You measured your garage door, picked your favorite Christmas design, and now your new garage door cover has arrived. The good news? Installing it is much easier than it might look.
If you already know how to measure a garage door for a Christmas cover, you're ready for the fun part. This guide walks you through exactly how to install a Christmas garage door cover using two easy GarageBuddy installation methods, so you can choose the one that works best for your door and your preferred look.
Quick Answer: How to Install a Christmas Garage Door Cover
Close your garage door and clean the top surface with rubbing alcohol or soapy water. Let it dry completely, then position and apply the Velcro. Attach the top of the cover, open the garage door about a quarter of the way, adjust the elastic bands so they're snug but not overstretched, and hook them onto the second hinge behind the door. Open and close the door once to check the fit.
GarageBuddy offers two installation methods: the Quick & Easy Method, which places the Velcro on the visible upper portion of the door, and the Hidden Velcro Method, which tucks the Velcro under the upper trim or weather seal.
Why Proper Installation Matters
A properly installed Christmas garage door cover should sit centered, secure, and comfortably against the door as it opens and closes.
Taking a few extra minutes to clean the surface, center the cover, and check the elastic tension can make a big difference in how your finished garage door looks.
GarageBuddy's installation guide recommends installing during daylight with the garage door closed, centering the banner before pressing it down, and testing the door after installation.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, have these items ready:
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Your GarageBuddy Christmas garage door cover
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Rubbing alcohol or soapy water
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A clean cloth
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A ladder or step stool if needed to safely reach the top portion of the door
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The Velcro and elastic bands included with your cover
If you're removing the cover later, you'll also want a hair dryer or heat gun on a low-medium setting for removing the Velcro.
Before You Install: Check Your Garage Door Size
Before installing your cover, make sure you selected the correct size based on your actual garage door, not the surrounding trim or frame.
To measure, stand inside the garage with the door fully closed. Measure:
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Width: From the left edge to the right edge of the actual garage door panel
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Height: From the ground to the top edge of the door panel
Don't include side trim, weatherstripping, or the wall frame when measuring. GarageBuddy's listed sizes refer to the door size, while the actual covers are made slightly smaller for a cleaner fit.
If you've already confirmed your size, you're ready to install.
Two Ways to Install Your Christmas Garage Door Cover
GarageBuddy offers two installation methods. Both are designed to be straightforward, but the Velcro is positioned differently.
Method 1: The Quick & Easy Method
This is GarageBuddy's most popular installation method and the simplest option for most installations.
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Close your garage door.
Wipe the top portion of the garage door with rubbing alcohol or soapy water to remove dust and debris. Allow the surface to dry completely before applying the Velcro.
A clean, dry surface helps the Velcro adhere properly.
Step 2: Position and Apply the Velcro
Before permanently applying the Velcro, hold the cover against the garage door and check where you want the bottom edge to sit.
Once you're happy with the position, apply the Velcro strip. GarageBuddy's guide notes that the Velcro can be applied as one full strip or in sections. Press it firmly into place.
Tip: GarageBuddy includes extra Velcro strips in each bag. You can lightly attach one corner first, close the door, and check the position of the bottom edge before committing to the full strip.
Step 3: Attach the Top of the Cover
Starting at the top, attach the cover evenly to the Velcro.
Take a moment to center the banner before pressing it firmly into place. GarageBuddy recommends centering the banner before securing it.
Step 4: Hook the Elastic Bands
Open the garage door about one-quarter of the way.
Adjust the elastic bands so the cover is snug but not overstretched. Stretch the bands and hook them onto the second hinge behind the garage door.
Then open and close the door once.
Pay attention to the tension as the door moves. If the bands become too tight when the door reaches about halfway open, lengthen them slightly and check the movement again.
That's it. Your Christmas garage door cover is installed.
Method 2: The Hidden Velcro Method
Want to keep the Velcro out of sight? The Hidden Velcro Method positions it under the upper trim or weather seal of the garage door.
This keeps the Velcro out of sight when the door is closed and helps protect it from the elements.
Step 1: Open and Clean
Lift the garage door about one-quarter of the way — just enough to safely reach the upper front face of the door from inside the garage.
This is the portion that tucks underneath the rubber seal when the door is closed.
Clean this section with rubbing alcohol and allow it to dry completely.
Step 2: Apply the Velcro
Apply the Velcro end to end along the upper section you just cleaned.
Position it so it sits underneath the upper trim or lip when the garage door is closed.
Step 3: Attach the Cover
Start at one top corner and press the top of the banner onto the Velcro.
Allow the rest of the cover to hang straight. Make sure it stays clear of the garage door tracks and opener chain.
