Garage Door – Service is Important
Installing a new garage door is a significant investment that can pay dividends through increased home value, security, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. With proper planning and expertise, a new garage door system can provide smooth, reliable performance for decades to come.
This comprehensive professional guide from West Coast Garage Doors will walk you through everything homeowners need to know about garage door installation and replacement. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a pro, understanding the full process from start to finish is crucial for success.
Why Replace an Old or Damaged Garage Door?
There are several key reasons homeowners choose to invest in a new garage door system:
- Improved Curb Appeal – An attractive new garage door can dramatically improve your home’s exterior look and streetside presence.
- Increased Property Value – Updating worn or dated doors shows buyers you care for your home’s upkeep, thereby increasing resale value.
- Better Security – Modern doors have built-in safety features and stronger materials to deter break-ins.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency – Well-insulated doors prevent heat loss and gain, providing savings on energy bills.
- Improved Functionality – Keyless entry pads, smartphone apps, quieter motors, and automatic openers make doors much more convenient to use daily.
- Noise Reduction – Foam-insulated doors help block outside noise from entering the garage and home.
Replacing an old ineffective garage door provides significant benefits that boost livability, security, efficiency, and resale potential.
Popular Garage Door Materials
Garage doors come in a variety of materials, each with their own benefits and considerations:
Steel
The most popular and affordable option, steel is extremely durable and dent-resistant. Steel doors require periodic repainting to prevent rust over the long term. Foamed-insulation between steel layers improves thermal efficiency.
Aluminum
Aluminum doors are lightweight yet very sturdy. They resist rust, dents, and salt corrosion well. Aluminum is prone to heat-based expansion and contraction, so climate is a consideration. Generally more expensive than steel.
Wood
Wood doors can impart a warm, classic look. However, they require diligent upkeep including regular painting/staining to protect from moisture, rot, and pests. Cedar and redwood are naturally resilient options.
Fiberglass
As a composite material, fiberglass is highly impact-resistant and requires minimal maintenance. It provides the look of real wood without as much upkeep. Fiberglass doors have excellent thermal insulation properties.
Vinyl
Vinyl garage doors are rustproof, dent-resistant, and among the lightest options. However, vinyl can become brittle and discolored over time with extended sun exposure. Generally one of the most affordable choices.
When selecting a material, consider your home design, climate, maintenance abilities, noise needs, and budget. Your installer can help guide you in choosing the optimal door material for your needs and goals.
Garage Door Styles
In addition to materials, the style of garage door must be selected. Popular options include:
Sectional Roll-Up Doors
The most common modern garage door, sectional roll-ups consist of 4-8 horizontal panels hinged together to roll along a vertical track system. This style works great for most garages and comes in steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl.
Carriage House Doors
Carriage doors include decorative hardware and window designs that make them look like an old-fashioned carriage house. The visual weight at the bottom provides a distinctive look. Can be swing-out or roll-up style.
Custom Wood Doors
For a true high-end appearance, custom wood doors can be designed with intricate woodwork, custom staining, and wrought iron hardware. Though costly, they impart spectacular curb appeal.
Smart Garage Door Opener Options
Today’s garage door openers provide more convenience and connectivity than ever:
- Smartphone Control – Open or close your door from anywhere using a smartphone app.
- Keyless Entry – Keypads provide secure access without needing to carry remotes or keys.
- Fingerprint Scanners – For ultimate convenience, fingerprint scanners ID authorized users.
- Backup Battery – Battery backup systems allow door operation during power outages.
- Alerts – Get notifications if your garage door is accessed or left open for extra security.
Upgrading to a smart WiFi-enabled opener allows you to control, monitor, and program your door remotely for maximum function and security. At West Coast Garage Doors we carry the latest advanced garage openers, and the knowledge to se them up correctly.
Pre-Installation Planning & Prep Work
Careful planning and preparation prior to installation day will ensure the process goes smoothly:
Have an Accurate Door Size
Provide your exact opening measurements to the supplier so your door is sized correctly. Measure width at the top, middle, and bottom. Check height at left, right, and center points.
Confirm Headroom Requirements
Doors require 10-12 inches of clearance between the top of the opening and the ceiling. Account for extra height if adding an automatic opener.
Assess the Opening Condition
Examine the header, jambs, threshold and surrounding walls. Look for damage, rot, or insufficient support. Repair issues to provide a solid mounting surface.
Add Necessary Electrical
If installing an automatic opener, work with an electrician to ensure sufficient amperage and appropriate outlet placement ahead of time.
Upgrade Insulation & Weather Stripping
Improving garage insulation and perimeter weather seals delivers better temperature and sound control when doors are closed.
Taking the time to make preparations before installation day reduces errors and ensures your door operates smoothly for maximum longevity. Give us a call at West Coast Garage Doors,we’ll be happy tp answer any questions that you may have.
DIY Garage Door Installation vs Hiring a Pro
When it comes to something as complex and potentially dangerous as garage door installation, most experts recommend hiring professional installers. Benefits include:
- Knowledge of safety protocols around springs, cables, and hardware
- Ability to accurately assess and repair underlying issues
- Access to special lifting equipment and commercial-grade parts
- Improved likelihood of getting warranties from manufacturers
- Peace of mind from having experts handle a hazardous process
That being said, with proper planning and caution, some ambitious DIYers can tackle their own garage door replacement and save on labor costs. Having another strong person assist is recommended.
