position it down against the top section or header to help prevent the door from lifting while the cable tension is set.
• Set the left cable drum. Starting on the left side, pull the cable tight and rotate the drum downward, counterclockwise, until the cable wraps evenly into the grooves. Push the drum toward the end bearing plate so there is no gap.
• Hold the cable tension. Maintain steady pressure on the drum so the cable stays taut and seated in the grooves.
• Tighten the drum set screws. While holding the drum in position, tighten the set screws with a 7/16-inch (11 mm) 12-point wrench. Avoid excessive tightening because overtightened set screws can deform the torsion tube.
• Set the right cable drum. Confirm that the cable stop is fully seated in the drum slot. Rotate the drum downward, clockwise, while guiding the cable into the grooves. Hold the cable taut and tighten the drum set screws.
• Compare both cables. Confirm that both cables remain seated in their drum grooves and have similar tension. Tapping the cables may reveal an obvious difference, but it provides only a rough comparison.
• Check the door level. Compare the bottom section with the floor and the top section with the header. If the door is uneven or one cable is noticeably loose, reset the affected drum before winding the springs.

Follow the drum manufacturer’s set-screw instructions. A common guideline is to tighten each set screw until it contacts the torsion tube, then turn it approximately one additional full turn. Do not overtighten, as excessive pressure can deform the tube.

Before continuing, confirm that both drums sit next to the end bearing plates, both cables are seated properly inside the grooves, the door is level, and the torsion tube is secured against rotation.

11. Wind the Torsion Springs

Important safety warning: Wound torsion springs store substantial force. Use designated winding bars that fit the winding-cone holes correctly. Do not use screwdrivers, socket extensions, or other improvised tools. Follow all required safety precautions, including keeping your head and body to the side of the winding cone and maintaining firm control of both winding bars throughout the process.

Before winding the springs, confirm the required number of turns. A common rule of thumb for standard torsion systems is approximately one full turn for each foot of door height. For example, a 7-foot-high garage door often starts at about seven full turns.

The final setting may vary based on the cable drums, spring design, track height, and track radius, so confirm the required turns on the manufacturer’s spring chart or specification sheet.

Complete the following steps for each spring:

• Prepare the winding cone. Confirm that the winding-cone set screws are loose enough for the cone to rotate without scraping or binding against the torsion tube.
• Position the first winding bar. Insert the bar fully into one winding-cone hole and confirm that it is firmly seated before applying pressure.
• Determine the direction of the turn. For standard torsion systems, wind each spring upward. Reverse-wound systems are wound downward.
• Wind the spring. Raise the winding bar in the direction required for the spring, then insert the second bar fully into the next hole before removing the first. Moving from one winding-cone hole to the next equals one-quarter turn.
• Count the turns carefully. Continue winding the spring until the specified number of turns is reached. If you lose count, do not estimate the remaining turns. Carefully unwind the spring and restart the count.
• Keep the spring controlled. Do not release either bar until the second bar is fully inserted and carrying the spring tension. Stand to the side rather than directly in front of the winding cone.
• Tighten the winding-cone set screws. After reaching the required number of turns, hold the spring securely with a winding bar and tighten the set screws according to the spring manufacturer’s instructions. Excessive tightening can deform the torsion tube.
• Repeat for the second spring. Wind the opposite spring using the same controlled process and the required number of turns for that spring.

As a torsion spring is wound, it normally becomes longer along the tube. On most standard systems, the spring may lengthen by approximately 2 inches by the end of the winding process, although the amount varies based on the spring design. Confirm that the spring lengthens in the expected direction and does not bind. If the spring contracts, stop and check that it is installed on the correct side and is being wound in the correct direction.

Before removing the winding bars, confirm that both winding-cone set screws are secure and that the final bar remains fully seated. Do not remove the vise grips restraining the torsion tube and door until both springs have been wound and the system is ready for controlled testing.

12. Test, Balance, and Make Final Adjustments

After both torsion springs have been wound, inspect the cables, drums, winding cones, and fasteners before moving the door. Keep people, tools, and vehicles clear of the opening during the initial test.

