Much like the front door to your home, your garage door can be a good indicator to neighbors and future buyers of quality. An appealing and well-maintained garage door suggests that homeowners care about the overall condition and appearance of their house, which can help drive the value up as well as ensure that your garage’s main feature has a long life. Installing a brand new garage door can be one of the best ways to revamp your home’s exterior and extend the quality of your garage itself.
So how much does a new garage door cost, on average? The various materials and styles of garage doors will naturally affect the price, but the average cost of a typical single car garage door (including installation) is between $500 and $800. The cost of a new garage door itself can lie anywhere between $250 and $1,500 depending on its material and functions and garages designed for 2 or more cars will inevitably hike up the total costs of labor and installation.
Visiting home improvement stores can give you a good idea of the estimated costs of a new garage door according to size, style, material etc, but if you’re looking to install a garage door to meet your own specific criteria then its best to consult with your local garage door service provider to get an accurate breakdown of the costs. In our brief guide below, we outline the factors that go into the cost of a new garage door and the important info you need when considering replacing your existing door.
What is the Average Cost of a 2 car Garage Door?
After factoring in the installation, the labor fees, the door itself and the collective cost of all the materials used during the installation such as various adhesives and connectors, the average cost of a double car garage can come to around $1,097. Prices in the US can vary between $734 for a standard garage door to $1,465 for doors with added security features and other customizations such as door openers.
Cost of Garage Door Installation?
The cost behind garage door installation depends on whether you plan on installing the door yourself or will hire professional contractors to do the job. Hiring a pro to install your garage door will cost around $280 in labor, and this usually only covers the installation labor. Unless included in your hired contractors service, you may also incur fees related to replacing your existing garage door such as:
- Removal and disposal of your existing garage door
- The weight of the door (the heavier it is, the more labor is needed)
- Optional electrical service and wiring for door openers
- Replacement parts and additional features
Added to the cost of a new garage door itself which can range between $250 at the low quality end and $1,500 for high end materials, the average cost of installation may come to about $600 for a single car garage door installation and $1,020 for a 2 car garage door.
Installing the garage door yourself is not always advisable as the weight of the doors and difficulty in hanging them may result in an unstable job. Doing so may even void your warranty in some cases, so consider your decision carefully before attempting a DIY installation.
Garage Door Types
The cost of your new garage door will be dependant on the style and materials used. Garage doors are typically available in wood, fiberglass, aluminum and – most commonly – steel. We’ll look into the costs and durability of these garage doors later on. For now, let’s take a look at the types of garage door styles you can choose from.
Roll-up Doors
Roll up doors are best for limited ceiling space garages and are normally made from connected steel slats that roll up into a drum above the garage opening. Due to their heavy duty design, they are one of the costlier garage door styles, ranging between $400 and $1,400.
Tilted/Canopy Doors
These are made up of one solid door piece that works on a pivot hinge mechanism to tilt up into the garage. These range between $400 to $700 for a single tilt up canopy style door.
Sectional Doors
These are made up of connecting panels that roll along a vertical track so they are parallel to the ceiling when fully open. Sectional doors are normally made from steel and can be available in insulated models, ranging between $850 to $1900.
Side-hinged Doors
These resemble a traditional barn door structure and are made of wood or galvanized steel. They make a great choice for garages with limited headroom. The cost to install side hinged doors starts at around $850.
Are Steel Garage Doors Better than Aluminum?
Both steel and aluminum doors have their pros and cons, but it is ultimately down to the homeowner to decide which material best suits their needs. Here is a rundown of what each one provides to help you in your decision…
- Steel garage doors are harder wearing than aluminum and are less likely to dent upon impact.
- Aluminum is lighter and more affordable to install than steel ($2,000 for a high end aluminum 2 car garage door compared with $3,500 for a high end steel door).
- Both steel and aluminum doors are available in textures that mimic wood when painted, giving them both versatile design options.
