Garage door replacement cost guide

Whether your garage door is damaged, you’re looking for a new look for your home or you’re upgrading security, it’s useful to know the cost of garage door replacement.

How much does garage door replacement cost?

The price of your replacement garage door will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Size and design
• Door mechanism
• Electrical work involved
• Removal of existing garage door
• Location (replacing garage doors is more expensive in some parts of the country than in others)

In addition to the cost of the garage door itself, you also need to include the cost of labour.

A professional garage door expert will charge around £200 - £300 for the installation labour.

Average cost of garage door replacement and installation: £850 - £2,700

Why replace your garage door?

Here are some of the top reasons that help justify the cost of your replacement garage door:

• Increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
• Enhanced security that protects your car and belongings stored in the garage.
• Cheaper home insurance in some cases thanks to the enhanced safety and security.
• Improve the appearance of your home with a stylish modern garage door.
• Better energy efficiency with a well-insulated garage door keeps energy bills down.

Types of garage door and replacement costs

Sectional garage doors

These are one of the most popular styles of garage doors for British homeowners. The door itself is made up of a collection of panelled sections joined together with hinges.

As the door opens and closes, the sections are able to fold a certain point on the track that they’re on. This design allows the door to be held parallel to the garage ceiling when it’s completely open, taking up minimal space in the garage.

Roller garage doors

Roller garages originally became popular in commercial garage units, but they’re becoming increasingly used in domestic garages as more appealing designs become available.

They’re generally made of steel slats that roll around a central drum that is held above the garage door opening. They are built to withstand heavy usage (hence their commercial popularity), which also means they tend to cost more than sectional garage doors.

Electric garage doors

Electric garage doors come in a variety of models, but all of them are designed to be used with an electric operating system. This makes it the easiest option for opening and closing as it involves little effort on your part.

The most common operating devices are a wall-mounted button on the inside of the garage, and a handheld device to use from the outside. Nowadays there are also a range of hi-tech accessories including keyfobs, wireless keypads, app-enabled garage door opening systems, and even fingerprint scanners.

Side-hinged garage doors

Side-hinged garage doors resemble barn doors in their design, as they rely on a very classic hinged frame for opening and closing. They’re usually made of wood, but they are available in other materials.

This style of garage door has become popular with homeowners who have limited space or obstructions in the roof of their garage (which get in the way of other garage door mechanisms). Side-hinged garage doors are also a popular choice for open carports that don’t have a full building structure around them.

Up and over garage doors

The ‘up and over’ canopy-style garage doors are made of one solid piece of material, rather than sections joined together. They use a pivoting hinge mechanism, which means they tilt up into the garage when opened.

This style of garage door is found on many older garages as it was the default design for many years in the UK, and it is also generally the cheapest option available.

Things to consider when replacing your garage door

When looking at the cost of garage door replacement, it’s worth asking yourself a number of questions before making your decision:

• Which opening mechanism do you need?
• What colour garage door would match your home?
• What material do you want, or can you afford?
• Do you need insulation for your garage door?

Answering these questions will help you have a better idea of what you need, so you can find out more accurate prices for your exact garage door replacement.

How long does it take to fit a garage door?

Usually between two hours and one day. The time it takes will depend on the type of garage door that you currently have and the type you’re replacing it with. Garage doors with mechanical systems will take longer to install.

Can I replace a garage door myself?

We would highly recommend hiring a local garage door expert to install your replacement door. Due to the size of garage doors and the complexity of their mechanisms, it can be a tough job to remove your existing door and replace it with the new one yourself.

Useful garage door replacement checklist

• Speak to local garage door experts for professional advice and accurate prices.
• If in doubt, ask local garage door suppliers for in-person demonstrations to help you choose the right garage door type for you.
• When hiring a professional tradesperson, make sure they have the relevant experience and qualifications/accreditations.
• Always shop around for fair and competitive prices.