Whether you’re replacing your garage door due to age or damage, removing the old door and frame is an important step in the process. Doing this work yourself can be risky if you’re not experienced with construction or don’t have the proper equipment. That’s why most homeowners choose to hire professional installers for this part of the job.
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Choosing a Reputable Company
The first step is finding a reputable company to handle the removal. Get recommendations from friends, neighbors, or local home improvement stores who have worked with different garage door companies in the past. Check reviews online to learn about other homeowners’ experiences. Make sure to get quotes from at least 3 companies before deciding.
When getting quotes, ask about their installation and removal process, the experience of their technicians, any warranties on work, and what is included in the price. Be sure the company is insured in case of any accidents during the job. For residents in Smithfield, one highly rated option is Garage Door Replacement in Smithfield. They have experience safely removing hundreds of old garage doors and frames over the years.
Preparing for Removal
A professional installation company will do all the heavy lifting, but there are some steps you can take beforehand to prepare. Make sure the garage is empty of any items that could get in the way or damaged during the work. Disconnect any openers, sensors, or lighting attached to the old door. Mark and disconnect door springs, if there are any. Professionals have the proper tools to safely deal with springs under tension.
On removal day, be sure family and pets stay inside away from the work area. Technicians may need to use power tools for cutting and removal, so it’s safest with no distractions. Let the installation company know about any specifics like extra bracing or reinforcing in the frame they may encounter. Good communication leads to a smoother job.
Removing the Door
Professional installers have all the right equipment like cords, saws, pry bars and harnesses to safely remove even the heaviest wooden or composite doors. They will start by disconnecting and removing all hardware like hinges, springs, tracks and openers from the door.
Any screws, bolts or nails securing the door to the frame will be cut or pulled out. Large claw hammers or pry bars are used to evenly loosen the door from the frame without causing damage. Motorized saws may be used to cut through any seals, weatherstripping or extra bracing between the door and frame.
The technicians will work together to carefully lift the old door out of the frame and set it aside. For extra large or heavy doors, special lifting equipment, hoists or harnesses may be used. Electric saws can cut down a wood door into smaller pieces for disposal if needed.
Removing the Frame
With the door out of the way, the focus shifts to removing the old frame completely. Installers will check the condition of the surrounding wall and framing to decide the best approach. For a rotted or weathered wood frame, the same saws and pry tools are used to detach the frame pieces from the wall studs and concrete mounting.
Metal or vinyl wrapped frames may have corroded or damaged mounting areas requiring cutting as well. Technicians will work neatly and precisely to avoid further damage to the surrounding framing, siding or structure that the new frame will be mounted to. All wood or materials from the old frame are carried away piece by piece.
By the end of the process, the opening is cleared completely of the old door and frame, down to the bare wall structure or mounting surface. Any minor repairs to the surrounding area are also made at this stage before installing the new door. The old pieces are hauled to the recyclables or dump depending on condition and local rules.
Safety First
Hiring professional garage door installers ensures the job is done safely and correctly from start to finish. Removal requires skills, protective equipment and lifting techniques to prevent injury. Homeowners without experience should avoid attempting this part of the project themselves. Reputable companies have the proper insurance in case an accident does occur, which gives homeowners peace of mind as well.
With the old door and frame gone, the new garage door can now be easily installed without issues from the previous structure. Using a qualified installation team means one less hassle and one less risk for homeowners undertaking a garage door replacement project. Their expertise makes a potentially dangerous task into a straightforward part of the overall process.
Ryan Myers is a business blog author and writer. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2009 with a degree in Political Science. His favorite topics to write about are blogging for small businesses and becoming an entrepreneur.