- Unfortunately, steel is not a great insulator, so homeowners should factor in the extra cost of insulation for a steel garage door.
How Much Does a Fiberglass Garage Door Cost?
A fiberglass garage door for a standard 2 car garage will cost between $1,500 and $2,000 and is well worth the investment as it is resistant to rust and rot, making it a very durable choice for your garage door material.
What Size Garage Doors are Vailable?
Single Car Size
A standard 1 car garage door measures 8×7 feet, but this is the minimum size recommended for garage doors. Opting for a 9 to 10 foot wide door is more versatile as it can accommodate a wider range of vehicles.
Double Car Size
A 2 car garage door normally measure 8 feet high and between 12 and 18 feet wide. These can accommodate larger vehicles plus extra room to store any belongings if you chose to only park one car inside.
RV Sizes
RV garage doors vary between 10 and 16 feet high with an average width of 12 feet. A 12 foot width garage door will be suitable for a single RV and a door as high as 16 feet will accommodate most RV vehicles.
Should You Buy an Insulated Garage Door?
If the entirety of your garage is insulated then it makes sense to also insulate your garage door to get the full benefit, since the garage door is the thinnest barrier between the outside elements and your garage interior. It’s also vital to provide your garage with this extra finishing touch form of insulation if you’re converting the garage into a living space to ensure greater comfort.
As well as making the garage a more comfortable and pleasant place to be in whatever the weather, making the effort to insulate your garage door will save you extra money on heating bills in the long-run and make for an energy efficient space.
If you fancy taking on DIY door insulation, you can purchase garage door insulation kits that provide the common insulation batts and blankets to fit standard steel garage doors.
Some homeowners, however, prefer to buy garage doors that come with insulated panels as part of the design and most garage door service providers offer customizable insulation options for a price. If you’re willing to shell out and leave the door insulating to the experts, this can take a lot of the hassle out of it.
To give you some idea as to the cost estimate of buying an insulated garage door, we’ve listed some of the most popular garage door types below and the average cost to have each one insulated:
- Insulated single tilt up doors ($400 – $700)
- Insulated single sectional doors ($800 – $1,000)
- Insulated roll up doors ($1,200 – $2,000)
- Insulated solid wood custom doors ($2,500 – $3,000)
What are the Safety Factors for a Garage Door?
It’s easy to dismiss the safety concerns of your garage door during daily use, but they are heavy, weighty objects that can pose many dangers if they are neglected or poorly maintained. Many garage doors have advanced mechanisms that may be unpredictable to unfamiliar hands (especially to children), so it’s vital to be on alert for dangers your garage door could pose.
The following are some of the common safety concerns you need to be aware of where garage doors are concerned, and the measures you can take to ensure your door is safe and secure as possible.
Regular Maintenance
This means doing monthly checks yourself to make sure the door mechanism is working to its best standard and if you have the budget for it, hiring a garage door company pro to treat your door to thorough regular maintenance and advanced repairs.
Safety While a Door Opener is in Operation
You may think nothing of walking under a moving garage door to get in and out of the house each day, but the door mechanisms can be unpredictable. For added safety, consider a way to open the door from both sides or add a pedestrian door for easier access.
Keeping Children Safe
It may be hard to entirely child proof a garage door, but you can take safety measures to ensure they don’t come into harm’s way by keeping electric door remotes out of reach or putting a numeric lock on the door so it can’t be opened manually etc.
How Long Do Garage Doors Last?
Experts believe that on average, most standard garage doors should last between 15 and 30 years, presuming they are installed professionally, are quality-made and are properly maintained throughout their lifespan. Something which plays a significant role in a garage door’s total lifespan is the door’s spring mechanism.
How Can I Make My Garage Door Last Longer?
To get the most out of your garage door, simply keep it well maintained by making sure it is cleaned, re-painted and lubricated on a regular basis. Every 6 months or so, the door itself should be cleaned with a mix of water and mild detergent to remove the build up of oil and dirt, and wooden doors should be repainted at the first signs of chipping or peeling.
