Expert: Daniel Humphrey - 1/11/2008

Question
Hi  
About three months ago we had to replace our 16' * 7' garage door, because the other one buckled. Since then we have decided to add onto the front of garage, but downsize the width of the door to add a 36" entry door. My husband is a hVAC mechanic and is confident to believe  that the door can be cut down by himself , with a saws all . It is a insulated door with steel frame. I am just wondering if you have had any experience with this sort of situation before and if you think it would work. The door cost us $1750.00 just 3 months ago and the garage door company said they would only give us $150.00 credit for a new one and take this one back. So I would still be paying another $1100.00 for a new door and would be out the 1750.00 I already spent. I feel like it would be hard to sell a 16' long door in the paper etc., so the only gamble is to cut it and trash it if it doesnt work.

Answer
Dear Michelle,

I understand your hesitation to see your husband cut into the new door!

Cutting the metal cleanly could be difficult, but most metal door panels have an edge piece that covers the rough edge. Yours may be this way, and with some skill and good sense, your husband could do it.

You would need to get different springs or winding wheels though, since the door will be lighter. You cannot use the same combination, and it could be dangerous to try, since the number of winds needed to wind the cable will make the springs too powerful for the door to stay down.

When you go to check on new springs at the door company, they may have bent or broken door panels for you to take to practice on. You might have your husband try a practice piece before he cuts your new door; and then he could prove his skill to you.

Good luck, and don't fret.  Just make sure you get the right springs and wheels for your new door size.

Daniel