This depends on the size, material, and other factors, such as insulation and windows. On average, a new garage door costs between $2,150 and $4,300, plus installation, which averages between $700 and $1,200. Larger or higher-end garage doors can exceed $7,000, plus installation. Wood or glass garage doors are usually more expensive, while steel or aluminum doors are more affordable but still provide good quality.
The average garage door lasts between 15 and 30 years. Its lifespan depends on the material it’s made of, the local climate, and how well it is maintained. High quality steel doors with good insulation are generally considered the best pick in colder climates.
Garage doors are usually covered by homeowner’s insurance when damaged by accidents, natural disasters (hail, storms, etc.), accidents, vandalism, and fire. They usually are not covered when normal wear and tear, floods, earthquakes, or gross negligence cause damage. Check your policy or contact your insurance agent to see what your policy covers.
The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performance. The R-value of insulated garage doors typically ranges from 6.3 to 20.4, depending on the door’s thickness, material, and type of insulation. Polyurethane usually has the highest R-value, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 per inch of thickness, making it the most effective insulator among these options. For the best insulation in a garage used as a workshop or home gym, choosing a door with at least an R-16 value is recommended.
To prevent your garage door from freezing, lubricate the door, remove snow and ice from around the garage door daily, and sprinkle a light layer of salt around the door to prevent ice buildup. Also, you can replace your current door with an insulated one, and place a space heater in your garage during extremely low temperatures.