Sectional doors are considered one of the most versatile and warmest variants of garage structures.

Self-installation of sectional doors starts with measuring the garage opening. Knowing the correct indents and gaps will allow you to install the gate with a guarantee of long-term operation. And if there are difficulties, you always have the option to call a garage door repair company. 

Design and Principle of Operation of Sectional Garage Doors

The design is a system of metal longitudinal blocks filled with polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam, which makes them quite light. In fact, each lamella is a sandwich panel with an outer layer of aluminum or galvanized steel and an inner polymer layer. When opened, the panels can be easily folded into an accordion shape and fixed under the ceiling. The sections are connected by hinges, and their movement along the guides is realized by a system of rollers on the side ends. 

The work of the whole structure is ensured by a mechanical or electric drive, which can be easily repaired in case of breakage. An electric drive is preferable, as the design can be automated in this case. Even if something happens to the drive or the remote control, sectional garage doors can be easily opened manually. The standard number of sections is 6-7. Thanks to the installed safety sensors, the gate can block in case of collision with an obstacle, which makes its operation absolutely safe. Buy high-quality sectional gates, which you can find in our online shop.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sectional Garage Doors

Designs of sectional type have a number of advantages:

• The possibility of automated control of the opening and closing process.
• Saving space in front of the opening in the process of opening.
• Excellent heat-insulating, hydro- and sound-insulating properties.
• Aesthetic appearance and a wide range of colors.
• Versatility. The possibility of application to openings of different heights and widths is ensured by the service of ordering according to individual measurements.
• Wear resistance and long-term operation.
• Easy maintenance. Periodic lubrication of moving parts of the lifting mechanism.
• Easy and affordable repair. In case of damage, there is no need to replace the whole structure. It is enough to replace only the faulty part.

Disadvantages can be considered:

• Professional mounting and factory assembly are needed.
• The ease of hacking hinged hinge joints means that installing a garage sectional door is better in a protected area.

Installation of Sectional Garage Doors with Their Own Hands

Although mounting requires special equipment, and panel elements provide only factory production, installation can be done by yourself. It is best to perform the installation of a new set of gates to the garage from one manufacturer. It includes:

• Horizontal sandwich lamellas
• Guides
• Torsion device for returning to the original closed position
• Opening mechanisms

Installation work should be carried out using personal protective equipment and appropriate tools (e.g., perforator, electric drill, rivet gun, screwdrivers, hammer, tape measure, level gauge).

Step-by-step Order of Installation Works

Installation works are carried out in stages:

1. Plastering the place of installation of the frame.
2. Marking the place for the guide rails and profiles.
3. Installation of the box, consisting of guides with built-in fixings for springs and connected with a cover plate to protect against moisture and dust.
4. Install the spacer strip to fix the rails.
5. Fixing the rails to the ceiling using hangers.
6. Assembly of the lamellas into the box and screwing them to the guide rollers—start with the lower one with the obligatory rubber seal to strengthen thermal insulation.
7. After mounting, the structure is lifted to a height of up to one and a half meters and screwed into the horizontal part of the ceiling rails.
8. Installation of the torsion mechanism.

The Order of Preparatory Works

1. Leveling the surfaces of the floor, wall, and vestibule.
2. Setting the maximum dimensions from three measurements of the height and width of the opening.
3. Calculating the length of the sectional leaf and the number of blades with a height reserve of 2 feet for mechanical and 3-4 inches for electrically driven mechanisms.

The Basic Rules for Installing Sectional Doors

1. For heated garages (in northern regions), the thickness of the slats should be 2 inches, and for unheated garages (in southern regions)—1 inch.
2. The metal layer must be 1 inch thick.
3. Seals must be placed on the edges of the lamellas.
4. The standard gap between lamellae is about 1.5 inches.
5. Special elastic is attached to the lower lamella to prevent it from freezing.
6. The opening height of standard sectional designs is no more than 22 feet high and 24 feet wide.

Installation Procedure

Detailed familiarisation with the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the sectional structure and electric drive.

• Preparatory work and markings.
• Installation work itself.
• Checking the operation—no gaps when the leaf is lowered, and the seals are not visible from the outside.
• The last check is the balancing check—the balancing springs must remain in place when the door is raised by 4 feet.

Safety is the most important thing to remember when doing a do-it-yourself job like installing a garage door. Use our instructions and take all precautions for your health.