Garage Door Installation: How Long Does It Usually Take?
If you are contemplating a new garage door installation, you may wonder what's involved and how long the process takes. That's only natural. After all, you don't want your home to be without a garage door and open to the elements any longer than necessary. Exactly how long it takes to install a garage door will depend on various factors, not the least of which is the experience and capabilities of the company you choose to install the overhead garage door.
Choose an experienced team like the one at C & M Garage Doors, and you'll ensure a fast, reliable installation. Choose someone with little experience and no real credentials, and you could be looking at a prolonged mess. Let's look at other common factors influencing how long it takes to install a garage door.
How Long Does Garage Door Installation Take?
Of all the things that influence how long it takes to install a garage door, the experience and expertise of the installer make the biggest difference. However, there are a number of other common factors can affect how long it takes to install a new garage door.
Factors Affecting the Time Needed for Garage Door Installation
The following table shows the estimated time required for two service technicians to install standard-sized garage doors made from five popular materials, along with variables that could affect the total installation time.
| Material | Single (9x7 feet) | Double (16x7 feet) | Large (18x8 feet) | Additional Variables |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | 2-3 Hours | 3-4 Hours | 4-5 Hours | Complexity of installation, existing infrastructure, additional features like insulation, weather conditions |
| Aluminum | 2-3 Hours | 3-4 Hours | 4-5 Hours | Existing door removal, electrical requirements, customization level, installer experience |
| Wood | 3-4 Hours | 4-5 Hours | 5-6 Hours | Door weight, finishing requirements, need for reinforcements, site accessibility |
| Fiberglass Hours | 2-3 Hours | 3-4 Hours | 4-5 Hours | Additional insulation, compatibility with existing opener, weatherproofing needs |
| Full-View Glass Hours | 3-4 Hours | 4-5 Hours | 5-6 Hours | Fragility of glass, precise alignment needs, additional safety features, site preparation |
SOURCES: Storables, The Spruce
The Best Season for Garage Door Installation
While the basics of garage door installation don't change from season to season, installing a garage door in the Winter is not the same as installing a garage door during the Summer. The installation team still has to set up their equipment and go through all the myriad steps of decommissioning, removing the old door, and installing the new one.
Except that during the Winter, they'll be wearing heavy clothes and thick gloves, they'll need to be extra careful so as not to slip on snow and ice, and they may need to take the time to set up portable heaters to make the workspace more agreeable.
Ideal Temperatures
Installing a garage door is hard work. If the temperature is too low, all the extra clothes and safety considerations can really slow down the installation process. Likewise, if the temperature is too high, installers need to take frequent hydration breaks and be on guard against overheating.
During the Spring, however, the temperature occupies that sweet spot, and people who work with their hands appreciate it so much. It’s even better than the Fall weather because in the Fall, you have to deal with tons of fallen leaves, shorter days, and cooling temperatures.
Wear and Tear from Winter Conditions
Winters in Loveland are not easy on anything, including the garage door. All winter long, it's battered by strong winds, snow, and ice and subjected to arctic temperatures. When the spring rolls around the door, it probably needs help. Because it does. Spring is the best time to call C & M and arrange a new door. You might be tempted to try to spruce up the door and keep it. But if the door is more than ten years old - meaning it's been through 10 Colorado winters - the better course of action is to replace it.
Seasonal Offers
Manufacturers and installers often run promos in the Spring. During the Winter, the number of installations falls off sharply. By the time Spring rolls around, manufacturers and installation professionals are eager to drum up work, so both may offer generous deals. If you time things right, you might get a discount on both the door and the installation, which could result in significant savings.
During the Winter, the number of installations falls off sharply. By the time Spring rolls around, manufacturers and installation professionals are eager to drum up work, so both may offer generous deals. If you time things right, you might get a discount on both the door and the installation, which could result in significant savings.
No Disruptions to Summer Fun
Summers in Colorado don't last very long. After only a few months, the temperatures start falling again, the days get shorter, and the leaves begin to turn. If you're like most people, you'll want to make sure you make the most of the Summer months, and that means not spending one of your precious Summertime days off waiting for the garage door installers to arrive and then sitting around the house while they work. You want to be outside with family and friends and make the most of the summer weather. Therefore, arranging for a garage door to be installed in the Spring is smart.
Opting to schedule your installation during the Spring is a smart choice. The door probably looks like it took a beating, the weather is more agreeable, manufacturers and installers often run promotions, and you won't cut into your Summertime fun.
How to Prepare a Professional Garage Door Installation
Preparing for a garage door installation involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Proper preparation helps the installers work more effectively and reduces the likelihood of delays or complications.
By preparing for your garage door installation, you can help ensure a smooth, efficient process and enjoy the benefits of your new garage door without unnecessary stress or delays.
Dangers of DIY Garage Door Installation
Installing a garage door is not rocket science, nor is it something that the average DIYer should undertake themselves. Why? Because the average overhead door weighs several hundred pounds and utilizes large extension or torsion springs under enormous pressure. Should something go wrong during the installation, all that weight could come crashing down onto whoever or whatever is beneath it. In addition, if those springs are installed incorrectly, they could snap and cause grave bodily injury.
"There have been an average of 42 garage door injuries per year from 2018 to 2022. Finger and head injuries are the most prevalent, accounting for 50% of all garage door injuries over the five years, followed by hand and face injuries, which totaled 21.7% for the period."
—Consumer Affairs, Garage Door Injury Data
- Risk of Injury: Garage doors typically weigh at least 100 pounds and involve complex mechanisms. As such, mishandling a new garage door during a DIY installation attempt could put you at risk for serious bodily harm.
- Incorrect Installation: Improper installation can lead to the door malfunctioning, which might cause it to fall unexpectedly, potentially causing injury or damage to property.
- Lack of Proper Tools and Expertise: DIY enthusiasts may need to gain the specialized tools or technical knowledge required, leading to substandard work that can compromise the safety and functionality of the door.
- Potential for Increased Costs: Mistakes made during DIY installation can result in costly repairs or the need for professional intervention, ultimately increasing the overall cost.
- Void Warranties: Many garage door manufacturers void warranties if the door is not installed by a certified professional, leading to additional costs in case of repairs or replacements.
If You Need a New Garage Door or Garage Door Repair Contact C & M
The modern garage door is a marvel of engineering and can be installed on the average home in about 4-6 hours. However, the exact amount of time the installation takes will depend on various factors, including the door size, the material, and the time of year you choose to install it. Spring is the best time for an installation due to warming temperatures, available deals, and more. If you need a new garage door or garage door repair, contact C & M at (970) 663-7335.