Your garage door’s hinges and springs should also be well lubricated, so be sure to apply a light coat of lubricant every 3-6 months on the door’s hinges or rollers, depending on the door design – this will keep your door functioning to its best all year round.
Should My Garage Door Have 2 Springs?
Some homeowners choose to cut corners by installing only 1 spring on their garage door, but this is a costly mistake. 1 torsion spring creates an imbalance over time and works twice as hard to open and close the garage door, adding necessary wear and tear to the point that it breaks.
2 springs are recommended to safely bear the weight of the garage door and serve as a backup so that if one spring begins to weaken, the door will still operate normally.
Is a Garage Door Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?
Most home insurance policies include garages (and by extension, garage doors) in their coverage, but you should check your insurance policy first and shop around for the right insurance policy for your needs if not. Insurance for your garage door can depend on the type of garage on your property.
For attached garages – traditional garages that are attached to the main household will normally receive the same amount of coverage as the rest of the home. This also includes the same level of coverage for any personal possessions stored inside your garage under ‘contents insurance’.
For detached garages – because it’s classed as an ‘outbuilding’ and technically not part of the main homestead, a detached garage door will not always be covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, there may be some insurance policies that allow you to add your detached garage door to the insurance policy for a fee.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Garage Door?
Replacing and installing a new garage door will take a professional contractor roughly five to seven hours. For comparison, homeowners wishing to take on garage door replacement as a DIY project will take up to nine hours or more.
Since housing experts state that replacing a garage door is typically a two person job, it is best to let professional contractors with advanced skills in carpentry and knowledge of installing electronic systems take on the reigns to ensure a thorough, long-lasting result.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garage Door Panel?
Depending on the style of your garage door, replacing an individual panel may cost as little as $250 or as much as $800. Bear in mind that the older your garage door is, the more costly it may be to replace since certain materials may be harder to source (or may be unavailable altogether).
If and when you need a panel on your garage door replacing, contact your local garage door company to find out if your panel can be replaced. Here is a brief look at how much a door panel replacement can cost according to which material your door is made from:
- Fiberglass panel replacement ($200)
- Aluminum panel replacement ($170 – $289)
- Wood panel replacement ($400)
If your local garage door company determines that the panel damage is beyond repair, you will unfortunately need to have a brand new garage door installed.
Can You Replace Just One Panel on a Garage Door?
Garage doors are costly to install and so if an expert determines that an individual panel can be replaced without having to install a brand new garage door, then yes, they will recommend that only the affected panel is replaced. You can normally replace an individual door panel if it was damaged in an accident i.e. if you backed your car into the door and damaged a relatively small section.
If this happens, be sure to measure the size of the panel and note down the color and serial number of your garage door before contacting the manufacturer to enquire about replacing the damaged door panel. Once a replacement panel is found, it will be in your best interest to allow a professional to install it on your existing garage door – and once installed, the new panel should be in good shape for many years.
When Replacing a Door Panel is Not a Good Investment
Replacing a damaged door panel in a fairly new garage door is a smart move as you have made the repairs just in time, but if you choose to replace a panel in an old garage door, this is a quick way to waste a lot of money.
Housing experts will advise against replacing a single panel in an aging deteriorating garage door, since the rest of the door structure will fail you sooner or later and you could theoretically be shelling out thousands in individual panel replacement costs. A full garage door replacement will be a much more cost effective option in the long run.
If you’re not sure about whether your door could benefit from a panel replacement or is perhaps too old for one, ask an expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Door?
You may decide that you want to install a pedestrian entry door on the side of your garage for more convenient access, and if this is the case, the cost to install one can run between $500 and up to as much as $7,000. Door installation will account for things like framing construction costs ($200-$600), supplies ($100-$300) and labor costs ($150-$300).
