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.

Find Garage Door Repair Services

Get a fast & free quote | Schedule your service today


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Old doors with worn-out hardware and outdated safety features are dangerous to the people and pets in your home.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

Find top-rated companies for fast garage repairs and service to make sure your garage door system lasts. Get free quotes from garage door companies in your area.

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.

Aerial view of a modern suburban house in Fuquay-Varina with a well-maintained lawn and driveway featuring a vinyl garage door.

Vinyl Garage Doors

Unlock worry-free garage door performance with durable and stylish vinyl garage doors. Discover how these budget-friendly doors resist rust and warping. Our guide reveals the secrets to a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution for your home. Upgrade to vinyl and say goodbye to endless upkeep.
Elegant suburban family house with large lawn and driveway, featuring sliding carriage style garage doors

Sliding Garage Doors

Sliding garage doors offer an elegant and space-saving alternative to traditional designs. This guide covers types, materials, installation, and maintenance, helping you decide if this sleek option fits your needs. Maximize garage space and add modern style with a side-sliding entrance.
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 rollers and track, white aluminum garage door

Garage Door Track Replacement Cost: Complete Price Guide

Garage door track replacement costs typically range from $200 to $450, influenced by factors like track material, door size, and local labor rates; signs of needed replacement include bent tracks, excessive noise, or the garage door being off track. Professional garage door track installation is recommended for severe damage, ensuring safety and proper functioning of the garage door system.
Bright suburban home with classic architecture and multiple garage doors

Standard Garage Door Sizes

Navigating the world of garage door sizes can be overwhelming, from single and double door dimensions to specialized sizes for RVs and boats. Standard garage doors are usually 7-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. Whether you’re renovating, building, or simply curious, find the perfect garage door size for your home and vehicle with our detailed charts and measurement tips.
Genie garage door opener logo

Genie Garage Door Openers

Since the mid-1950s, Genie has been a household name in the garage door products space. The Ohio-based company currently produces 53 residential garage door opener models ranging from no-frills workhorses to technologically advanced, smart home-compatible, ultra-quiet units. Our guide dives into Genie’s deep bench of residential garage door openers by comparing each unit’s features, performance, price point and more.
A stylish green two-story suburban house with white trim and tilt-up garages on a sunny street corner.

Tilt-Up Garage Doors

Thinking of adding a unique touch to your home? Discover the charm of tilt-up garage doors, a stylish alternative that blends vintage appeal with modern functionality. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the benefits, types, and considerations of these one-piece wonders, helping you decide if they’re the perfect fit for your garage. Learn about everything from materials to maintenance and transform your home’s facade.
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.
Hormann garage doors logo

Hörmann Garage Doors

Hörmann Garage Doors offers basic, more conventional doors to luxury garage openings for nearly every home type. From long raised panel options to carriage house and flush modern design schemes, we’ve broken down every garage door type it provides. See how it compares to other top providers here.
Older home with unique panel garage door

Garage Door Panel Replacement and Cost

Garage door panel replacement is a viable option for homeowners dealing with localized damage to their sectional doors. This guide covers when panel replacement is appropriate versus a full door replacement, the process involved, cost considerations, and how to find matching panels. Learn about the signs of damage, DIY vs. professional replacement, and get answers to frequently asked questions about repairing your garage door.
Homeowner opening garage with remote garage door opener form driveway

Best Garage Door Openers: Complete Buying Guide & Top Recommendations

Choosing the right garage door opener involves weighing multiple factors including drive type, horsepower, noise level, and smart home capabilities, with options ranging from budget-friendly chain drives to high-tech jackshaft systems. Find the best garage door opener whether you’re looking for enhanced security, quieter operation, or convenient features.