Step 4: Hook the Bottom
Step down and adjust the elastic bands so the cover is snug without being overstretched.
Hook the bands onto the second hinge.
Open and close the garage door once to check the fit. If the bands pull too tightly when the door is halfway open, lengthen them slightly and test again.
Does the Hidden Velcro Method Change the Position of the Cover?
It can.
GarageBuddy notes that the cover may sit slightly higher when using the Hidden Velcro Method. This is purely visual and doesn't affect how the cover functions. GarageBuddy recommends moving the cover only enough to tuck the Velcro under the weather strip, which may result in the cover sitting a couple of inches higher.
Do You Have to Leave the Velcro on Your Garage Door?
No. The Velcro can be removed when you're ready to take down your seasonal cover.
GarageBuddy recommends warming the adhesive first with a hair dryer or heat gun on a low-medium setting. Keep the heat source moving rather than holding it in one spot. Once the adhesive is warm, slowly peel the Velcro away at a low angle rather than pulling it straight out.
If adhesive residue remains, GarageBuddy recommends an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone.
Important: Don't apply Velcro if your garage door's paint hasn't fully cured. If you prefer to keep the Velcro out of sight, use the Hidden Velcro Method, which positions it on the top portion of the door that tucks beneath the weather seal when closed.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
1. Skipping the Cleaning Step
Dust and debris can interfere with the Velcro's adhesion. Clean the installation area and let it dry before applying the Velcro.
2. Applying the Velcro Before Checking the Position
Don't immediately commit to the full strip.
Hold the cover in place first and check where the bottom edge lands. GarageBuddy also recommends using an extra Velcro strip on one corner as a temporary positioning check.
3. Installing the Cover Off-Center
Take a moment to center the banner before pressing it firmly onto the Velcro.
4. Overstretching the Elastic Bands
The elastic bands should hold the cover snugly without being overstretched. If they're pulling too tightly when the garage door is halfway open, lengthen them slightly.
5. Forgetting to Test the Door
Always open and close the garage door after installation.
This lets you check that the cover moves properly and that the elastic bands aren't creating excessive tension.
6. Applying Velcro to Uncured Paint
If your garage door was recently painted, wait until the paint is fully cured before applying the Velcro.
Can You Open Your Garage Door With the Cover On?
The installation process is designed around the garage door opening and closing with the cover attached. After attaching the cover and elastic bands, GarageBuddy specifically recommends opening and closing the door once to check the fit and tension.
If anything feels too tight during the movement, adjust the elastic bands before using the cover normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a Christmas garage door cover myself?
Yes. GarageBuddy's installation system is designed around two straightforward DIY installation methods: the Quick & Easy Method and the Hidden Velcro Method. The official installation guide provides step-by-step instructions for both.
Will the Velcro damage my garage door?
GarageBuddy's Velcro is designed to be removed by warming the adhesive first and slowly peeling it away at a low angle. GarageBuddy also recommends the Hidden Velcro Method for homeowners who are concerned about adhesive on painted surfaces.
As with any adhesive product, make sure the paint is fully cured before installation.
How do I adjust the elastic bands so they're not too tight?
Open the garage door about one-quarter of the way and hook the elastic bands onto the second hinge.
The bands should hold the cover snugly without being overstretched. Open the door farther and check the tension, particularly around the halfway point. If the bands pull too tightly, lengthen them slightly and test again.
What if I don't want the Velcro visible?
Use the Hidden Velcro Method.
The Velcro is positioned underneath the upper trim or lip of the garage door so it stays out of sight when the door is closed.
Can I reuse my Christmas garage door cover next season?
Yes. GarageBuddy recommends reusing and storing the cover in the included cloth bag between seasons.
How do I remove the Velcro after the holidays?
Warm the Velcro adhesive with a hair dryer or heat gun on a low-medium setting, keeping the heat source moving. Once warm, slowly peel the Velcro away at a low angle.
For remaining adhesive residue, GarageBuddy recommends an adhesive remover such as Goo Gone.
Ready to Install Your Christmas Garage Door Cover?
Installing a Christmas garage door cover doesn't have to be complicated. With GarageBuddy's two installation methods, you can choose between the straightforward Quick & Easy Method or the more discreet Hidden Velcro Method.
Before you begin, make sure you've selected the correct cover size based on your actual garage door dimensions, not the trim or frame. Then clean the surface, position the Velcro carefully, attach the cover, adjust the elastic bands, and test the door.
Once everything is secure, your Christmas garage door decoration is ready for the season.
If you haven't chosen your design yet, explore GarageBuddy's collection of Christmas garage door covers and find a design that transforms your garage into part of your holiday display.
