Cost to replace a garage door

How much does it cost to replace a garage door?

Garage door replacement can cost anywhere from $748 to $1,644, with an average cost of $750. The cost of replacement comes down to a variety of factors, such as the door type, size, material and brand. The typical labor cost to replace a garage door can range anywhere from $150 to $700, depending on the type of garage door you have.

What factors affect garage door replacement costs?

Homeowners have a lot of choices when it comes to picking out a garage door. In addition to the door size you need, the type of door, the material and the brand will all affect the overall costs.

Door type

Standard panel and tilt-up garage doors are some of the most affordable garage doors to choose from. On the other hand, glass, carriage and French doors land on the more expensive side for garage doors.

Take a look at the design differences among the most common garage doors:

• Standard panel: This is the most common type of garage door used in homes today. A standard panel has a set of horizontal panels that move on a track overhead. There’s a variety of materials available to choose from, like aluminum, steel or wood.
• Roll-up: A roll-up door uses horizontal pieces of steel that coil up at the top in the interior when the garage door is raised. It doesn’t run on a horizontal track system like other garage doors do. You may see a roll-up garage door on a storage unit or a detached garage.
• Glass roll-up: A glass roll-up door has aluminum and glass panels that run on a horizontal track system. It’s more often used to open up an indoor living space to the outside.
• Tilt-up: This type consists of one solid door panel that utilizes a pivoting hinge mechanism to open and close. It may be used in garages with lower ceilings.
• French doors: This style appears to be double doors (French doors) from the outside, but it functions like a standard garage door. It may include windows and door handles, among other features. It can also be opened and closed with a remote.
• Carriage: The carriage style mimics the look of a barn door but with a more elegant touch. It may have windows at the top and rustic handles in the center. You can get carriage doors that open by swinging outward or that open and close like a standard garage door (on a horizontal track).
• Walk-through: A walk-through door is a traditional garage door with a pedestrian door attached. It may be used in residential settings for homes with a basement garage or in commercial settings for businesses needing both access points (like an auto repair shop).

Door size

Garage doors can come in various sizes, but the typical size for a single-car garage door is 7 or 8 feet high and 8 to 9 feet wide. Double garage doors are usually 7 or 8 feet high and 16 feet wide.

While a double door is less expensive than purchasing two single-car garage doors, your home may not be outfitted for that type of configuration. Some garages have a separating wall between the two doors. However, if possible, it may be beneficial to have a double door, as it runs on a single track and uses one remote instead of needing a track and a remote for each door.

Material

Garage doors can be made of several different types of materials, each with its own benefits and setbacks.

Tommy Mello, home service expert and Founder of A1 Garage Door Service, told us that wooden garage doors are “more durable, never go out of style, are energy efficient and they will reduce the load on your HVAC system.” The added cost upfront could be a good long-term investment because “you can save money on your energy bills over time because of how well they naturally use energy,” Mello said.

Other popular materials include aluminum and steel. Mello said steel is affordable and can be used in any weather conditions while aluminum is “a good choice for modern or contemporary homes” because it’s “sleek and [isn’t] too hard to take care of.”

Brand

Popular brands today include “Northwest [now owned by Hormann], Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, C.H.I., and Martin,” Mello said.

C.H.I. Overhead Doors, Amarr and Clopay may offer more cost-affordable options, while Wayne Dalton, Martin and Hormann provide luxury options at higher prices.

Additional cost factors

You’ll need to factor in several other considerations to get the full scope of a garage door project. Repairs will almost always be cheaper than replacement, but you’ll also pay more for automatic doors, insulation and any customizations you want.

Repair vs. replacement

Garage door repairs, like fixing the door track or replacing a glass panel, generally cost between $151 and $359 on average. Some common repair costs include:

• Cable: $90 to $350
• Track: $125 to $400
• Spring: $150 to $350
• Opener: $125 to $350

You can compare that to the average cost of door replacements, which is around $748 to $1,645.

Manual vs. automatic

Installation costs are generally higher with automatic garage doors. You can expect to pay between $600 and $2,150 to install a manual garage door, but add on another $200 to $1,300 for an automatic garage door.

Garage door opener

Automatic garage doors require a remote opener to operate the door. Some garage doors can even be opened and closed from your phone using a mobile app. Remote opener costs are usually included in installation costs but can start at $150 if purchased separately.

» LEARN: Cost to replace a garage door opener

Insulation

Insulation is an added feature but can help keep your garage at a more consistent temperature, especially if you use it to store food or other weather-sensitive items. You’ll need to look for garage doors specially designed with insulation, which costs between $600 and $3,000. Keep in mind that not all styles of garage doors are available in insulated options.

Customizations

You can customize your garage door to fit your style or needs. Choose from a wide selection of stains, finishes or hardware. There are also options available for glass panels, like mirror, frosted or tinted glass. Technological updates include keypad access and safety sensors (to prevent the door from closing on an object in its way).

Customization costs can vary greatly. Partially customized garage doors, where you select colors and designs from a list predetermined by the manufacturer, can cost anywhere between $800 and $2,500. However, fully customized doors (e.g., upgraded finishes, materials, panels) can get quite pricey, on average around $1,500 to over $10,000.

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Signs you should replace your garage door

There are a few signs to notice when it may be time to replace your garage door. Before you start getting replacement quotes, consider hiring a specialized door technician to look at your garage door and make recommendations. Some of these issues may be an easy fix, while others may require a new door altogether. These few telling signs include:

Garage doors can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, so repairs may be best if the door isn’t that old or badly damaged.

• Age: If the door is around 15 years old or older, you should start exploring your options. However, this will also depend on the materials it’s made of, as some can last even longer, like steel.
• Appearance: If there are noticeable dents, cracks, rot or other damage to the door that can’t easily be fixed, it may be better in the long run to replace it. Also, if the style seems outdated, you can boost your home’s appearance with a new door.
• Sound: While the door will make some noise, the sound shouldn’t become louder over time as it opens or closes. Also, if you hear the sound of gears grinding or other new noises, get it checked out. You may need new tracks, springs or cables for the door to function properly.
• Speed: If the door is opening and closing slower than it used to, first get the tracks and opener inspected. Otherwise, it may be best to replace the whole system.
• Repairs: If your door needs frequent repairs or the repair costs are about half the cost of a new door, it’s often better to replace it.

» ARE YOU READY FOR REPAIRS? Holding off on home repairs

Installing a garage door yourself vs. hiring a pro

It’s not generally recommended to replace a door yourself without professional help. If you decide to do it yourself, you’ll need to follow the owners manual carefully for installation instructions. Installation can be dangerous and may take you significantly longer than it would take a professional.

Also, garage doors are quite heavy, with some weighing 150 pounds or more. You’ll likely need some extra manpower to help lift the door onto the tracks.

Bottom line

Garage doors come in many different styles and are made of a variety of materials. Some doors may come with higher price tags initially but also offer a set of benefits that could offset costs in the long run. Materials like wood and steel are often more expensive but also last longer, while fiberglass and aluminum may be more affordable for most consumers.

As you shop around, consider those added features, like insulation, that could also save you money each month in utilities. Your investment in a quality garage door may pay off in other ways in the future.