How to install a garage roller door opener

Automatic garage doors are great, with the simple push of a button your garage door will open allowing you to drive straight into your garage without having to get out of your car. This is not only more convenient it provides greater security as well.

However, you may be thinking that the cost of such devices would put them out of reach for most people. But with a wide range of aftermarket door openers now available it is possible to have all the benefits of an automatic door without the associated cost.

So in this tutorial, we are going to look at how to fit an automatic opener to your existing tilt or roller door.

Tools you will need:

Electric drill

Adjustable wrench

Screwdrivers

Step ladder

Rope

Steps to follow:

1. Check the condition of the door

Before you start you should check the condition of the door. It should travel freely up and down and be well balanced. Do this by lifting the door to half-way, now let go of the door and ensure it stays in position. If the door starts to fall, it will need to be tensioned first.

2. Install the weight bar

First, you need to fit the weight-bar to the bottom rail. Ensure the bar is positioned centrally for perfect balance.

3. Tighten the u-bolt

Next, tighten the u-bolt at the opposite end to which the motor will be fitted. This ensures the door remains secure when you loosen the bolts to fit the motor.

4. Secure the door

Now open the door and secure it using rope. Tie the rope approximately 300mm from both edges of the door. Now place a door stand or step ladder underneath the door to support it.

5. Remove the door bracket

On the side where the motor is to be fitted remove the u-bolt which holds the door to the bracket. Once removed allow the door to rest on the door stand or step ladders.

6. Install the door motor

Now you’re ready to install the motor. Switch the motor to manual and slide the motor over the axel and into the drum of the door. Ensure the motor wheel drive forks are engaged with the drum wheel spokes. Now secure the motor to the wall using an electric drill.

7. Refit the door bracket

Once the motor is in place refit the door to the bracket. Ensure you are well balanced and rest the door on your shoulder to help support its weight.

8. Ensure the door works smoothly

Remove the door stand and supporting rope and test the door to ensure it is balanced and works smoothly. Ensure the motor is switched to manual for this step.

9. Program the door opener

If the door is still balanced and works smoothly you are now ready to program the door. Follow the instructions that came with the motor to program the open and close cycles.

10. Carry out a safety test

The final step is to carry out a safety test. Switch the motor to automatic and place a piece of wood in the centre of the door aperture. Now close the door automatically. When the bottom rail touches the wood it should reverse automatically. If not the motor will need some adjustment.

Fitting an automatic door opener to your existing door is not all that difficult and should take no more than a couple of hours to complete. Once finished you will have an easy to operate door which is both safe and convenient to use. If you would like more information about our range of garage doors, which includes Gliderol and custom doors, get in touch with us here or give us a call on (02) 9604 1169.