A garage door replacement is usually done in one day. Manufacturers cite about four to eight hours, longer for a double or custom door. The crew removes the old door and track, builds and hangs the new door, sets the springs, connects the opener and tests the reversing system before leaving. The door itself arrives two to four weeks after the order.
How long does it take?
Clopay says installation takes about a day and that a door arrives roughly two to four weeks after ordering. Amarr says to expect four to eight hours in most cases, that a single door goes faster than a double and that custom doors take longer. Our approved lead time for a custom size or special order is 4 to 8 weeks.
The times vary with the door, the framing and whether the opener is replaced at the same time. Treat them as a plan for the day, not a promise for yours.
The day, stage by stage
Before anyone arrives
Clear the cars and anything stored near the door and the walls. Keep children and pets out of the garage for the day. Make sure the crew can reach the garage and a power outlet.
Walk-through and check
The crew confirms the opening size and the door matches the order, then looks at the framing and the jamb. Rot or a crooked header will change the plan, so it is better to learn this at the start.
Old door out
The old door, track and springs come out. Clopay says its installers remove and haul away the old door and track and that old springs and hardware are not reused.
New door built and hung
The sections are joined with hinges, set in the opening and fitted with the track and rollers.
Springs and cables
The spring system is installed and set to the door's weight. This is the dangerous step and only a trained technician should do it.
Opener connected or replaced
Your current opener may be reused if it is in good condition. In California a replacement door cannot be connected to an older residential opener without battery backup; see when a new door needs a new opener.
Test and walk-through
The crew balances the door, tests the auto-reverse and photo eyes and shows you how the release and the lock work. Ask them to run the door in front of you.
If your door has a wind load or model label, photograph it after installation along with the invoice. See wind load ratings.
What to avoid on the day
- Do not park in the driveway in a way that blocks the delivery or the crew's access.
- Do not pull the new door's release handle or try the opener until the crew has finished the safety tests.
- Do not agree to extra work on the spot without a written price. A quote should list what is included; see what an installation quote should include.
- Do not let anyone hand you a door that still has an uncovered spring or an unfinished track.
What the price covers
Ask whether removal and haul-away, the springs, the weatherstripping, the opener work and the safety tests are in the price. For the door itself, see new garage door cost in Southern California. We confirm every price after we see the opening and before we start.
When to call if something is not right
Call the installer the same day if the door scrapes the jamb, closes unevenly, will not stay up when lifted halfway, or does not reverse when it meets an obstacle. A new door should be balanced and quiet. If a spring or cable looks damaged, stop using the door and call. Our garage door repair team can also check a door another company installed.
Where we come in
Emil Garage Doors installs new garage doors in Southern California, and our city pages cover California, including Sacramento, Oakland and Atwater. Call (213) 340-4232 or send the estimate form with your opening size and photos, and we will give you the plan for the day before we start.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to install a new garage door?
Usually about a day. Amarr says four to eight hours in most cases, and a single door goes faster than a double. Custom doors take longer.
How long before the new door arrives?
Clopay says doors take about two to four weeks to arrive after ordering. Special orders take longer; ours run 4 to 8 weeks.
Do I need to be home during the installation?
Be there at the start and the end. At the start you confirm the door and the plan, and at the end you watch the safety tests.
Will my old opener work with the new door?
It can if it is in good condition. In California a replacement door cannot be connected to an older residential opener that lacks a battery backup.
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