It may seem like a huge project, but going from two garage doors to one is a lot simpler than you may think. It just requires proper planning and about 20 minutes worth of a friend helping you out. This will open up the garage use significantly if you have small garage doors, especially garage doors from the 1940’s and 1950’s that were very narrow.
Getting Started
The first thing you will need to do is remove the old doors and the hardware. This may be a good job to hire a professional to perform if the garage doors are equipped with torsion springs (high tension springs). Torsion springs can be very dangerous and are not easy to loosen. One mistake can cause serious injury including loss of limbs.
Building The Header
Building the header requires that you first take the old headers of the two garage doors apart. First, build temporary framing under each garage header with 2″x6″ studs every 16 inches O.C. (on center). Remove one of the two header boards using a pry bar and a hammer. This is the hardest part of this job and has to be performed for both garage door headers.
Use a level to trace the location where the new header will go and across the middle section of framing. Cut out this section with a reciprocating saw exactly 3″ above and below where the header will go and remove this section of framing. Add two top plates to the framing, and outside wall header (you can reuse part of one of the old headers if it isn’t beat up) and two bottom plates. One quick tip is to make sure that if there is any electrical running to the middle post, to disconnect the electrical to this circuit and pull the wire back out of the way.
It is now time to slam the new header into place. The header is an LVL (laminated beam) that is extremely strong and can support a significant amount of weight. When the LVL is nailed into place it can support a 16′ to 18′ opening easily. If the opening is over 18′, two LVLs should be used. You should have at least two people to put this beam into place as it will be heavy. Hammer the LVL into place wit ha sledge hammer one one side and secure it with 16D nails. Work from the nailed end down to the opposite end until the LVL is in place. Take out the temporary framing as it is no longer needed.
Finishing Touches
You will need to either fill in the trim where the middle portion was or re-trim the garage. Measure the opening to see if you need to change the size for the new large garage door you are going to have installed. Most garage doors are 16′ and 18′ long and 7′ to 8′ tall. You have worked hard on this project and can let the overhead door guys put the garage door in for you.
Restructuring your garage door header does not take much brain work, but a lot of brawn. Make sure you have a few of your stronger buddies with you to help with this project. This is typically something that can be performed in a day and should not be left for more than two days with temporary framing supporting the structure.
