The garage will see a lot of traffic throughout its lifetime, which is why you need to be considerate in terms of the door you install. If you’re trying to make your life as comfortable and efficient as possible, you might want to consider choosing an automatic garage door. Automated door installations make it easy to move in and out of your garage space, whether on foot or in your car. However, the nature of different automatic garage doors means that there are a range of price points and functionality options.
So, how much does a new automatic garage door cost? Well, the answer isn’t that simple. The costs can range from £1,200 to £4,500 for a fully installed system, with the prices varying between basic steel doors with motors to custom-designed, insulated systems. This article will share insights into how different automatic doors can be priced, touching on the various elements you should consider before you put money down.
The model is the core differentiator
The model mechanism is the most significant cost differentiator.
- Up-and-over doors are the most affordable
- Roller doors are slightly more expensive
- Sectional doors are generally the most expensive
- Side-hinged doors are generally manual, so making them automated can be quite expensive
However, once you look past the model, there are plenty of additional variables that will impact the cost.
Variables impacting the cost of an automatic garage door
Regardless of model, getting an automatic door for garage access is a great household upgrade, but there are a range of different technical aspects that will change how much they will cost.
Materials used
Materials that have been used will change the initial cost and the long-term maintenance costs of the door.
- Steel is generally the most common and cost-effective material
- Aluminium is lightweight and rust-proof, making it great for coastal areas, while being a little more initial expensive than steel
- Timber is often the most expensive, being around double the price of steel and requiring significant maintenance, but offering high-level kerbside appeal
- Fibreglass and GRP usually sit at a mid-to-high range price point, while also requiring very little maintenance over time
Size of the opening
A double-wide garage door is not simply going to be twice the price of a single door, but it is likely to significantly increase the cost. For example, it boosts the price by requiring a more powerful automatic garage door opener and motor, along with a significantly heavier door panel. Moving from a single-panel door to a double-wide one is likely to add around £800-£1,500 to the average quote.
Insulation (thermal efficiency)
Single-skin doors are uninsulated and much cheaper, as they don’t have great thermal efficiency. Double-skin doors are insulated with polyurethane foam, making them much more efficient, understandably increasing their initial cost. This should save you money in terms of heating and temperature control, which is essential if your garage is attached to your home or used for an alternative purpose (workshop or gym).
Additional tech features
It’s important to consider any of the extra technological features that your door might include. Added extras will increase the functionality of your door, while also boosting the cost somewhat. Some to look out for include:
- Standard motors with remote-control operations will be the cheapest
- Smart tech, such as Wi-Fi openers, smartphone functionality and home cameras, can add a couple of hundred pounds to your purchase
- High-security locking mechanisms, anti-lift sensors and signal-hacking blockers can all boost the price of your door
How to determine the cost
The cost will be anywhere between £1,200 to £4,500, but it’s important to take the time to discuss the costs with your supplier/installer. Some will have partnerships with manufacturers, others might offer discounted installation and some projects could require more serious structural work.
Make sure to discuss things clearly before you start saving up for this household upgrade.
