Replacing a garage door can seem like a daunting task. But with the right tools and instructions, it can be a relatively easy DIY project.
However, not all garage doors are created equal. Some can be done solo. Others take a team and/or more specialized tools and skills.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how much work each type of garage door replacement entails so you can decide if it’s a project you’re comfortable taking on.
Is It Hard to Replace a Garage Door?
It can be hard to replace a garage door, especially if you don’t have any prior experience. Garage doors are large and heavy, and they can be difficult to maneuver without help. They also use high tension torsion or extension springs which require specialized tools and skills to remove and install safely.
That said, it’s possible to do it yourself if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Several online guides can walk you through the process step-by-step, and most garage door retailers also offer installation services.
If you decide to go the DIY route, be sure to measure your door opening correctly and order the right size door. Also, take into account the weight of the door when selecting a track system and make sure your ceiling is strong enough to support it.
And finally, consider safety. While simple, manual doors tend to be lighter and you can do it solo it doesn’t hurt to have someone help you, especially if you’re not experienced in working with garage doors.
What’s Harder to Replace, a Manual Garage Door or An Automatic Garage Door, and Why?
Automatic garage doors are generally more difficult to replace than manual ones. This is because they involve more parts, require calibrating sensors, tend to be heavier, and have more areas where things can go wrong.
That said, it’s not impossible to replace an automatic garage door by yourself. It will just take more time, effort, and patience.
How Many Hours Does It Take to Replace a Garage Door?
It takes about 3-4 hours to replace a garage door, depending on the type of door and your experience level.
What Tools Do You Need?
To replace a garage door, you will need a few basic tools:
- Drill
- Hammer
- Level
- Tape measure
- Locking pliers
- the winding bar for removing the old springs and installing the new one
- Ladder
- safety equipment – gloves and goggles
You will also need the following materials:
- New garage door
- Tracks (comes with door)
- Rollers (comes with door)
- Associated door hardware
Can You Replace a Garage Door Solo or Do You Need More People?
Only lighter tilt-up, manual doors, or panel-based doors can be installed solo. For all other types, you will need at least one other person to help you.
Difficulty for Common Types of Garage Doors
Tilt-Up Doors
Manual tilt-up doors are one of the few you can usually replace solo though they are still bulky and are based handled as a team.
Expect it to take about 2-3 hours to remove the old door and tracks, then install the new ones, test that everything is in order, and clean up.
Metal Roll-Up Garage Doors
Roll-up doors come as either sectional or one-piece units. They are usually metal, but can also be wood. These types of doors are hemmed at the bottom with weatherstripping to keep out drafts and pests.
Sectional roll-ups will generally take a team to install due to their size and weight. It will take about 3-4 hours to complete the installation.
One-piece roll-ups are larger and heavier, so you will need help with these. They can be more difficult to install, and it will likely take 4-5 hours to get everything set up correctly.
Panel Garage Doors
Panel doors are made up of panels that hinge together. They can be made of wood, aluminum, or glass, and are usually insulated. By far these are the most common garage doors.
Panel doors are fairly easy to replace, especially if they’re the same size as the old door. It should take about 3-4 hours to remove the old door and install the new one. If you’re increasing or decreasing the size of the door, it will take a bit longer.
Since they’re installed panel by panel it’s more likely you’ll be able to install these solo. Watch this quick video to see it in action.
They can be difficult to align properly, so it’s important to take your time and make sure everything is level and square.
Heavy Wood or Decorative Garage Doors
If you have a decorative or heavy wood door, it’s best to leave the installation to the professionals. These doors are usually custom-made and require extra care to avoid damage.
It can be difficult to find someone who specializes in these types of doors, but it’s worth the effort. Expect to pay more for the door and the installation, but it will be worth it in the end.
Single vs Double Garage Doors
Many single doors can be installed solo and will take 3-4 hours tops to replace.
Double doors are generally too heavy and unwieldy to install by yourself, so you will need at least one other person to help you. It will likely take 4-5 hours to complete the installation.
Extra Considerations
Some garage doors come with special features like windows or decorative hardware. If your new door has these features, it will probably take a bit longer to install.
If you’re adding windows to a door that didn’t have them before, you’ll need to cut out the sections for the glass and add in the window panes. This will add an extra hour or two to the installation process.
The same goes for decorative hardware. If you’re adding it to a door that didn’t have it before, you’ll need to drill new holes and install the hardware. This can add an extra half hour to an hour to the installation time.
Is It Hard to Replace an Automatic Garage Door Opener?
No, replacing the opener is usually a pretty easy job. It will take about 1-3 hours to remove the old opener and install the new one.
If you’re replacing the opener with one that has different features, it might take a bit longer to install all the new components. For example, if you’re adding a wireless keypad, you’ll need to drill new holes and install it.
Overall the most time-consuming parts will be removing the old opener and drive system and installing the new one in the ceiling.
Is It Hard to Get Rid of The Old Door?
If you’re replacing your old door with a new one, you can usually just leave the old door at the curb for trash pickup. Most times you will have to call ahead to schedule this as a special pickup as these doors won’t typically fit into standard garbage trucks (unless you break the door down into small pieces.)
If your city doesn’t offer this service, you can always rent a dumpster or trailer to get rid of it.
You could also try to sell the door, but most people will want a new door so it may be difficult to find a buyer.
Conclusion
Replacing a garage door is a big job, but it’s one that most people can do with a little help from a friend. It’s important to take your time and be careful to avoid damaging the door or injuring yourself.
If you have any doubts, it’s always best to hire a professional to do the job for you. They will have the experience and expertise to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Take special care with the garage door springs as these can be tricky to properly remove and install and there’s a high chance of injury if done incorrectly.