Complete the following steps:

• Partially remove the temporary restraints. Remove the vise grip clamped to the torsion tube and positioned against the top section while leaving the vise grip clamped to the torsion tube and braced against the header. The remaining vise grip allows the initial movement to be tested gradually while serving as a safety stop in case the door pulls up. Keep your body clear of the spring assembly and door path.
• Perform the initial test. Maintain firm control of the remaining vise grip and rotate the torsion tube downward slowly to raise the door only a few inches. Confirm that the door does not rise forcefully and that both cables remain taut and seated in the drum grooves. Lower the door, then carefully remove the remaining vise grip.
• Raise the door manually. Slowly raise the door again and stop after several inches to confirm that the cables remain seated and the rollers remain inside the tracks before continuing. Use the designated lift handle if one is supplied with the door hardware. Do not pull on the lift cables, hinges, or section edges.
• Test the movement. Move the door slowly through several positions and then through a complete opening-and-closing cycle. The sections should travel smoothly without binding, scraping, shaking, or excessive sideways movement.
• Check the balance. To test the door balance, stop the door near the floor, at approximately halfway open, and near the fully open position. A properly balanced door should remain reasonably steady at each position without rapidly rising or falling.
• Inspect the lift cables. Confirm that both cables remain taut, travel evenly, and stay seated inside the cable-drum grooves. Stop immediately if a cable becomes loose, overlaps itself, or begins to come off the drum.
• Check the rollers and tracks. Confirm that every roller remains inside its track and moves smoothly through the vertical, curved, and horizontal track sections.
• Recheck the hardware. Inspect the hinges, brackets, bearing plates, track bolts, rear supports, cable drums, winding cones, and other fasteners. Tighten any hardware that loosened during testing without overtightening it.
• Adjust the top fixtures if needed. Move the adjustable top fixtures as necessary so the top section follows the track correctly and closes against the header without binding or excessive pressure. Make equal adjustments on both sides when required.
• Complete the final balance adjustment. If the door consistently rises or falls at the test positions, the spring tension may require correction. Make only controlled adjustments with the proper winding bars and keep the door secured while changing the spring setting.

Do not connect or operate an automatic garage door opener until the door moves smoothly, remains properly balanced, and can complete a full manual cycle without binding. An opener should guide a correctly functioning door, not compensate for improper spring tension, track alignment, or hardware adjustment.

13. Install Stop Molding and Weather Seals

After the door has been tested and adjusted, install the perimeter stop molding and confirm that the bottom seal closes against the floor. Weather seals should contact the door evenly without pressing hard enough to restrict its movement.

Complete the following steps:

• Install the side stop molding. Close the door and position the molding along each side jamb so the flexible seal lightly contacts the exterior face of the door. Fasten it to the framing while maintaining even contact from top to bottom. In most cases, you’ll need to cut the vinyl to size. Use a nail gun with suitable finish nails, or drive the finish nails by hand, to secure the molding to the garage framing.
• Install the top stop molding. Position the molding across the header so the seal contacts the top section evenly when the door is closed. Join the ends neatly with the side molding to reduce gaps at the upper corners.
• Check the seal pressure. The side and top seals should touch the door without pushing the sections inward, increasing resistance, or interfering with the rollers and tracks. Adjust the molding if the door binds or the seal is compressed excessively.
• Inspect the bottom seal. Confirm that the bottom weather seal is fully seated in its retainer and makes consistent contact with the floor across the width of the opening. Replace or reposition the seal if it is twisted, loose, or leaves visible gaps.
• Complete the final weather-protection check. With the door closed, inspect the sides, top corners, section joints, and floor line for visible daylight or uneven contact. Make small adjustments to the stop molding as needed while confirming that the door still opens and closes without binding.

Do not use the stop molding to correct an improperly aligned door. Track position, section and overall alignment, and door balance should be corrected before the molding is used to create the final seal. The molding should cover the necessary clearance between the door and framing without pressing the door tightly against the wall.

Questions? We Have Answers!

When does garage door spring tension need to be adjusted?

