A good garage door lasts anywhere between 15 to 30 years. However, if your property is old and you’re having trouble with the garage door, it’s time to consider replacing your old garage door with a new one.
You will have questions such as how many hours does it take to install a garage door, is it hard to install one yourself, and how much will it cost you.
Factors That Impact Garage Door Installation Time
The garage door installation process depends upon the size of the door, the type of installation, and the weather conditions.
Smaller door installations are quicker. If the door has modifications or if it is a larger door to accommodate more than one vehicle, the installation time will be relatively longer.
A regular installation will take between three to six hours. However, if the repair team is dealing with a compatible replacement, it will take less time.
Installing a garage door on a snowy, winter day will take longer than when the weather is favorable, so schedule a day that has favorable weather conditions.
After inspecting the scale of the damage, such as spring breaks or damage to the torsion spring system, the professional installers will recommend repairing the garage door springs. However, in case there’s extensive damage, they’ll recommend that the garage door be replaced.
The Garage Door Installation Process
The repair team will disassemble and remove the old door first. Then they will place the new garage door panels, install the tracks, rollers, springs, cables, and the garage door opener.
The process depends upon the availability of the door as well. Is the door in stock at your local store or does it have to be custom-made? If it’s not in stock, it might take a week to get the new door.
Do Garage Door Installation Prices Vary by Size?
Do you have a single door, a double door, or a customized door? Additionally, what is the size of the door? A single car garage door is 8’ x 7’ and costs between $400 to $900 whereas a double garage door has 16’ x 7’ dimensions and costs between $650 to $3,600
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Garage Door?
The installation price of a garage door depends upon the type and material of the garage door.
- Sectional. A sectional garage door has hinged sections that roll up along the garage ceiling. These cost roughly $700.
- Single panel. This door is comprised of a single piece that slides above the car when opened. Unlike sectional doors, a single panel door does not bend or curve. It’s a cheaper option, available at $400.
- Swinging/Sliding. A swing-out door has two pieces that function as a regular door whereas a sliding door slides and fits against the wall of the garage when opened. These are uncommon in the market and therefore more expensive at a starting price of $1000.
- Roll-up. A roll-up door functions like a window blind; it rolls up above the entrance when opened. While the door is not as expensive (starting price at $650), you will have to pay a higher labor cost to install it. It’s also known as an overhead door.
There are five types of materials used when installing a garage door:
- Metal. Metal is the most common and the most long-lasting option. However, in certain climates (snowy and rainy areas), they tend to rust faster. Aluminum metal doors are relatively more expensive but they are better at insulation, don’t rust, and are considerably more lightweight.
- Fiberglass/Vinyl. Fiberglass and vinyl give the appearance of wood and are considered cheaper alternatives. The only downside to this material is that it gets easily damaged. Since it is fiberglass, it’s also not very customizable.
- Composite. Composite is a good alternative to fiberglass, vinyl, and wood because it is cheaper, doesn’t damage easily, and offers good insulation.
- Glass. If you’re a fan of natural light and aesthetic appeal, this is the door for you. What it lacks in terms of insulation and lightweight, it makes up by adding beauty to your garage.
- Wood. Wood is sturdy, offers decent insulation, and is not as expensive as glass or metal. It requires some maintenance periodically, but other than that, it’s a favorable option for you.
Lastly, the installation process will require you to select a type of garage door opener. For the opening mechanism, you can opt for remote and smart technology for better accessibility.
How Hard is It to Install a Garage Door?
If you’re wondering how hard is it to install a garage door, well, it is quite technical and tedious. If you aren’t well-versed in how to handle tools and perform big installations, then you should consider leaving the job to professional installers. Not only do they have specialized equipment for the task, but they also offer a local warranty when they provide you with their service.
Labor costs to install a new garage door are quite reasonable, the national average being $300 per installation.
If qualified installers such as the California Garage Repair Team handle your new garage door installation, it will take them between three to six hours at most. If you decide to do it yourself, it can take anywhere from a day to a whole weekend.
