A new garage door can improve safety, security, energy use and how your home looks from the street. Choosing the right material, insulation and opener, and having it installed correctly, makes the door last for years.
Sifixit is a free referral service. Call the number on this page and you will be connected with an independent garage door repair provider where one serves your area. Calling costs nothing and you are never obliged to hire anyone.
Signs it may be time for a new door
Consider replacement if several of these apply.
- Repairs keep coming back
- Panels are dented, cracked or rotted
- The door is noisy, slow or out of balance
- The garage is hard to heat or cool
- The door lacks modern safety features
- You want to improve how the house looks
What to do right now
Do not try to remove an old garage door or its springs yourself. The springs are under high tension.
- Measure the door opening, or ask for a measure visit
- Decide on material, color and windows
- Decide whether you need insulation
- Decide whether to replace the opener too
- Check HOA rules for style and color
- Get written quotes
Choosing a door
Steel
The most common choice. Durable and low maintenance, with or without insulation.
Wood and wood look
Attractive and traditional. Real wood needs regular finishing.
Aluminum and glass
Modern look with lots of light. Less insulating.
Insulation
Insulated doors are quieter and help keep attached garages more comfortable.
How a new door is installed
- The old door, springs and tracks are safely removed.
- The opening is checked and prepared.
- New tracks, panels, springs and hardware are installed.
- The door is balanced and the opener is installed or connected.
- Safety sensors and auto reverse are tested.
Things to agree before work starts
- The exact model, color, windows and insulation
- Whether the opener is included
- Haul away of the old door
- Wind rated doors where local code requires them, such as in many hurricane areas
- Warranty terms for the door, springs and labor
Questions to ask before you hire
- What insulation value does this door have?
- Is the opener included or extra?
- Will you haul away the old door?
- Does my area require a wind rated door?
- What warranty covers the door and installation?
Frequently asked questions
How long does installation take?
Many single doors are installed in half a day.
Do I need a new opener too?
Not always. An older opener may work, but it must have working safety sensors and auto reverse.
Is an insulated door worth it?
If the garage is attached or used as a workspace, insulation helps with comfort and noise.
Do garage doors need permits?
Some areas require permits, especially where wind rated doors are required. Ask your installer.
Learn more
Our main garage door repair guide covers the wider picture, including what affects the cost and when to call a professional.
Sifixit is a free referral service and does not provide home services. Calls may be answered by a partner call center or connected directly to independent local providers, who are solely responsible for their work, pricing, licensing and insurance.