How hard is it to install a garage door?

Picture that classic Rick and Carl meme: Rick’s on his knees in front of a collapsed garage door, face twisted in agony, screaming to the heavens. Next to him stands Carl, dusty, holding a screwdriver and a tape measure. Behind them, the door is hanging at a terrible angle. “Carl… installing a garage door is NOT easy, CARL!” “You’re supposed to CALL THE Garage Door Company in Calgary, not just watch YouTube, CARL!”

It’s kind of like assembling IKEA furniture. You look at it and think: “What’s the big deal? Just five boards and some screws.” But then… chaos. You end up cursing the world. Some couples even end up fighting to the point of breakup – yep, over a simple wardrobe. Now imagine the same situation, but instead of a wardrobe, it’s a garage door that weighs 250 pounds…

That should give you a pretty clear idea: installing a garage door is no walk in the park. If you think you can pull it off with a YouTube video and a screwdriver on a Saturday afternoon – you’re in for a surprise. In this article, we’ll break down the process so you can judge for yourself just how tough it really is.

So where does the installation even start?

Contrary to what many think, the first step isn’t buying the door – it’s taking precise measurements. And we mean precise. Even a single centimeter off can throw everything out of whack. You’ll need to measure the height and width of the opening, the side clearances, and the distance from the ceiling to the top of the opening. Some doors – like sectional ones – need enough overhead space for the tracks and springs.

Then comes choosing the type of door: roll-up, swing-out, sectional, or tilt-up. Each has its own installation quirks. Roll-up doors are easier to install but offer less insulation. Sectional doors are more complex, but they retain heat and block noise much better.

Be very careful with springs

We’ve mentioned this in a previous article, but it bears repeating: springs can be dangerous. They’re under serious tension, and one wrong move can lead to serious injury. Even if you’ve read the manual ten times and watched all the tutorials, your instincts will still be telling you that you’re out of your depth.

If you misadjust the springs, the door might refuse to stay open – or worse, come crashing down when you try to lift it. We’re not trying to scare you, just being real: working with springs adds a whole new level of risk and complexity to the job.

There are two main types: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs last longer and are more reliable, but they’re trickier to install. Extension springs are easier, but wear out faster and can be less safe. Installing torsion springs without proper training is basically like loading a crossbow and hoping it doesn’t go off.

What tools do you absolutely need?

• A level (laser is best)
• Screwdriver with a full bit set
• Allen keys
• Socket set
• Tensioning rod or lever for spring adjustment
• Ladder (maybe two)
• Steel gloves (essential for spring and cable work)
  

Even if you’re fully equipped, installation takes 6 to 10 hours, depending on the type of door and how many people are helping. Lifting and aligning the panels, installing tracks – doing it solo is nearly impossible. At minimum, you need one helper. Ideally two – not just for speed, but for safety.

What usually goes wrong?

• Misaligned tracks – The door sticks, scrapes, or won’t close all the way.
• Low spring tension – The door won’t stay open and can slam shut unexpectedly.
• Overtightened springs – The door shoots upward like a catapult—also a safety risk.
• Automation issues – The remote doesn’t work, sensors are misaligned, or the motor overheats.
  

Electric opener installation

If you’re going the automatic route, you’ll need to properly connect the power, install limiters, set up motion sensors, and ensure pinch protection is in place. These aren’t just bonus features—if you have kids or pets, they’re essential.

Should you install garage doors yourself?

If you’re confident with tools, have experience with electrical work, and don’t panic at the mention of torsion springs, you might be able to pull it off. You probably won’t save a ton of money, but if you enjoy this kind of project, go for it.

For everyone else, it’s fair to call this job difficult, dangerous, and above all – thankless. Pros make it look easy because they’ve done it a hundred times. But from the outside, what seems simple can be filled with gotchas. Measure wrong by a centimeter? Problem. Mix up the left and right spring (yes, they’re different)? Problem. You get the idea.

So, is it worth it? You decide. But if Rick had to do it all over again… he’d probably just call a pro. And if you’re in Alberta and want it done right the first time, garage door installation Calgary, Ab isn’t just a search term – it’s your smartest move.