How do you choose a garage door?
When garage door repair isn’t an option — perhaps the current door is beyond fixing or you want to upgrade to a quieter, more energy-efficient model — it’s time to buy a new one. But choosing a garage door is not as simple as it sounds, even when you know the right size for your home. A wide range of materials, styles and finishes are available, and each factor influences the cost.
Garage doors are made of aluminum, steel, vinyl, fiberglass, masonite, wood (typically cedar or mahogany), or a composite of several materials. They may be insulated against cold or heat. Traditional and modern styles include raised panel, carriage house or crossbuck. Most styles have window or arch options, and are available in different wood finishes and neutral colors.
Because garage doors account for a large part of a home’s exterior, their appearance is usually a homeowner’s top priority. An attractive garage door can increase a home’s curb appeal and resale value.
How much does it cost to get a new garage door?
A new garage door can add serious curb appeal, not to mention myriad home safety benefits. The cost of a new garage door will vary based on the type of garage door you want and the materials it will be made of. You can purchase a new garage door and have the pros install it for you, but proceed with caution as many installers won’t guarantee their labor if you didn’t purchase the garage door through their company. A new door (without installation) may cost anywhere from $200 to $4,000 or more, depending on size, brand and materials. Here are some examples of average new garage door costs, including installation:
- Raised-panel, insulated,16x7 garage door: $1,100
- Without insulation: about $900
- Raised-panel, insulated, 8x7: $700
- Without insulation: $550
- Carriage-house 16x7 garage door with stamped-steel design: $1,500
- Carriage-house 8x7 garage door with stamped-steel design: $1,000
- A carriage-house garage door is a barn-style door with handles and hinges; it looks like it pulls out in the style of a barn door but is actually a roll-up.
- Carriage-house 16x7 garage door with steel and faux-wood overlay: $3,500
- Carriage-house 8x7 garage door with steel and faux-wood overlay: $2,000–$2,200
- Solid-wood cedar or mahogany 16x7 garage door with window in top panels: $5,000
- Solid-wood cedar or mahogany 8x7 garage door with window in top panels: $3,500
How much should it cost to replace a garage door cable?
If your garage door is not opening or has become jammed, you may need to replace the garage door cables. Unless you have the proper tools and know-how, this is a job best left to a professional due to the weight of the garage door and the extreme tension of the springs. The cost of repair will vary depending on your location, the length of the cables you need, and the time it takes the pro to do the replacement.
From a big-box store, basic garage door cables can run between $8 and $20, depending on the product. Your pro may charge you a different cost if they provide the cables. Your cables may not need to be replaced if they have simply come off the track, but broken cables will need to be completely removed and replaced. In either instance, the pros will need to secure or take down the door; unwind the springs; reset or replace the rollers, cables, and drums; and then wind the springs once more. For example, a pro could reset cables that have come off the track for $129.99. The average national cost for a garage door repair specialist is $80 - $110 per hour and the typical cost to replace a broken garage door cable is anywhere from $130 to $200.
How much is it to replace a garage door panel?
Replacing a garage door panel can add significantly to the cost of a garage door repair. Panels run horizontally on sectional roll-up garage doors. They may be made of wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass or steel. Garage door panels can become damaged from hail and other extreme weather, dents and dings, car accidents, and age. When deciding if you want to replace a garage door panel, it’s helpful to compare the potential repair cost to the cost of a new garage door. Panel replacement requires a pro with the proper tools as well as the new parts. With parts and labor you could be paying more than $500 for one new panel. In comparison, a new garage door may cost $800-$1,200 (on average) with installation. If there is a possibility your garage door was structurally compromised when the panel was damaged, have the pro assess whether it’s better to completely remove and replace the door, rails and framework to ensure your home’s safety. It may also be better to completely replace your door if it is severely rusted or dented; if the paint is peeling and fading; if the door model is outdated or you can’t find replacement panels; or if the panels or rails are structurally compromised.
How much does it cost to install a new garage door opener?
Your new garage door opener cost will vary based on the model you purchase and how long installation takes. Typically, installation pros charge by the hour, although if the pro is also selling the garage door opener they may have a flat fee for the product with installation. The national average for new garage door opener costs (with installation) is between $390 and $650, although the national average cost for the opener purchased alone may be in the $150-$300 range. The three most common types of openers are chain-drive, screw-drive and belt-drive. The chain-drive costs the least but makes the most noise. The belt-drive is typically the quietest and the most expensive. You can expect to pay about the same amount for installation for any of the three styles. The lifespan of a garage door opener is approximately 10 years, depending on quality. A pro may provide opener repairs for the cost of their service call fee or they may charge a flat fee, such as $100 for opener repair. Here are some examples of new garage door opener average costs, including installation:
- Contractor-grade garage door opener with installation: $300.
- Chain-drive opener with installation and one remote: $350.
- Belt-drive opener with installation and two remotes: $400
- Top-of-the-line opener with ¾-horsepower battery backup, belt drive and nearly soundless operation: $475
- The majority of higher-end garage door openers are “smart” products and will connect via app to your smartphone for remote access.