Up and over garage doors remain one of the most common garage doors in the UK because they are simple to operate, relatively easy to maintain and cost effective to repair or replace. Over time, though, the door, frame and springs can wear, the lock and cables can fail, or you might simply want a more secure, insulated or traditional look that works better with the rest of your house.

This guide explains how canopy doors and retractable doors work, then walks you step by step through safe removal, preparation of the opening and installation of new double doors in the same space. Along the way you will see practical advice on tools, safety precautions, common issues, and why many homeowners now choose side hinged double doors as a modern replacement option.​

Preparing To Remove a Garage Door

Before you start any removal or replacement job on a garage door, it helps to understand the main garage door mechanism types you might be dealing with. Most single up and over doors are either canopy type, with a spring along the head of the frame and no full horizontal tracks, or retractable type, with metal tracks running back into the garage that fully support the door panel when it is open.

Both designs rely on a combination of torsion springs or extension springs, pivot arms, rollers and cables to lift the panels and allow the door to operate smoothly without you having to physically carry all the weight. When you remove or replace these components, you interfere with stored spring tension, which can release suddenly if it is not unwound in a controlled way, so clear safety precautions and proper fitting instructions are essential.

Safety precautions

Work on any spring loaded garage door can be dangerous if you rush or guess.

Follow these basic safety rules:

  • Wear safety glasses and heavy duty gloves to protect against flying metal fragments, slipping tools and sharp edges on roller brackets or panels.
  • Use solid ladders, not makeshift platforms, so you can maintain a stable position when you unwind springs or remove fixings from the head of the frame.
  • Clamp or prop the door securely so it cannot drop or swing while you remove cables, shafts or tracks.
  • Use proper winding bars for torsion spring work, never screwdrivers or bits of scrap metal, and always keep both bars engaged when you change spring position.​
  • Keep children, pets and any curious household member out of the garage while you work, and do not allow anyone to operate an electric opener or press a remote while parts are disconnected.

Required tools

You do not need specialist workshop equipment, but you do need the right basic tools and access equipment for a safe removal and a neat new door installation.

Typical tools include:

  • Two solid winding bars that fit the torsion spring cones, plus ring spanners or socket set for set screws on the shaft.
  • Screwdrivers, an adjustable spanner and a selection of metric wrenches for frame fixings, track brackets and lock components.
  • Hammer drill with masonry bits, frame fixings or sleeve anchors for securing the new double door frame to brickwork.​​
  • Spirit level, tape measure, packers and wedges so you can position the new frame square and plumb in the opening.​​
  • Sealant gun, exterior grade sealant and possibly expanding foam to seal gaps around the new frame and improve weather protection and durability.​​

How Up & Over Doors Work

An up and over garage door is essentially a single large panel or a set of connected door panels that pivots and lifts on arms and rollers so it swings up above the opening on a frame. With canopy doors, the panel sticks out slightly at the front and the lifting force usually comes from a powerful spring mounted along the top cross member of the door frame, acting through cables that wind around drums.

Retractable doors use multiple rollers and horizontal tracks that run back into the garage, with the door fully retracting into the space so the outer surface sits roughly flush with the frame when closed. Both systems often use a torsion shaft with springs at the head of the door to balance the weight, so a homeowner can lift the door at reasonable speed without feeling the full load. Some doors have electric operators connected by a boom and arm to the middle of the top panel, which can complicate removal if you do not disconnect power and remove the opener first.

Because all of these components share the same frame and opening, you need a methodical process that protects you from unexpected movement, prevents panels from falling and gives you clean access to the brickwork for the new door.

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Step by Step Removal Process

Step 1: Prepare your workspace

  • Clear the garage so you have space to move and somewhere to lay the door flat.​
  • Sweep up dust and debris so ladders and steps sit flat and secure.​
  • Disconnect any electric opener at the mains and remove the boom and arm from the door.​
  • Gather tools, winding bars and safety gear and place them within reach but out of the door’s travel path.

Step 2: Detach the door panels

  • Close the door and, if needed, wedge it in the frame so it cannot move unexpectedly.
  • Locate the torsion spring or main canopy spring and identify the winding cones or adjustment points.
  • Insert a winding bar, loosen the locking screws and unwind the spring a quarter turn at a time using two bars until all spring tension is removed.
  • Remove the lift cables from the drums or brackets once you are sure there is no remaining tension.
  • Release the pivot arms, hinges or roller brackets from the door panel while a helper supports the weight.
  • Lift the door panel clear of the opening and carry it to a safe, flat area so it cannot fall or twist.​

Step 3: Remove the door tracks and mechanism

  • Unscrew the horizontal and vertical tracks from the ceiling, side walls and frame, supporting each piece as you remove it.
  • Remove remaining components from the torsion shaft, then slide the shaft and springs out of their bearings and brackets as a single assembly.
  • On canopy gear, unbolt the main spring box or spring unit from the head of the frame once all tension has been unwound.
  • Take off any lock, handle, rods and keeps fixed to the old frame or brickwork so the opening is clear.​
  • Check the reveals and head for damage or loose fixings and clean away any debris or old sealant.​

After removing the tracks and mechanism, consider your options for replacement or upgrade.

Post removal options

Once the old garage door, springs and mechanism are fully removed, you can decide what type of new door will best suit your property, budget and how you use the garage space. Many people take the chance to improve security, insulation and day to day convenience compared with older canopy or retractable doors.

