How Much Does a Garage Door Cost, and Is It Covered by a Warranty?
JANUARY 22, 2024 | Home Care Buzz Experts | 5 minute read
Garage doors serve as an important entry and exit point in the home, protecting vehicles, tools, and more. Over time, repeated opening and closing leads to wear and tear, pushing the garage door to its limits. When the time comes to replace yours, look into the costs in your area as a first step. But how much does a garage door cost?
Why Replace Your Garage Door?
Style and Technology
In addition to inevitable wear and tear, another common reason people replace their garage doors is to improve the look of their homes. A recent facade remodel might make an outdated garage door incompatible with the new aesthetic, or the charm of a vintage double barn door design might spark interest. Furthermore, modern garage doors come with an array of smart features, offering an updated level of convenience and security, which aligns well with modern smart home setups.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another reason homeowners might consider replacing their garage doors. Modern garage doors are engineered with better insulation that helps maintain an energy-efficient home. By minimizing heat transfer, these contemporary doors help to stabilize indoor temperatures, potentially reducing the load on heating and cooling systems.
Crunching the Numbers: Average Cost of a New Garage Door
| Material | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Steel | $500 |
| Vinyl | $600 |
| Aluminum | $800 |
| Composite | $1,500 |
| Fiberglass | $1,500 |
| Wood | $2,000 |
How much is a garage door? Many garage door cost calculators will price a steel door installation from $500 to $2,000.
The use of steel garage doors is widespread across the country, and the national average of a garage door cost ranges from $500 to $2,000 to buy this type of door. According to some online sources, other materials can cost as little as $400 to as high as $10,000; the national average cost for a new garage door is around $1,200. Remember, the cost to replace a garage door will vary based on where you live.
These costs will vary depending on the style, workmanship, and other details, which we'll explore in the next section. Where you live can also factor into how much you will pay—some homeowners associations, for example, require residents to install a specific garage door to maintain a standard neighborhood look.
Is the Cost of a Garage Door Worth It? 2023 Cost vs. Value Report
Opting for a new garage door is more than an aesthetic choice — it's a smart financial move, too. According to the Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling by JLC, spending $4,513 on removing and replacing a 16- by 7-foot garage door can enhance a home's resale value by $8,751. That's a cost recouped rate of over 190%, so not only does this upgrade pay for itself, but it also gives you quite a bonus.
Factors That Impact Cost
Here's a look at the factors that impact garage door replacement costs.
Single vs. Double Doors
The configuration of your new doors will depend on the size of your garage. A two-plus car garage can fit individual doors or a wide door that opens completely. It is less expensive to install a large double door than two single doors, assuming they are of the same style and material. On average, a double garage door installation will range from $1,200 to $1,500, whereas two single doors will cost around $2,000.
Garage Door Materials
The material of a garage door can have a significant impact on the final cost. The most popular options are:
Steel
Considered the go-to for many homeowners for its sturdiness and availability, steel is an inexpensive option for garage doors. These doors start at around $500. While it's easy to get a new door in the sectional style that most garage doors are made in, customizing it to one's preference can be challenging.
Vinyl
A lightweight, low-maintenance option, vinyl is also on the lower end of the cost bracket. Expect costs to start at $600 for this kind of door. Vinyl is great for insulation as it has a foam core but can warp because of heat or crack in low temperatures.
Aluminum
This material is lightweight, but its high strength makes aluminum a popular choice for garage doors. It can also be insulated for cold temperatures. Expect costs to start at $800 for an aluminum garage door.
Composite
Composite material, made with a blend of fibers and resins, looks like wood and costs upwards of $1,500. These doors are, however, hard to customize.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is an excellent wood alternative because it does not require as much maintenance but can be quite pricey. This material costs about $1,500 for a basic door.
Wood
Wood is one of the most expensive materials for garage doors, both in cost and maintenance. Wood garage doors start at about $2,000.
Garage Door Styles
Common garage door styles include paneled, carriage doors, and French-style garage doors. Paneling is featured on many sectioned doors and is usually less costly than other styles.
On the other hand, French-style doors are sometimes designed with windows, which can drive up costs. Carriage-style doors can allow for more customization than their counterparts, and the more elaborate the design, the higher the cost.
Garage Door Openers
Most homeowners prefer a new garage door that automatically opens and closes with a garage door opener. These openers come in many forms, the most common being for single rollup doors or the screw-driven openers for sectional doors, which open upward and overhead. These typically cost between $300 and $350.
Other popular styles include openers for garage doors that swing out or slide open. Sliding doors are great for smaller garages, while swing-out garage doors need a lot of space for opening and closing. Swing-out garage door openers tend to be more expensive than those for typical roll-up garage doors.
Smart Garage Openers
The evolution of smart technology has ushered in a range of smart garage door openers. They offer remote operation from your smartphone but also integrate with home security systems, enhancing the safety of your home.
Labor and Installation
Most professionals charge a flat rate for new garage door installations. Custom doors and heavy wood doors often cost more to install than lighter materials. Garage door installation costs can increase if a homeowner needs specialized hardware.
First American Home Warranty Garage Door Opener Coverage
Installing a new garage door can be costly. If you are looking for ways to protect your household budget, home warranty coverage from First American may help. Plus, a home warranty plan can cover the repair or replacement of a garage door opener if it stops working. Contact us to learn more about all the appliances and home systems our home warranties can cover or get a quick home warranty quote.
More Garage Door Resources
Investing in a new garage door is a significant home improvement venture. By understanding the cost of garage doors, you're well on your way to making an informed decision. Explore our other resources to delve deeper into home improvement insights: Once you have a new garage door, you'll want to keep the opener well-maintained. Here are great maintenance tips that can help.
If you are considering a garage makeover, these garage conversion ideas can help you finish your project.
The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.
Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.
Home Care Buzz Experts
The First American Home Care Buzz team is made up of experienced home warranty writers and editors. Our team provides valuable insights and information to help homeowners like you meet the daily challenges of homeownership.
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