How Long Does Garage Door Installation Take: Professionals vs. DIY?

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Garage door installation is not a five-minute deal, it can eat up a good amount of time for preparation as well as for installation itself. Garage door professionals can save you hours, but is it worth trying the installation yourself? Let’s look for the answer in this article.

Garage Door Installation Time Comparison

Installation Method Time to Install Key Considerations
Garage Door Professionals 3-5 hours Experienced professionals handle everything, including setup and adjustments.
DIY Installation 6-12 hours (or more) Requires significant time for preparation, learning, and tool gathering.

Key Factors Impacting Garage Door Installation Time

1. Experience Level

  • Garage Door Professionals: When you hire a trained installer, quick and accurate work can be guaranteed. Professionals can handle all types of doors, which include complex custom garage doors. Their gained experience of working with garage doors means that they know the process inside out, which in the end will significantly reduce installation time and minimize mistakes.
  • DIY Installation: In this case, proper preparation and a lot of learning can be vital, as every decision you make in installing the garage door can significantly affect the outcome, for both good or bad. If you lack experience, you may find yourself spending hours troubleshooting problems or reviewing instructions. The DIY route often requires more time due to trial and error, especially if this is your first door installation.

2. Type of Garage Door

  • Custom Garage Doors:  Custom doors often require additional installation time due to unique designs, windows, or added features like insulation. Garage door professionals are familiar with handling customizations and can adjust for proper fit and functionality efficiently.
  • Standard Doors: Basic raised-panel or sectional garage doors will generally take less time to install. However, even for simpler designs, a DIY project could take much longer compared to professionals.

3. Tools and Equipment

  • Garage Door Professionals: Professional installers use specialized tools for door installation, such as tensioning systems for springs and tracks, which are important for safe and accurate installation. Having the right equipment not only ensures a proper fit but also speeds up the process.
  • DIY Installation: If you don’t have the necessary tools on hand, you may need to purchase or rent equipment, adding to both the time and cost. Figuring out how to use the tools properly can also extend the time needed for installation.

4. Safety Considerations

Garage door installation involves handling heavy materials and tensioned springs. Professionals are trained to manage these risks safely and quickly. DIYers need to be extra cautious, as improper handling can result in serious injury or damage to the garage door system.

What Else Can Affect Garage Door Installation Time:

  • Garage Size: Larger doors may take longer to install than standard single-car garage doors.
  • Weather Conditions: Installation in extreme weather conditions (hot, cold, or rainy) may slow down the process, especially for DIYers.
  • Removal of Old Door: If an old garage door needs to be removed before installation, this adds time to the process.

When Should You Call a Professional?

For large, heavy, or custom garage doors, it’s always recommended to hire a professional installer. Garage door professionals not only ensure a safe and quick installation but also reduce the risk of future issues caused by improper setup. Additionally, complex installations involving high-tech features or advanced materials like glass panels, custom woodwork, or insulation often require an expert touch.

For professional, reliable garage door services, contact Seamless Systems. We’re here to help with all your garage door needs! Call us at (307) 680-6103