If you’re ready to buy a new garage door, keep in mind that this is a major purchase. On the more affordable end of the spectrum, you have uninsulated, ready-to-hang garage doors, which can cost between $500 and $1,000 (excluding the price of installation and the opener). The most affordable ones are generally made of aluminum, steel, or vinyl. However, higher-end products, such as custom-built doors made of wood, premium steel, or designer fibreglass, can cost thousands of dollars.

Nevertheless, this is just the sticker price. You need to take a variety of other factors into account to determine the true cost of a garage door and be able to create a realistic budget for this purchase. Here are some of the key considerations.

1.) Quality of the materials

When buying a garage door, you’ll want to think long-term. Even if you’re purchasing a door for a detached garage and appearance and insulation aren’t important considerations, choosing a high-quality product tends to pay off. A garage door from a dependable brand such as Wayne Dalton, Richards-Wilcox, or Martin Door can last upwards of 20 or even 30 years. A well-constructed door is less prone to denting, cracking, rust, warping, and other issues associated with wear and tear.

2.) Suitability to your region

You need to choose a garage door that’s well-suited to your region’s climate. For example, if you live in a coastal area, you don’t want to get a steel garage door that isn’t resistant to rust, as it will soon become corroded by the humid, salt air. And, if you live in a colder climate and are buying a door for an attached garage, you’ll want one with good insulation. By selecting your garage door material and construction with your local climate in mind, you’ll help ensure that your door will endure and serve your needs for many years, saving you money in the long run.

3.) Energy efficiency

If you have an attached garage, it’s wise to consider the energy efficiency of your new garage door. In effect, garage doors can have widely varying degrees of energy efficiency depending on their material and level of insulation. Look for the door’s R-value, which measures the ability of a material to prevent heat loss. The higher its R-value, the better insulating the garage door.

Having a garage door that provides ample insulation helps your garage’s interior temperature remain consistent, which can help you save money on your heating and air conditioning bill. And if you heat your garage, that’s all the more reason to ensure your garage door is highly insulated.

Weatherstripping is important in this regard, too. Quality weatherstripping that forms a perfect seal with the ground is essential to keeping cold air out of your garage. It also stands in the way of the critters that may sometimes try to crawl into your garage to build a home.

4.) Warranty protections

Another crucial consideration when budgeting for your garage door is understanding the difference between the manufacturer’s warranty and the installer’s warranty. Garage doors purchased at Creative Door Services come with an installation warranty and a manufacturer’s warranty. The company that installed your garage doors provides the former. It generally covers installation defects, service or repair defects, garage door part defects, and missing parts or hardware. The manufacturer’s warranty, on the other hand, covers issues that arise in the door itself. However, bear in mind that there are stipulations on this warranty (i.e., planned maintenance is required on an annual basis). For example, the warranty for most of Wayne Dalton’s classic steel garage doors covers you for issues such as rust, cracking, splitting, peeling paint, and defects in the hardware or tracks for 10 years. The Models 8300 and 8500 offer even more comprehensive warranties and cover these defects for the door’s lifetime.

Having a good warranty can end up saving you a great deal of money on repairs, so it’s important to factor this into your purchase decision. For more information about warranties, and for specific details about the installation warranty we offer at Creative Door Services, read our in-depth article.

5.) Maintenance costs

Another cost to consider beyond the price tag of the garage door is the maintenance of the product. Just as each garage door has different features, they also have different maintenance needs. Wood garage doors typically involve the most upkeep, including a new coat of paint every few years. Moreover, in humid climates, wood garage doors may be susceptible to rot and warping and require more regular upkeep and more frequent repairs. This maintenance work represents an extra cost. Rust-resistant steel and vinyl garage doors generally cost the least to maintain.

6.) Return on investment

Believe it or not, opting for a more expensive but higher quality garage door can potentially save you money in the long run. According to the Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling magazine, replacing your garage door is one of the home improvement projects that provides the highest return on investment. When you buy a top-quality door that enhances the look of your home, you can raise your home’s market value considerably.

7.) Price of the opener

When purchasing a new garage door, very often it makes sense to replace the garage door opener at the same time. The average opener lasts 10 to 15 years, so if you bought yours at the same time as your door, it’s likely at the end of its lifespan. Moreover, when you buy a high-quality garage door, you want a high-quality opener that will protect your investment by delivering smooth operation. Modern garage door openers from top brands like LiftMaster and Genie are quiet and dependable, and they feature a number of sophisticated features that provide enhanced security and convenience. For example, the newest LiftMaster models are compatible with MyQ Technology, which allows you to remotely monitor and control your garage door from a distance using a smartphone app. For a comprehensive garage door opener buying guide, read our article about choosing a LiftMaster garage door opener.

Count On Creative Door Services For Your Garage Door Installation

At Creative Door Services, we offer a wide range of superior-quality residential garage doors from Wayne Dalton, Richards-Wilcox, and Martin Door. In addition, we provide reliable installation, maintenance, and repair services. If you’d like a free quote, or if you’re looking for more advice on budgeting for your new garage door, contact our team today.