Spring tension may need adjustment when the garage door does not remain reasonably steady during the manual balance test. Common signs include:

• The door rises on its own.
• The door falls quickly or feels unusually heavy.
• The door remains balanced near the floor but rises or falls at other positions.
• One lift cable is noticeably looser than the other.
• The door does not reach the fully open position or presses against the stops.

Before changing spring tension, confirm that the cables remain correctly seated, the drums are secure, and the tracks are aligned. Spring adjustments should be made in controlled quarter-turn increments using purpose-made winding bars. Secure the door and torsion tube before loosening the winding-cone set screws.

What should you do if the garage door is smaller than the opening?

First, confirm that the door was measured by its nominal width and height and that the finished opening was measured correctly.

If the door is only slightly smaller, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches overall, the stop molding may cover the remaining gap. If the gap is larger, the opening can be reduced by adding framing lumber to both side jambs or beneath the header.

What should you do if the garage door is bigger than the opening?

A garage door that is wider or taller than the finished opening should not be forced into place. First, recheck the opening and door measurements to rule out a measuring or labeling error. In some cases, a slightly larger door may still fit if there is adequate overlap and enough clearance. It becomes a problem when the framing covers decorative features and window sections.

The opening may sometimes be enlarged, but only when the surrounding framing, header, stem walls, electrical wiring, plumbing, and structural conditions allow it. Altering a load-bearing header or structural framing may require engineering, permits, and professional construction work.

Do not:

• Cut or modify the garage door sections to make them fit.
• Reduce the required track or hardware clearance.
• Remove structural framing without confirming how the opening is supported.
• Install the tracks out of position to accommodate an incorrectly sized door.

If the larger door does not fit properly, replace it with the correct size.

What should you check if the top section does not close tightly against the header?

First, check the adjustable top fixtures on both sides of the top section. Their position controls how closely the upper rollers pull the section toward the header. Loosen the fixture fasteners slightly and adjust as needed.

Also confirm that:

• The top rollers remain correctly seated in the tracks.
• The horizontal tracks are aligned and positioned evenly.
• The top section is installed in the correct orientation.
• The stop molding is positioned to contact the door without pushing it inward.
• The framing and header are straight and do not create a gap.

Do not use excessive stop-molding pressure to force the top section closed. If the section binds or does not follow the curved tracks correctly, correct the top-fixture or track alignment first.

Why does a newly installed garage door bind or rub during operation?

A newly installed garage door may bind or rub when the tracks, hinges, rollers, or sections are not aligned correctly. Common causes include:

• The vertical tracks are positioned too close to the garage door sections or framing.
• The horizontal tracks are uneven, twisted, or leaning inward.
• The wrong numbered end hinges were installed, changing the roller spacing.
• A roller is not properly seated or does not move freely.
• The door sections are not centered or aligned.
• The top fixtures are too tight against the header.
• Stop molding is pressing against the exterior face of the door.

Check where the problem occurs, then inspect the corresponding track, roller, hinge, or section alignment. Do not force the door through a binding point. Correct the issue first and confirm that the door moves smoothly by hand.

What should you do if one lift cable becomes loose after installation?

Stop operating the door and keep it fully closed until the problem is fixed. A loose lift cable may indicate that the cable is not seated correctly in the drum grooves or the drum has shifted.

Check that:

• The cable loop remains securely attached to the bottom bracket.
• The cable runs without crossing or twisting.
• The cable stop is fully seated in the drum slot.
• The cable remains inside the drum grooves.
• Both cable drums are positioned against the end bearing plates.
• Both cable drums are positioned against the end bearing plates and tightened.

Simply adding spring tension will not fix the problem. Reset the affected drum and cable first, then recheck the door level and balance before operating the door again.

Can standard tracks be used when the garage has limited headroom?

Standard tracks generally require about 12 inches of headroom above the finished opening. When less space is available, a low-headroom track system may be required.

Depending on the available clearance:

• Approximately 9 inches of headroom may require 3½-inch-radius tracks.
• Approximately 4½ to 5 inches may require zero-clearance tracks.
• Even less clearance may require a rear-mounted torsion system or another specialized configuration.

Do not force standard tracks into a space that does not provide the required clearance. Confirm the track radius, spring location, opener clearance, and manufacturer specifications before choosing the system.