5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Sectional Doors Taranaki

Sectional doors are a common and practical choice for residential and commercial applications across Taranaki. Their ease of use, insulation capabilities, and space-saving attributes make them great for garages, workshops, warehouses and farm sheds. However, it is much more than just a matter of choosing a style of sectional door and bolting it in place. The installation of a sectional door involves planning, precision, and professional recommendations to ensure you can operate it safely and correctly.

Unfortunately, many property owners attempt to install sectional doors themselves or hire an unqualified installer, resulting in costly mistakes and safety concerns. Some may disregard the measurements, pick the wrong type of hardware, or install it without properly following the instructions. Even the smallest oversight can reduce the performance and lifespan of your Sectional Doors Taranaki. In this blog, we will highlight the five most common mistakes people make when installing sectional doors—and how to avoid them.

Incorrect Measurements

One of the most common mistakes in garage door repair is inaccurate measuring of the door opening. Sectional doors should fit the opening exactly; being too tight could impair functionality, and being too loose could create insulation and security issues.

• Important issues that result from improper measurement and installation:

• Gaps that could let in water or pests and compromise insulation, or cause heat loss in winter.

• Hard to put the door up or down; suggesting components are not moving as they are intended to.

• Parts not aligned with the tracks and the roller components.

How To Avoid:

Always measure the door opening width and height, the side clearance and the headroom (allowing the appropriate space above the door opening).

• Check for irregular shapes and lines in the wall and the floor.

• Get a professional to assist in measuring, then double-check the measurements before ordering.

DIY Installation Without the Right Expertise

It may be tempting to install a sectional garage door yourself to save money; after all, you buy the door and then go off to install it. However, sectional garage doors can have a lot of moving parts, may have moving parts under spring-loaded tension, and/or may no longer be operational if they are not installed correctly in a vertical manner, or kept aligned in a horizontal or vertical plane. Reasons for the risk of DIY installations can include

• Tension is provided by incorrect spring loadings, leading to injury or failure in the door system.

• Proper installation of the tracks may encourage premature wear or damage the tracks.

• Lack of experience can lead to additional future work and expense for repair or replacement.

Solution

Hire a certified local technician with experience in installing Sectional Doors Taranaki unique climate conditions. A professional will ensure everything—from the frame alignment to the safety features—is set up correctly.

Choosing the Wrong Door Material for the Environment

Taranaki’s weather can vary dramatically—from salt-laden coastal air to chilly inland winds. Choosing the wrong material or finish for your sectional door can lead to faster degradation and maintenance headaches.

Common material-related mistakes

• Using untreated steel doors in coastal areas, which rust quickly.

• Installing low-insulation doors in colder areas reduces energy efficiency.

• Ignoring wind ratings in storm-prone zones.

How to choose the right

• Select materials like powder-coated or Colorsteel® doors designed for NZ conditions.

• Consider thermal insulation if your garage is attached to the house.

• Consult a local supplier who understands regional climate impact.

Ignoring Safety Features and Regulations

A modern insulated garage door comes equipped with safety features like auto-reverse mechanisms, photoelectric sensors, and manual override systems. However, some installers ignore these or fail to set them up correctly.

Risks of poor safety planning

• Doors may close on children, pets, or vehicles.

• Non-compliance with NZ building codes can lead to legal liabilities.

• Difficulties during power outages if the manual override isn’t accessible.

Pro tip: Always check whether the door complies with AS/NZS 4505:2012 standards for garage doors. Hire installers who can test and certify the door's safety mechanisms post-installation.

Neglecting to Prepare the Installation Site Correctly

When installing a sectional door, the installation is not just about the door itself—it also relies pretty heavily on the condition of your garage structure. Most people never think to check or repair the framing, the floor level (or the floor overall), or other support structures in their garage before installation.

The costs of neglecting proper prep

• If the floor is not level, your door will not close properly.

• If the tracks are not anchored into a solid wall, and things shift, they may not perform properly over time.

• You may encounter installation delays/additional costs due to required changes on-site.

How to prepare your installation site correctly

• Check and level the floor before the install.

• Ensure your walls are solid enough to support the track and motor brackets.

• Remove any obstructions and clean up a thorough workspace.

Bottom Line

Avoiding these five common mistakes can make a significant difference in the performance and lifespan of your Garage Doors Taranaki. From accurate measurements to choosing the right material and ensuring professional installation, every step plays a vital role in a successful setup.

For Taranaki residents, the safest and smartest choice is to work with local experts who understand the region’s unique demands and compliance standards. That’s where Taranaki Garage Doors comes in. With years of experience, high-quality sectional door options, and a team of certified installers, we ensure you get a reliable, durable, and secure solution—without the guesswork. Whether it’s a new installation or an upgrade, trust us, who put safety, precision, and local expertise first.