Whether you are replacing a pre-hung garage entry door yourself or installing a brand new pedestrian door onto the side of a detached garage property, the overall installation cost will be impacted by the door materials you use.
Here’s a glance at door types and their corresponding installation costs:
- Fiberglass entry doors are one of the best options for energy efficiency and are maintenance free. These fall between $150 to $2,000 to install.
- Aluminum is a popular choice for interior and exterior doors and sliding styles can bring installation costs to a higher total. Prices range between $100 and $2,000.
- Composite wood is one of the cheaper options for garage entry doors, costing as little as $40 for the door itself and up to $1,000.
How Do You Measure for a Garage Door Replacement?
Measuring your garage door accurately ensures you get the right quote for your door replacement – do a poor job of measuring it and expect higher costs quoted back to you in labor and supply estimates!
A pro tip from garage door experts is to provide your door measurements to the closest fraction of an inch for the most accurate results and therefore, the most efficient custom fit for your garage.
You should measure your garage door in 5 simple steps:
- Measure Width – measure the horizontal width of your garage door using a metal tape measure from the left to the right side. To make sure you get as accurate a reading as possible, measure the width from various heights and make a note of any irregularities like an unleveled side.
- Measure Height – next, measure the highest point of your door to the lowest point. Again, take a couple of measurements across the door to see if you spot irregularities such as an uneven floor.
- Measure Side room – then, measure the wall space to the left and right side of the garage door. There may be wires, electrical outlets and other barriers in the way, and if this is the case, it should be noted down to make the installation process easier.
- Measure Headroom – the headroom is the space between the top of your garage door and the ceiling. Some garage doors require larger headroom than others – some styles of wood garage doors, for instance, can require up to 18 inches of headroom.
- Measure Backroom – Finally, measure the ceiling or the ‘backroom’ – this is the distance between the opening of the garage door to the rear of the garage (or the nearest obstruction/wall). These measurements must be adapted if you plan to include additional features such as a garage door opener. If an electric opener is to be installed, for example, then the backroom requirement will change to door height + an additional 4 foot 2 inches for most standard garage openers.
Additional considerations and costs
Additional Security
Most garage doors are built to be secure structures, but if you require added security features for extra peace of mind such as stronger locks and alarm systems. Additional locks include features like garage door defenders – these work like heavy duty padlocks that are anchored into the ground and placed in front of the middle of your garage door. Even if thieves compromise the locks, they will not be able to open the door. These start at $70 online and at most hardware stores.
Garage Door Opener
Not all homeowners require an automatic electrical door opener for their garage, but if this is a system you can’t live without on your finished garage door, then this will start at $120 – $288 for the door opener mechanism itself and unless you are planning a DIY installation, a professional install can be between $247 and $487 depending on the power of the opener system and also the type and size of your garage door.
Living Space Conversion
If you plan on converting your garage into a living space, then the garage door will require added insulation and weather stripping to create a more comfortable barrier between the outside elements and the garage interior. Adding extra insulation to your garage doors will cost between $400 and $2,000 depending on your door’s size and style.
Garage Door Customization Options
The numerous styles and materials of garage doors that are available leave homeowners will plenty of options for building a garage door that’s personal to them.
However, if you have very specific needs when it comes to your garage door requirements, many garage door companies can provide a special custom order service for homeowners in search of a truly unique garage door style.
Perhaps you require a door with extra headroom clearance or doors with unconventional measurements to suit your home’s unique aesthetic? Other garage door customizations can include:
- Traditional & period style doors in line with the first 17th century style garage doors
- Round the corner rolling doors to accommodate limited building space
- Accented columns or pillars to frame your door and add value
- Curved doors to accommodate archways for a more finished and professional look
- Steel and similar sturdy doors that mimic the appearance of wood
- ‘Smart’ garage doors that allow you to monitor and operate your door’s function remotely from your phone and schedule opening and closing functions
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