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Are you looking for good tips on how to install or replace a garage door? Framing a door’s rough opening should be done correctly. If the framing of a garage door jamb is done improperly, it’ll lead to more problems, such as a poorly installed door or an opening that is too wide for the doorway.
Framing should be done for old garage doors as well. This task is all about precision. You need to make the correct measurements, so the door fits perfectly within the rough opening. In this article, we guide you on how to frame out a garage door by yourself and show top tips on how to fix the issues.
The Importance of Framing a Garage Door Opening
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Framing out a garage door carport is a simple task. The goal is to keep all the measurements in mind. So you have to know the size of the garage door beforehand. The frame construction provides a perfect fit for the garage door. If you don’t frame the rough opening, the garage door won’t fit in properly. You will end up spending way more money on repairs should this happen. If you are a DIY fan, learning how to frame a garage door opening should be interesting. Simply follow every detail to get the best results.
One more question: is it possible to learn how to frame a garage door opening by yourself? Absolutely! All you need is the right tools and correct measurements. In other cases, it is better to call up a specialist to frame the door opening. STI Garage Door is ready to install your frame in an existing wall. Call us now!
To get started with building the frame, get the right tools. Also, you must know the right measurements of the frame and the door. To avoid making mistakes when fixing the carport, you need to know two things: the rough opening and the finished opening. The left gap can be used for insulation.
The rough opening is the size of the opening before installing a frame. It is a bit bigger than the door. This allows room for installing the frame. The finished opening is the space you have after installing the frame. It is usually the same size as the garage door, if not smaller.
Нow to Frame a Garage Door Opening
1. Get your tools
Before you get started, collect all the needed tools. You need the following when framing a garage door jamb:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Bandsaw
- 2×6 inch lumber
The lumber you get should be twice the height of the garage door. You’ll also need lumber to cover the distance between the header and ceiling. Another option is to use garage door jambs in place of lumber. You have many options for the jambs, although wood is a popular choice. If you choose thick materials, the opening will be bigger.
2. Measure the rough opening
With your materials ready, the next step is to figure out the exact size of the rough opening. The aim is to have a rough opening that is bigger than the garage door. Take your tape measure and check the length of the distance from the floor to the rough header. This should be no less than 1 ½ inches longer than the height of the garage door.
The header should be at least 9 inches wider than the garage door. The width of the rough opening should be 3 inches longer than the garage door. Make sure you measure this between the right and left corners of the garage door and rough opening.
3. Frame the header
The frame on the header is sometimes referred to as the “head jamb.” This is the piece of wood that goes at the top of the frame of the garage door opening. Install the head jamb first since it provides room for the side jambs to rest.
To know the exact length of the head jamb, measure the width of the garage door rough opening. It should be 9 inches longer than the width of the garage door.
When you have the correct length of the jamb or lumber, you can place it on the header using nails. The frame should be big enough to cover whatever space between the rough opening and garage door.
4. Cut out the goal post
The next step is to prepare to install the goal post. The goal post is the jamb that moves from the floor to the ceiling of your garage. This is where the tracks of the garage door are attached to the interior wall. Again, there is an emphasis on making correct dimensions. The two jambs are placed on opposite sides of the wall next to the garage door.
Use your tape to measure the distance from the floor to the ceiling. When you’re sure you have the right length, trace it on the lumber of a PVC jamb, and cut out the two pieces you’ll need for the goal post. You can always trim the edges to make sure you have the perfect fit.
5. Install the goal post
Now place each of the jambs on each side of the garage door. Use framing nails to secure the goal post in position. The two pieces of the goal post should be installed on the inner surface of the garage door. Since these jambs go up to the ceiling, they will have to go past the head jamb.
6. Attach each side jamb
With the goalposts in place, the next thing is to attach the side jambs. First, measure the distance from the floor to the header. Cut out the two pieces of PVC jamb or lumber according to the measurements. The jambs run from the floor to the head jamb. The side jambs should be about ¼ an inch less the height of the garage door. This ensures that they are not placed directly on the floor.
Once you’re sure about measurements, secure the side jambs with nails. It is better to install double side jambs that will support the entire frame. Now measure the finished opening to make sure that it is the exact size as the garage door.
7. Attach the center bracket framing
The final step is to install the back framing on the interior of the garage. This goes from the head jamb to the ceiling. Measure the height from the ceiling to the head jamb. Cut out a piece of jamb or lumber and install it.
This piece of jamb is important as it provides a frame to attach the center bracket. The center bracket is connected to the spring system of the garage door.
Нow Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garage Door Frame?
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Installing a garage door frame may be fun, but if you do not like fixing garage doors, your best option is to call a specialist. A specialist can quickly fix the new frame and garage door without taking a lot of your time.
So, how much does it cost to replace a garage door frame? It depends on the specialist and size of your garage door. It usually costs from $180 to $600 to install a frame. The average cost for labor alone is $350.
Labor includes the preparation and installation of the garage door. For a replacement, the charge for labor might be a little less than installing a brand-new frame. The cost to get the jambs is about $150 to $250.
Consider STI Garage Door Your Trusted Partner
STI Garage Door is the company to go for anything regarding garage door frames. If you need some tips on how to frame out a garage door opening, we can help you get started. Also, if you need someone to install the frame for you, our specialists can do the job at an affordable price. We have been installing and replacing garage door frames for several years. So you are in great hands!
We will send our specialist to check the frame, make correct measurements, and install the entire frame. Our experts can also check out the entire garage door system to make sure that everything is working properly. Call us, send a text, or fill the online application form now. STI Garage Door is there for you 24/7!
Final Thoughts
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Before installing or replacing a garage door, you have to focus on the garage door rough opening framing. Framing a garage door opening is important to have a perfect fit between the frame and door. It is not very difficult to start framing a garage door header, especially if you have some experience repairing things around the garage.
If you prefer someone else doing it for you, call up a professional. STI Garage Door is always ready to help. We make sure that all our customers are satisfied with our services. Get in touch, and we will provide support whenever you need us and help you with more tips on how to frame a garage door!
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