Replacement options

  • Choose double side hinged doors if you want simple manual operation, easy pedestrian access and a more traditional look.​​
  • Order a complete door set with factory assembled frame, hinges, lock and weather seals to simplify installation.​​
  • Consider timber for a classic appearance and the option to paint or stain, accepting that regular maintenance will be needed.​
  • Consider uPVC for low maintenance, good weather resistance and a wide range of colours and panel designs.​
  • Consider aluminium for strength, slim profiles and long term durability, often with insulated panels for better energy performance.​

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Installing double garage doors (side hinged)

Installing new side hinged double doors into a former up and over opening follows a straight forward sequence that is well within reach of a competent DIYer who follows the fitting instructions carefully. The main priorities are to prepare a sound opening, fix the frame square and level, and then adjust the doors and hardware so everything operates smoothly.​​

Step 1: Check and prepare the opening

  • Measure opening width and height and compare with the manufacturer’s recommended sizes for fitting.
  • Inspect the brick reveals and head, repairing loose mortar or damaged brickwork.​
  • Remove any remaining old subframe, fixings and sealant so the new frame can sit flat against the structure.
  • Offer the new frame into the opening as a dry fit to confirm clearances and headroom.​​

Step 2: Treat timber doors before hanging

If you’ve chosen timber double doors, it’s vital to prepare and protect them properly before installation to ensure longevity and maintain your guarantee.

Follow these key steps:

  • Store the doors flat on three level bearers in a dry, well-ventilated area.
  • Keep the doors completely dry and out of direct sunlight until they are fully finished.
  • Check each door carefully for any defects or damage before you begin installation. Do not proceed if you find any issues.
  • Handle doors with clean gloves and never drag them across each other or rough surfaces.
  • Lightly sand any small nicks, scratches, or handling marks with fine sandpaper before finishing.
  • Seal both faces and all edges — including any cut-outs for locks, hinges, or handles — prior to hanging.
  • The doors must not be left unsealed or exposed to the elements at any time. Damage caused by moisture (such as twisting, bowing, shrinking, or swelling) will not be covered by warranty.

Finishing tip: Apply the chosen finish evenly to both faces and all edges of the doors, following the manufacturer’s recommended paint or stain system. Allow adequate drying time before installation for full protection against weather exposure.

Step 3: Position and fix the new frame

  • Place the pre assembled frame and doors into the opening from outside and support it with wedges or air bags.​​
  • Use a spirit level to set the head level and each jamb plumb, adjusting the position until the margins are even.​​
  • Check the diagonals of the frame to confirm it is square before you start fixing.​
  • Fix through the pre drilled holes into the brickwork using suitable frame fixings, adding packers where needed to keep the frame true.​​
  • Remove any transport screws holding the leaves and gently open and close each door to check for free movement.​

Step 4: Fit hardware, adjust and seal

  • Install handles, cylinders, keeps and shoot bolts according to the supplied fitting instructions.​​
  • Check that the main lock engages cleanly and that top and bottom bolts fully locate into their receivers.​
  • Adjust hinges or keeps so the gap between the leaves is even and the doors sit flush with the frame.​​
  • Fit thresholds or sills where provided and check that all weather seals make good contact around the frame and down the middle.​​
  • Seal the outside perimeter of the frame to the brickwork with exterior sealant and clean down the frame and panels.
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Maintenance Tips

  • Lubricate hinges, locks and moving parts once or twice a year with a light oil or specialist spray.
  • Inspect weather seals periodically and replace any sections that are damaged or no longer sealing effectively.
  • Clean uPVC or metal doors with mild detergent and water to prevent staining and keep them looking smart.
  • Check frame and hinge fixings after storms or heavy use and tighten or replace loose screws as needed.

With your new doors in place and a maintenance routine established, you can enjoy enhanced garage functionality.

Closing Thoughts

Removing an up and over garage door and its spring gear, then installing new side hinged double doors in the same opening, is achievable with good preparation, the right tools and careful attention to safety. Whether your old canopy or retractable door has simply reached the point where it needs to be replaced or you want to improve security and appearance with a more traditional double door look, a steady, step by step approach will help you avoid problems and get a neat finish.

DoorsDirect2U have over 40 years of experience providing internal door and external door solutions to suit all budgets and specifications. You can purchase with confidence safe in the knowledge all products are backed with a manufacturer’s guarantee.

FAQs

1. Should I choose wood or metal double doors for my garage?

If you want a warm, traditional look that matches period houses or timber windows, wood side hinged doors are an excellent option. Good quality timber doors provide solid security and can be factory finished so a smooth, even finish is achieved before they arrive on site. Metal and insulated steel doors offer similar benefits in terms of strength and durability with less ongoing maintenance, so the right choice depends on how much time you want to spend maintaining the surface and how closely you want the doors to match other features on the property.

2. Can I have windows in my new double garage doors?

Yes, many modern side hinged doors allow you to add windows in one or both leaves, creating a lighter, more pleasant garage interior. Glazed sections let in natural light, which is ideal if you use the garage as a workshop or hobby space, and can be specified with obscure glass so privacy and security are maintained. You can usually arrange the window layout and style to match your existing house windows, so the finished look feels coordinated rather than like a bolt on afterthought.

3. How do I arrange installation so the work goes smoothly?

You can arrange a professional installation directly with many suppliers, or use their advice pages to find a recommended local installer who is familiar with the specific product you have chosen. A good installer will survey the opening, explain what can realistically be achieved with your existing structure and talk you through the main benefits of different materials and designs before you place the order. Ideally, you confirm dates, access and parking in advance, clear the garage before the team arrives and keep your schedule free enough that you are present at the end of the job to check the doors operate correctly and ask any final questions.