Garage Door Opener (1 Viewer)

CrossEyed

Footballguy

• Oct 19, 2014

• #1

I need to install an opener in a brand new garage. Are there any brands that are easier or more difficult to install, or are they all pretty much the same?

I've replaced a couple in the past, but never had to put one up where there never was one before.

 

shuke

Black Ice Skeptic

• Oct 19, 2014

• #2

I've only installed Craftsman, but I would have to imagine they are all about the same.

 

belljr

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #3

All pretty much the same. The track is the biggest pain in the ###.

You are technically supposed to replace the track with the opener but I just left the old one up.

my father swears by his Genie

 

Ned

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #4

Get the belt driven over chain; its much quieter. We have a Chamberlain and have had no issues with it.

They're easy to install - just take your time mounting the track.

 

Cliff Clavin

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #5

Openers are all basically the same to install. The spring and the track are a #####.

 

VA703

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #6

has anyone winterized their garage doors?

 

CrossEyed

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #7

Thanks guys. Any tips/tricks for mounting the track?

 

parasaurolophus

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #8

VA703 said:

has anyone winterized their garage doors?

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What means this?

 

belljr

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #9

VA703 said:

has anyone winterized their garage doors?

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other than buying an insulated door no

 

CrossEyed

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #10

One other thing, we have a single garage door for a two car garage. Should I go with a 3/4 hp or is a 1/2 hp sufficient?

 

snogger

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #11

CrossEyed said:

One other thing, we have a single garage door for a two car garage. Should I go with a 3/4 hp or is a 1/2 hp sufficient?

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I think it depends on if it is insulated or not..

My father has a Double Car Garage door that isn't insulated and their 1/2 hp works just fine.

An Insulated Door is heavier and we are going to go with a 3/4 hp one to be safe.

 

Psychopav

Help us, Joebi-Wan Brynobi, you're our only ho

• Oct 20, 2014

• #12

CrossEyed said:

Thanks guys. Any tips/tricks for mounting the track?

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Yes. Get a friend to help and follow the directions. It's relatively simple as long as you follow the directions.

 

Fat Nick

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #13

CrossEyed said:

Thanks guys. Any tips/tricks for mounting the track?

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Make sure you hit a stud. It'll go up in drywall, and some kits give you those big drywall anchors. If your garage is finished, and there isn't a stud where the track mounts to the wall, get a 20" piece of 2x4 and use lag bolts to bolt it into the two studs that straddle the center of your door (where the track goes). Then, mount the track to that.

When we bought our house, the previous owner mounted to drywall b/c there was no center stud. Dang door made so much noise and bucked around a lot. After I replaced it with a 3/4 HP belt drive, and made a solid header mount for the bar, it was super quiet and sturdy.

 

Fat Nick

Footballguy

• Oct 20, 2014

• #14

CrossEyed said:

One other thing, we have a single garage door for a two car garage. Should I go with a 3/4 hp or is a 1/2 hp sufficient?

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I have a 3/4...It wasn't that much more cost wise. You may be able to get by with lower HP if you tighten your springs up some. Shortening the cable to increase the spring tension can help the opener "see" a little less weight.