The great thing about wooden overhead garage doors is the fact that the panels are changeable. You can remove your old panels without changing the frame or motor. This article explains the process of ordering new panels and how to properly install them. You should get a good idea of whether or not it is a job that you can complete on your own, or if you should call in the garage door installation professionals.

Checking Your Frame

If your garage door opener is functioning without any problems, you should resist changing it because it can be a costly and time consuming project. Likewise, you should try to keep the frames of your garage too. You can check the integrity of your frames by looking at them from the inside of the garage. Most frames are aluminum so look for any rusting or bends in the metal. If the metal is severely kinked in any spots, you probably won't be able to fix it yourself.

Ordering Your Panels

When ordering your new panels there are 2 important factors to consider. First, you obviously need make sure they fit. You also need to make sure they are the right weight. Different woods have different weights, so you need to be careful. If you order directly from your manufacturer it will be straightforward and easy to determine which products will fit you size and weight requirements. However, if you order custom doors, or find a third-party door manufacturer, you could run into problems. Also, if you order from the same brand, your panels are more likely to have predrilled holes in the mounting brackets. This is why it is always advisable to order directly from your existing manufacturer.

Replacing the Panels

Don't remove your old panels until the new ones are at your house and you have double checked that they are the right size. As you remove the screws from the mounting bracket you will need a helper to hold the panel so one end does not suddenly fall out and bend the frame. You should then install the new panel in the empty frame. That is, don't remove all of the old panels at once and then install the new ones. If you do it one by one, your frame will not buckle under the uneven weight.

With new panels your garage will look completely new. You will love how this simple project transforms the style of your home exterior.