When it comes to home improvement projects, few tasks are quite as important or make quite as much of a difference as a new garage door installation. Whether clients are upgrading for better security, improved aesthetics, or merely replacing an old, malfunctioning door, installation is one of the critical steps.
Our clients regularly ask us how long it takes to install a garage door. This will indeed consider several factors, from the actual type and size of the door down to whether one is doing it oneself or hiring someone else to do it. The average installation of a garage door by a professional takes roughly 4 to 6 hours.
However, this number can be shortened or increased by several things. Knowing the variables that go into this will help ensure a smooth and quick installation of the doors, saving you time, money, and hassles.
Factors That Affect Garage Door Installation Time
The different factors that go into the garage remodeling process are immense. Several things have to be done. So, here are some of the common factors that can result in affecting the time lap of garage door installation.
1. Door Size
Larger garage doors, like double doors, take more time to install. Ordinarily, a single door is about 9×7 feet, while a double garage door may go up to 16×7 feet. The reason for this is that it carries more weight and setting up the tracks, springs, and opener may take longer when installing a double door.
2. Garage Door Opener Installation
If you are also installing a garage door opener, then the installation time will be added to it. The garage door openers normally take an extra 2 to 4 hours depending on the complexity of the system and whether any wiring or programming is involved in it.
3. Removing the Old Door
If you are replacing an existing door, then the process of removing the old one can take an extra hour or two. Time consumed for the same will depend on many factors: whether the bolts are rusted or the tracks have damaged sections.
4. Hardware Complexity
Some garage doors are made with more complicated hardware; hence, this will require more time to install. For example, if a person is installing a garage door with torsion springs, which have to be installed in a more precise manner, it may take more time as compared to a garage door with extension springs.
5. Professional vs DIY Installation
If you are doing the installation yourself, it is going to depend a lot on your experience and familiarity with the tools and the processes involved. For first-timers, this may take approximately 8 to 12 hours with only a DIY installation method.
Professional installers have the right equipment and expertise to get it done much quicker, probably within 4-6 hours. They will also balance your garage door; it is an important thing if it were to serve smoothly.
6. Garage Condition
The condition of your garage will also impact the overall installation time. If the garage door frame is warped, the walls aren’t even, or the floor isn’t level, then these issues would have to be corrected before the actual installation can start. This can add a couple of more hours to the overall installation.
7. Weather Conditions
Installation of a garage door would take more time in extreme weather conditions like rain and snow. In cold weather, some materials may be difficult to handle while in extremely hot weather, the work is usually more cumbersome hence slowing down the process.
Average Time for Different Types of Garage Door Installation
Garage doors come in different styles and materials, each with its special installation requirements. Common types include:
- Sectional Garage Doors: These are the most common type and include horizontal panels connected by hinges. They are relatively simple to install, taking about 4-6 hours.
- Roll-up Garage Doors: Commercially, roll-up garage doors are used, but they can also be installed in homes. The technical expertise that these require is a lot, and it may take around 6-8 hours or so.
- Tilt-up Garage Doors: Tilt-up garage doors come as a single piece and usually take less time to install than a sectional or roll-up door; this may take about 3-5 hours.
- Custom Garage Doors: If your garage door is custom or happens to have special features included in it, like insulation, a window, or smart technology, then the installation may take more time and sometimes even up to the whole day.
5 Steps for Installation of Garage Door with Time
There are things that you need to do for a garage conversion. All steps require specific time to do to have a perfect installation.
Step 1: Prep Work
The first thing that needs to be done when installing a garage door is preparation. This entails any cleanup of debris, the taking out of the old door if needed, and general structural preparedness for the new door. According to the state of the garage-whether the old door needed to be taken out or not-it may take 1-2 hours.
Step 2: Install the tracks
The garage door tracks are essentially made up of metal rails that the door navigates on during its opening and closing operation. These need to be aligned, and the installation time taken for these tracks is usually 1-2 hours depending on length and complexity.
Step 3: Installation of Panels
If one is installing a sectional garage door, the panels are then installed into the tracks. The time consumed depends on the number of sections that will be used and whether or not they are pre assembled. It roughly takes about 2-3 hours to accomplish this task.
Step 4: Installation of the springs
Installation of the springs is the next line of installation. Torsion springs are trickier and will demand more time on installation up to 1-2 hours, and an extension spring will require a little less-around 30 minutes to 1 hour. If installing a garage door opener, it will be installed and attached to the ceiling and linked to the door by a drive system.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
After installation, the installer checks for proper alignment, spring tension, and smooth opening and closing. This would normally take another 30 minutes to an hour.
Garage Door Out: A Basic Replacement
Replacing a garage door with an exact replacement can save time since adjustments to the tracks or hardware will be bypassed, and installation usually takes 2 to 4 hours. This is quite practical when you already like your current door and want to go through some newer options.
Since new doors may boast better insulation, fire ratings, and energy efficiency that could help one way or another in the long run.
If your current door is near the end of its life span of 15 to 30 years, depending on the model-reflect on these advancements before choosing a substitute.
Expert Garage Door Installation Services by Smart Remodeling LLC
When you choose Smart Remodeling LLC, a Houston-based company with over 14 years of expertise and the Best of Houzz Award for 2024, for your garage door installation, you’re partnering with a team of professionals committed to delivering top-quality workmanship and exceptional service.
Our experienced management ensures a seamless process, from helping you select the perfect door to completing the installation with precision and care. With our extensive expertise, we guarantee that your garage door will be installed efficiently, meeting all safety and durability standards.
Contact us today for a consultation and let’s get started on your garage door installation.
Conclusion
Painting a garage floor is a straightforward and cost-effective way to enhance the look and durability of your space. With proper preparation and the right tools, the process can be completed efficiently, transforming your garage into a cleaner, more organized area. Whether you choose to handle the project yourself or hire professionals like Smart Remodeling LLC, you’ll enjoy a durable and visually appealing finish that adds value to your home.
FAQs
1. Do I need to install a garage door opener separately?
Yes, if you are adding an opener, it requires extra time, taking about 2 to 4 hours of installation time, depending on the model and whether wiring is required.
2. Are there any garage door innovations I should consider?
Yes, new doors have better insulation, fire resistance, and integrations of smart technologies that can help enhance energy efficiency and security.
3. What if my garage requires some structural repairs before the installation of the door?
Well, in that case, if any repairs are required in any of the structural areas, then the staff of the contractor will discuss it with you beforehand.
