How Much Does A Garage Door Cost To Replace?
Having to replace a garage door can seem like a daunting and expensive task. Homeowners depend on their garage doors to provide security and protection for their vehicles and belongings, and having to replace a door can be a frustrating experience. However, understanding the cost of replacement doors can help to ease the process.
Garage doors come in a variety of styles and sizes, so it's no surprise that the cost to replace them varies as well. According to Real Homes, the most common type is the sectional garage door, known mostly for its remote-controlled operation and convenience. However, these tend to be on the more expensive side. Forbes reports the average cost of replacing a garage door at $1,200, including labor costs, with the low and high end being $260 and $2,300, respectively.
In this article, we will discuss the average cost to replace a garage door, as well as some factors that can affect the price.
Factors for cost
When looking into the cost of replacing a garage door, there are several factors to consider that can affect the price. These include location, size, type of door, materials, and brand.
Location
Home renovation projects vary in cost depending on the area you live in. Angi reports a total home renovation project in Jacksonville, FL costing $15 to $60 compared to $20 to $100 in Atlanta, GA.
Size
The first price consideration when it comes to this project is the size of the door. According to The Home Depot, the standard size for garage doors is 8 to 9 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high for a standard single-car garage. For double garage doors, the standard size is 16 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet high. However, Home Depot also reports the average total cost ranging from $2,725 to $6,325.
Type of Door
The second factor is the type of door. As we mentioned, the most common type is the sectional door, but there are also roller doors and tilt-up doors. According to LawnStarter, the average cost to install a roller door ranges from $630 to $2,370, while a sectional door costs an average of $1,290 to $4,370.
Materials
The third factor is the material of the door. Garage doors can be made from wood, steel, aluminum, or fiberglass. Aluminum, for instance, tends to be cost-effective, with prices ranging from $530 to $2,800. Fiberglass, on the other hand, ranges from $800 to $2,700 in cost but may require a specialist for installation.
Brand
Brands also play a role in the cost of garage doors, with some being more expensive than others. Some well-known brands include Clopay, Wayne Dalton, and Amarr. Amarr tends to be on the lower end, ranging between $425 and $4,150 for installation, while Clopay costs a little more with a range of $475 to $4,500. Wayne Dalton, on the other hand, lands on the more expensive side with an average cost of $700 – $7,000.
Additional costs
According to LawnStarter, other costs can be associated with replacing a garage door. These include windows, garage door openers, and permits.
Windows
While many garage doors already have windows, you may have to customize your door to add them at installation. An aluminum garage door typically costs about $700, though the price can vary depending on the number and style of windows to be installed. A single-car garage door can up to 70% more with windows than without, while a two-car garage door can cost 30 to 50% more.
Garage Door Openers
Most people don't like the hassle of manually opening and closing their garage doors. Fortunately, there are several automatic openers available on the market. The cost of an automatic opener ranges between $186 and $648, including labor. If you're replacing a garage door that previously had a garage door opener, be sure to factor this into your budget as well.
Permits
Due to garage door replacement being a relatively minor home improvement project, the need for a permit is typically not required. However, there are some exceptions. If you're going to need to knock out a wall for a bigger opening, you may need a building code. Luckily, if you're going through a contractor, they will often take care of the permit for you. Permits range from $40 to $190 in cost.
Types of garage doors
According to Real Homes, you should consider the type of garage door you want when planning to replace an old one. The most common types include roller garage doors, sectional doors, swing-up doors, and tilt doors.
Roller Garage Doors
Similar to sectional doors, roller garage doors are typically remote-operated and open vertically. They have a no-frills design and are usually constructed for commercial use. This means that if built properly, they can withstand heavy usage and environmental conditions. The average cost to install a roller garage door is between $850 and $3,000.
Sectional Doors
Sectional doors can be made of several different kinds of materials, from aluminum to glass. Due to this versatility, they remain a popular choice for homebuyers. Sectional doors open vertically and are typically constructed with high-tension springs to ensure the door doesn't drop down when it's not fully open. The cost to install a sectional door ranges from $750 to $2500.
Tilt-Up Doors
Tilt-up garage doors offer a more traditional, canopy-style garage door opening. They're made of one solid slab and designed to be hinged at the top and tilt up to open. Once fully opened, the door ends up parallel with the ceiling. Many homeowners choose tilt-up garage doors for their appearance, quality, and security. The installation price ranges from $600 to $2,000.
Why you need a new garage door
While having to replace a door can be a pain, there are several reasons why it might be necessary. A few reasons include age, damaged sections, and incorrect sizing.
Age
If you've had your garage door for over 10 years and it's showing visible signs of wear and tear, you may want to consider replacing it. A well-maintained garage door can last from 20 to 30 years depending on the quality of the materials and how often it's used, reports Home Inspection Insider.
Damaged Sections
If your garage door is made of wood, it's especially susceptible to damage from weather and pests. If you have a steel or aluminum door, dents and rust are also common problems.
Incorrect Sizing
If your door is too small, it might not be able to adequately protect your belongings. On the other hand, if it's too large, it might not be energy-efficient. Determine the correct size for your needs before replacing your garage door.
Benefits of a new garage door
While the cost to replace a door can seem high, several benefits come with it. A few of these benefits include peace of mind, better energy efficiency, and improved curb appeal.
Peace of Mind
Aside from the peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings are better protected, there are several other benefits to replacing an old garage door, like knowing no one will be hurt using the defective door.
Energy Efficiency
Newer garage doors are much more energy-efficient than older ones. This is because they're better insulated and have tighter seals.
Improved Curb Appeal
If your goal is to improve the curb appeal of your home, a new garage door is a great place to start, according to Angi. You can find doors in a variety of styles and colors to match the rest of your home.
Improved Functionality
Older garage doors can be difficult to open and close, which can be frustrating. newer doors are designed for smooth operation.