How to Install Roller Doors

Taking on any installation job yourself is a great way to save money. When installing a new roller door for your home, shed, workshop or commercial building, you must ensure its safe and smooth operation, which means installing it correctly.

If you are confident at DIY or a builder, follow our installation instructions. Refer to the installation manual for your door type for exact specifications and measurements.

Safety Checklist

Before you start your roller door installation, check the following:

  • All supporting walls are structurally sound to avoid damage.
  • You have the correct fasteners for your structure.
  • You have adequate space above the doorway to house the rolled-up garage door and fittings.
  • The surface above the doorway is flush and free from any protrusions.
  • You have sufficient room on each side of the doorway for the tracks.
  • Your work area is clear from obstruction.
  • You’re wearing appropriate safety gear - gloves, boots, and safety goggles.

Tools Required

Your checklist for garage door installation should include the following materials:

  • Two-step ladders
  • A laser level
  • A spirit level
  • Screwdrivers and a pipe wrench
  • A power drill and drill bits
  • A softwood chock about 400mm long
  • A socket set
  • A tape measure and stanley knife
  • A marker pen or pencil

Pre-Installation Requirements

Once you receive your delivery, unpack and check each part against the installation checklist. Do not remove the strapping around your garage doors. Check the installation instructions specific to your door type. Ensure that your working space is clear from obstructions prior to installation.

Downloadable Installation Instructions

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 - Brackets

  1. Measure and mark the roller door width on each wall of the opening, adding extra width on each side for the inside line of the bracket. The amount of extra width required depends on the size of your doors - refer to your individual installation guide.
  2. Ensure there is adequate head and side room clearance. Hold the bracket and mark two or three holes (the number may vary according to your door’s installation instructions). Level, drill, then bolt the bracket into place.
  3. Using the laser level, mark the height of the second bracket on the other wall and drill it into position - for steel framework, use welding.
  4. Check the axle length, then with care, lift the rolled-up door onto the brackets using ropes or an alternative safe lifting method. Ensure that the way it faces enables the door to roll down the front.
  5. Push the axle into the slots and rotate the door forward.
  6. Loosely secure with the U bolts and saddles.
  7. Centre the garage door within the opening. Rotate the curtain so that the bottom part is on the inside of the garage.

Step 2 - Springs

  1. Attach the axle to the brackets. Use the washers and nuts to lock into place.
  2. Rotate the door forward to apply tension to the spring. The number of times you turn the door depends on its size.
  3. Have your assistant cut the strapping while you maintain spring tension.
  4. Draw the curtain down slowly and position the wooden chock to hold the door until you fit the tracks.

Step 3 - Tracks

  1. Pull the door down to make sure it overlaps the doorway equally on both sides.
  2. Slide the first track over the edge of one side of the door. Loosely secure the track to the wall with fasteners.
  3. Repeat on the other side. Use the spirit level to make sure both tracks are perfectly vertical.
  4. Move the door up and down, checking for correct tension, and make sure it’s not binding in the tracks at any point. Adjust where necessary. Tighten both tracks securely.
  5. Use screws or other fasteners to attach the handle to the outside of your door.
  6. If provided with your door, fit the weight bar to the bottom rail for added stability.

After Installation Guide

Modern garage doors require minimal routine maintenance. Every six months, follow these instructions:

  • Clean the curtain with a soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent in warm water.
  • Rinse with clean water immediately to remove any trace of detergent.
  • Inspect the brackets, springs, tracks, fasteners, cables, and weather seal for any signs of wear and tear.
  • Lubricate the springs with grease or oil.
  • Do not lubricate the locking mechanism - this may cause it to malfunction.
  • Do not oil the tracks; clean on occasion with spirit cleaner.
  • Perform a balance test. Close the door, then lift it to waist height. The door shouldn’t move. If it does, you may need to rebalance the spring.

Garage door springs are very tightly wound, which means they are under a great deal of tension. If a spring breaks or you try to adjust one without proper knowledge of the procedure, it can cause serious injury. If you have questions or concerns about your spring maintenance, we recommend consulting professional services.

If you are capable of re-tensioning the spring, follow these instructions carefully and exactly:

  1. As a safety precaution, tie ropes around each end of the door roll.
  2. With you and your assistant on a ladder at each end of the door, grip the axle firmly with a large pipe wrench.
  3. Loosen the U bolt nuts at both ends while keeping a firm grip on the pipe wrench.
  4. Rotate the axle in the desired direction - for tension or to loosen.
  5. Re-tighten the U bolts and release the pipe wrench.
  6. Test. Repeat these steps if you need further adjustment.

FAQs

Can I install a roller door myself?

Yes, you can. Make sure you have the necessary tools and follow our step-by-step installation instructions.

How long does it take to install a roller door?

Typically, a complete installation can take one person up to 90 minutes.

Video Guides

Follow these videos for garage door installation.

Taurean door installation instructions:

B&D instructions:

Installation guide for a chain operated roller door on a boat shed:

 

View our range of quality roller door options for your garages or sheds, including shutter doors and sectional garage doors. Contact us for more information and request a quote today.