Also known as: Overhead doors, sectional doors, tilt-up doors, garage door opener service

What this role covers

• Provides safe, reliable vehicle and pedestrian access with properly sized doors and operators.
• Improves comfort and security through balance tuning, quiet hardware, and weather sealing.
• Integrates electrical and smart controls while meeting safety requirements for auto‑reverse and entrapment protection.

What they do

• New and replacement doors: Field measurements, door selection (steel, wood, composite, full‑view aluminum/glass), insulation (R‑value), panel style, color, and hardware; removal and haul‑off of existing door.
• Springs and hardware: Torsion or extension spring sizing/replacement, cables and drums, center and end bearing plates, shafts, hinges, struts, rollers (nylon/steel), and track alignment.
• Operators and controls: Belt/chain/direct‑drive openers, jackshaft units for high‑lift setups, rail installation, wall controls, remotes, keypads, smart app integration, and battery backup where required.
• Safety systems and setup: Photo‑eye placement and testing, force and travel limits, emergency release, auto‑reverse verification, and door balance checks.
• Sealing and performance: Perimeter vinyl stops, bottom seal and retainer, threshold ramps, brush seals for roll‑up doors, noise‑reduction upgrades.
• Special configurations: Low headroom kits, high‑lift/vertical‑lift conversions (for car lifts or storage), wind‑load reinforcement, carriage‑style sectional designs.
• Service and tune‑ups: Preventive maintenance, lubrication, fastener tightening, alignment tweaks, and replacement of worn parts.

Where it fits in the project timeline

• Shell stage: After rough opening, framing, and exterior finishes are stable; jambs and header confirmed.
• MEP/finish crossover: Opener set once a dedicated receptacle is live; smart control setup after Wi‑Fi is active.
• Closeout: Final balance and safety tests, weatherstripping, and homeowner orientation.

Permits, inspections, and coordination

• Electrical permit when adding a new opener circuit or receptacle; GFCI requirements may apply depending on local code.
• Structural permit if modifying the opening, header, or wall framing.
• Compliance with opener safety standards (UL 325) and local wind/seismic provisions where adopted; battery backup requirements in some jurisdictions.
• Coordinates with framing, electrical, exterior finish, and painting for a clean fit and finish line.

Deliverables and documentation

• Door and opener model specs, warranty information, and maintenance guidance.
• Installation tags/labels (ratings, serials), wind‑load or compliance stickers where applicable.
• Photos or checklist of safety sensor placement, balance test, and auto‑reverse verification.
• Programming of remotes, keypads, and smart app access with user instructions.

When to bring this team in

• Replacing aged or damaged doors, or upgrading curb appeal and insulation.
• Converting to a quieter, smart, battery‑backed opener.
• Adjusting the opening for a car lift or high‑storage solution (high‑lift/vertical‑lift).
• After exterior siding/stucco and trim are set, before final painting and driveway sealing.

Interfaces with other trades

• Framing: Header sizing, jambs, and blocking for opener brackets.
• Electrical: Dedicated receptacle, GFCI where required, and low‑voltage controls if used.
• Exterior finishes: Siding/stucco and trim alignment to door stops and seals.
• Concrete/flatwork: Thresholds and slab level at the door line for proper sealing.
• Painting: Factory‑finished or field‑painted panels and trim touch‑ups.

Safety and risk notes

• Torsion spring tensioning requires proper tools and procedures; lockout/tagout for powered equipment.
• Pinch points at panels and hinges; ladder and overhead work safety.
• Sensor alignment and force settings verified for entrapment protection; emergency release tested.
• Battery backup and manual operation confirmed for power outages where required.

Quality and standards

• UL 325 opener safety compliance and manufacturer installation instructions.
• DASMA guidelines for sectional door hardware, balance, and reinforcement.
• Local wind/seismic and energy considerations (insulated panels, perimeter sealing).
• Clean, level, and square installation with smooth travel and low noise.

Not to confuse with

Entry doors or commercial rolling fire doors. This scope focuses on residential overhead garage doors and their operators.

Typical inclusions

• Field measurements, door and opener installation, removal/disposal of old units.
• Springs, cables, rollers, hinges, track alignment, reinforcement brackets, and struts.
• Perimeter weatherstripping, bottom seal, keypad/remotes, sensor setup, and programming.
• Balance tuning, travel/force adjustments, lubrication, and operational walk‑through.

Typical exclusions (project‑dependent)

• Major structural framing changes to the opening or header unless specified.
• Painting/staining of door panels beyond factory finish.
• Siding/stucco patching or trim carpentry outside the immediate door stops.
• Garage organization systems or car lift installation (coordinated by others).

Result

A smooth, quiet, and well‑sealed garage door with a tested auto‑reverse, balanced lift, and programmed controls—ready for everyday use.