The Full Timeline
A standard single-door replacement takes 4-6 hours. A double-door (16-ft or two 8-ft) with new opener runs 6-8 hours. Here's the hour-by-hour breakdown so you know when your garage will be usable again.
48 Hours Before: How to Prep
1. Move both cars out of the garage and park on the street. 2. Clear a 6-foot workspace on both sides of the door opening. 3. Remove anything hung on the walls within 4 feet of the door (shelving, cabinets). 4. Move fragile items (glass, ornaments) at least 10 feet away — tear-out is loud and creates vibration. 5. Turn off any freezer or refrigerator in the garage until install is complete.
Hour 1: Arrival & Assessment
Techs arrive with the door in the truck. They walk the opening, confirm dimensions against the door on the truck, and photograph the existing setup. They'll ask you to sign a work authorization confirming the color, style, and options you ordered.
Hour 1-2: Tear-Out
Old door comes down. This is the loud part — springs are unwound (10-15 minutes), then sections come off one at a time. Tracks are unbolted from the jamb. Old opener is disconnected. All old parts are stacked in the truck bed for haul-away.
Hour 2-3: Track & Bracket Install
New vertical tracks are shimmed and lag-bolted to the jamb (plumb within 1/8 inch is standard). Horizontal tracks are hung from the ceiling on angle iron. Torsion tube is mounted, cable drums are set.
Hour 3-4: Panel Install
Sections are set into the vertical tracks bottom-up. Hinges are attached between each section. On insulated doors, R-value labels get placed. Windows (if any) are installed panel-by-panel.
Hour 4-5: Spring & Cable
Torsion springs are set on the tube (one or two, depending on door weight). Cables are attached to the bottom brackets and wound onto the drums. Springs are wound to the correct number of turns (typically 7.25-7.75 for a 7-ft door). Balance is tested.
Hour 5-6: Opener Install (if new)
New opener rail is hung from the ceiling and the motor unit is bolted to it. Trolley is attached to the door top-bracket. Wall control, safety sensors, and battery backup (if included) are wired. Remotes, keypad, and myQ are programmed. Travel limits and force are calibrated.
Hour 6: Final Test & Walkthrough
Door is cycled 15-20 times to confirm smooth operation. Safety-eye reverse and auto-reverse force tests are performed. Techs walk you through: manual disconnect release, remote programming, keypad PIN, and myQ app setup. All warranty paperwork is signed and emailed to you.
After the Techs Leave
Give springs 24 hours to fully settle before painting anything. Keep the manual and remotes together — they're your proof of warranty. Log into your myQ or Aladdin Connect account and confirm the pairing. Cycle the door at least twice a day for the first week to break in the rollers.
What Delays a Job
Common surprises: rotten jamb wood needing replacement (adds 1-2 hours + carpentry fee), electrical outlet needed for opener (electrician callback), or wrong-sized door delivered (rare with us — we field-measure before ordering). We'll always call you before adding time or cost.