Garage Door Replacement & New Garage Door Installation

Installing a new garage door offers significant benefits, from enhancing home safety and energy efficiency to providing the highest return on investment for home improvement projects. This guide covers when to consider replacement, material and style options, installation methods, and cost factors.

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Properly maintained garage doors provide benefits that are crucial to your home’s safety, energy efficiency and value. Installing a new garage door delivers an average 193% return on investment—higher than any other common repair or remodeling project. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the signs that it’s time to get a new door, the materials and styles available, installation methods and the average replacement costs. When the time comes, Garage.com will be here to help you with your garage door replacement and installation needs.

When To Consider Garage Door Replacement

The average lifespan of a garage door is 15 to 30 years depending on its materials and how well it’s been maintained. By the end of its useful life, your garage door will have provided safety and security, energy efficiency, protection from the elements and curb appeal. But when exactly should you replace it?   

The answer depends on several factors. It might be time for an upgrade if your garage door…

  • Makes strange noises even after you’ve attempted basic repairs
  • Has visible damage like rust, dents or cracks that could compromise your home’s energy efficiency
  • Has faulty hardware or rusting components
  • Is not properly balanced
  • Is an eyesore that could be lowering your property value

Old doors with worn-out hardware and outdated safety features are dangerous to the people and pets in your home. If it’s even a question whether or not your door is safe, it’s time to replace it. Installing a new door provides peace of mind, boosts your home’s energy efficiency and increases its overall value.

Choosing Your New Replacement Garage Door

There’s no shortage of garage door materials and styles to choose from. One of the most important, though, is what it’s made of. Consider your area’s climate and insulation needs before choosing from:

Garage Door Installation Methods

When you hire a professional to install a garage door, the first step is scheduling an on-site consultation. The installer will assess the existing system and its dimensions and provide a parts and labor quote. Assuming you accept the quote, the installation steps will be similar to these:

  1. Removal and disposal of the old door and its hardware: If you’re taking on the project yourself, be prepared to haul away and recycle the old door.
  2. Preparation of the frame: If it’s not level or has warped over time, the installation team may need to make some adjustments.
  3. Track and hardware installation: The installation team will mount the vertical and horizontal tracks, along with any necessary hardware, to the garage door frame. This step requires exact measurements.
  4. Installation of springs, pulleys and cables: Both extension springs and torsion springs store immense amounts of pressure. Do not attempt to install springs without a professional or the proper training.
  5. Installing the panel sections: The pieces of the door itself are then secured to the tracks using specialized equipment.
  6. Attaching the new door to the opener. Whether you’re keeping your existing garage door opener or adding a new one, the installer will connect it to the new door. 

The installer will then test the new system and perform a safety check. Most reputable installation companies will offer a limited-time warranty on the labor. Check the manufacturer’s guide for details on your new garage door’s warranty.

DIY Considerations

New garage doors involve heavy door sections, springs that are under extreme force, specialized tools and precise measurements. Some electrical work is also necessary to connect the new door to the garage door opener. Hiring a professional is highly recommended to help reduce the risk of serious injury. 
If you do decide to go the DIY route, enlist the help of another person or two for the project and have these tools on hand:

  • Locking pliers
  • Screwdriver set
  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Hammer
  • Drill 
  • Impact Driver
  • Pry bar
  • Measuring tape
  • Two ladders
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Replacement & Installation

You can keep your existing garage door opener as long as it’s compatible with the new door. It should have enough horsepower to repeatedly raise and lower the weight of the new door. Keep in mind that, depending on the manufacturer, you may void the door’s warranty by mixing and matching parts.

When a technician comes to your house for an initial consultation, they’ll first ask you for the scope of work you’re interested in. From there, they’ll take some measurements, assess the existing system and provide a parts and labor quote that you can choose to accept or reject after carefully considering it.

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report published by Zonda—a data company that provides insights to home services professionals—the average return on investment for installing a new garage door is a staggering 194%. This is up from 103% in 2023 and yields the highest ROI of any common home improvement project.

Ongoing maintenance for your new garage door should include routine cleaning, lubricating moving parts, checking the seals for damage, tightening screws and bolts and cleaning the tracks. Check the manufacturer’s guide for its recommended maintenance schedule. 

garage repair service provider repairing a garage door track

Get Your Free Quote and Schedule Your Garage Repair Today

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Tips and Expert Advice for Your Garage

Stay informed with expert advice on garage door maintenance, garage door service, garage door replacement, and upgrades. Explore our blog for guides, troubleshooting tips, and more.

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Garage door rollers and track, white aluminum garage door

How to Repair a Garage Door: DIY Solutions and When to Call a Pro

Garage door repairs can range from simple DIY maintenance to complex professional interventions, with safety being the paramount concern when addressing issues like motor problems, spring tensions, or physical damage. While homeowners can perform basic tasks like lubrication and visual inspections. Most critical repairs involving electrical components, springs, and tracks should be performed by experienced professionals who can ensure safety and provide warranty-backed services.
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7 Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need To Be Repaired

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White garage door with window panel opening, new hardware.

Why Is My Garage Door Opening By Itself?

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Garage Door Hinges

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New garage door replacement seen form inside the garage, showing all new parts and panels with paned windows across the top.

How Much Does Replacing a Garage Door Cost?

The national average garage door replacement cost ranges from $750 to $6,000, offering a significant return on investment of up to 193.9%. Factors influencing cost include size, material, style, insulation, and installation. Understanding when replacement is necessary and the various cost factors involved can help homeowners make informed decisions and enhance their home’s curb appeal and value.
garage door clearly off track, seen from outside tilted to the left due to stage 5 track misalignment

7 Signs Your Garage Door Tracks Are Unbalanced & How to Fix Them

Is your garage door looking crooked? Hearing loud scraping or grinding noises? Or maybe it’s sticking or failing to close completely? These are telltale signs your garage door tracks are unbalanced and need attention. Don’t panic! Minor misalignments can often be fixed with simple tools like a level, rubber mallet, and some good ol’ tightening of hardware. However, for severe bends, detachments, or multiple rollers jumping off track, it’s time to call the pros. Remember, safety first! Before attempting any fixes, secure your garage door and always wear safety glasses. Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent these issues, keeping your garage door operating smoothly for years to come.