How Much Does It Cost To Install Glass Garage Doors?

Tired of looking at your old and boring wood, steel, or fiberglass garage doors? Upgrade your home's aesthetic appeal with glass ones. They also require less maintenance. You don't have to worry about their paint chipping over time. Plus, they're easy to clean. Simply give them a soapy bath every few months. Bonus advantage: They let in tons of natural light. Considering these benefits, you might want to install a glass garage door. However, this could be a significant investment and you might have to shell out anywhere between $2,500 and $8,000 (or higher if you have a bigger garage).

The actual price will depend on the type of glass you go with. Tempered is the most basic choice, but won't offer protection against a peeping Tom or a determined burglar. As such, it's the most budget-friendly of the lot. Frosted is better than tempered in terms of privacy. It'll also allow sunlight to pass through. But it lacks insulating properties. If insulation is important to you, you'll have to extend your budget a little to opt for insulated glass doors. That being said, if cost is not a factor, laminated glass is the best option since it maximizes security. Despite their pros, all of these materials are suitable only for mild weather conditions. You'll need to spring for specialty impact glass if you live in a hurricane-prone zone. Other factors, like your previous door's replacement, the size of the door, its thickness, style, frame, color, and labor charges, will also impact the total cost.

In case you live in a secure location and tend to use your garage for nothing more than storage, you might only have to shell out $3,700 to $8,400 for tempered glass. But if your garage doubles as your bedroom, second office, gym, or craft haven, frosted glass would be the right option for you. As such, expect to pay about $4,400 to $10,300 for such doors. Alternatively, insulated glass is best if you want to cool down your garage during toasty summers and keep it from turning frigid during winter. They cost between $4,800 and $11,100.

Want to shield yourself from the sun's harsh UV rays, protect your home from thieves, or keep the sounds of your child's band sessions from escaping your garage? Laminated glass garage doors start from $5,200. The cost of getting a glass door for your garage will be the highest if you experience wind storms regularly or don't want hurricanes to destroy the room. Depending on the glass's rating, expect to pay $6,000 to $12,000.

You'll also want to consider your door's thickness. Normally, tempered glass is ¼-inch thick. This is the most basic version you should pick if you're serious about upgrading your garage doors. On the low end, a.k.a. for doors that are 8 by 7 feet, expect to pay about $4,000. But insulated doors are generally 7/16-inch to ½-inch thick. This difference can cost you up to $300 extra for the same door. Remember, you'll have to pay more if you need a bigger door for your two- or three-car garage.

The size of your glass garage door is another important factor. To illustrate, an 8 by 7 feet door will cost you about $4,000. But you'll have to bear an additional cost of $400 for a 9 by 8 feet door. The largest size, 16 by 8 feet, can cost as much as $7,100. If you want a custom design and would like to fit in three or more cars, be prepared to pay over $10,000. The style you choose will also influence the final price. Swing-out models are more budget-friendly than roll-up ones. As such, you might get the former for as low as $2,500. The latter starts at $4,500. Note that swinging doors require more maintenance and are relatively harder to find for garages.

Additionally, factor in the frame's material and color. A lightweight aluminum framing will come with a price tag of $4,000 to $7,000. The actual price will be based on your door's size and if you request any customizations. Wood and steel frames cost more because they require sturdier hardware to support your glass garage door. Wood will cost between $6,000 and $10,000 while steel frames are priced from $5,500 to $8,500. Colorful frames will cost $200 to $500 more. You'll also have to consider the cost to replace a garage door. On average, you might have to pay between $755 and $1,697. Finally, account for the labor charges. Set aside $700 to $1,500 for installation. You may have to pay extra for removal if your contractor doesn't offer this as an incentive.