For DIYers, taking the time to watch tutorial videos, read product manuals, and gather the right tools ahead of time is crucial. Always put safety first and get professional help for anything you feel unsure about. While we understand people like to save money, we at West Coast Garage Doors strongly believe that unless you have experience and the right tools, garage door installation is generally not a job for homewners.
We provide garage door installation to the entire Cape Coral – Fort Myers, Florida metro area, including the following areas:
Cape Coral
Fort Myers
What to Expect During Professional Installation
When leaving garage door installation to the professionals, clients can expect the following workflow:
- Removal of all existing hardware including tracks, cables, springs and fasteners.
- Inspection and reinforcement of the underlying door frame structure.
- Installation of new tracks, cables, rollers and torsion spring system.
- Hanging panels one-by-one and attaching properly to tracks.
- Lubricating rollers and balancing door weight using spring tension.
- Installing and programming the automatic garage door opener motor.
- Testing door travel and making adjustments for smooth operation.
- Weather sealing around the perimeter to protect from elements.
- Adding exterior trim pieces and finishing hardware installation.
The full professional installation process usually takes between 4-8 hours depending on garage size and system. Allow ample time in your schedule. If you would like to discuss the garage door options we have available, give us a call at West Coast Garage Doors.
How Much Does Garage Door Installation Cost?
On average, homeowners pay between $500 – $2,500 for complete garage door installation or replacement. Factors affecting your total investment include:
- Door Size – Larger double-car doors cost 35-55% more than single-car doors.
- Materials – Wood and fiberglass doors cost 50-100% more than basic steel or vinyl doors.
- Insulation Rating – More insulation increases materials cost but saves on energy bills.
- Windows/Designs – Arched windows, ornamental handles, or carriage house hardware increase cost $300-$500 per door.
- Automatic Opener – Adding an opener with battery backup averages $500-$1,000 for purchase and professional installation.
- Labor – Hiring a pro installer averages $400-$800 for a standard double door. Complex jobs may cost $1,000+.
- Permits & Fees – Some areas require building permits averaging $50 per garage door.
On the low end, basic steel single-car doors start around $800 installed. On the high end, oak carriage house doors with custom finishes can surpass $7,000 installed. Comparing at least 3 custom installer quotes helps find the best value for your specific project. For a free consult and price quote, call West Coast Garage Doors.
Questions to Ask Potential Garage Door Installers
When evaluating installers, make sure to ask these important questions:
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- How long have you been in business and what is your reputation like?
- Can you provide references from recent jobs comparable to mine?
- Do you provide detailed written estimates and handle securing permits?
- What brand garage door products do you use and recommend?
- Do you offer any labor warranty above the manufacturer warranty?
- Will the same crew handle my install start to finish?
Reputable contractors will have no issue providing documentation of proper credentials and insurance. Checking reviews and references is always wise when hiring any service provider. West Coast Garage Doors has dozens of real reviews from our satisfied customers.
Considerations for Garage Door Openers
The opener you choose will significantly impact convenience and functionality:
- Drive System – Chain, belt, or screw drive. Belt is often the quietest.
- Horsepower – Minimum 1⁄2 HP. Larger doors may require 3⁄4 or 1 HP.
- Speed – Faster opening and closing is more convenient but pricier.
- Smart Features – Keyless access, phone apps, IFTTT integration, and WiFi.
- Battery Backup – Allows opener function during power outages.
- Mounting – Ceiling or wall mounted depending on space.
- Noise Level – Check decibel ratings and materials used to minimize noise.
Discuss your needs and priorities with your professional installer so they can recommend the ideal opener for your situation.
Maintaining Your Garage Door Post-Installation
With professional installation, your new garage door system should deliver years of smooth, trouble-free performance. But periodic maintenance is still recommended:
- Monthly – Test safety features and lubricate rollers. Inspect weather stripping.
- Seasonally – Clean tracks to remove debris. Check cables, rollers, and pulleys.
- Yearly – Have door balance and opener force adjusted by a technician.
Follow the maintenance checklist provided by your installer. Properly caring for your door extends its lifespan.
For wood doors, apply sealants and paints on a regular schedule per the manufacturer. Well-maintained wood doors can look beautiful for decades.
What to Do If Problems Arise Post-Installation
If any performance issues pop up after your new garage door is installed, contact your original installer right away. Common problems include:
- Door not closing fully due to misalignment or roller issues
- Noisy operation indicating worn or damaged parts
- Door binding or sticking along the tracks during travel
- Slow operation pointing to an opener or balance issue
- Remote sensors malfunctioning causing auto-reverse problems
Never try to adjust springs, cables, or hardware yourself unless you are a trained professional. Botched DIY repairs often make problems worse and void warranties. Your original installer will usually address any installation-related issues under their labor warranty at little to no cost.
Upgrading your old ineffective garage door provides a wide range of benefits well worth the investment. Carefully planning the project and hiring qualified professional installers ensures your new door functions safely for maximum longevity.
By knowing what to expect throughout the installation process, asking the right installer questions, and performing regular maintenance, you can avoid many common pitfalls and end up with a beautiful, highly functional door system that adds value and appeal to your home.
To get a free estimate and discuss what new garage door would be best for your budget and home, call West Coast Garage Doors at (239) 478-2665 for immediate assistance.