Replacing a garage door is one of the bigger jobs on an El Paso house, and one of the most visible. On many homes the garage door takes up a large share of the front wall. A new door changes how the house looks from the street, how hot the garage gets, and how much the door suffers in the wind.
When it is time for a new door
- The bottom section is rusted through or the panels are cracked.
- Several sections are dented or bent and matching panels are no longer made.
- The door is an old one-piece swing-up door, or an uninsulated single-layer steel door.
- You are paying for repairs every year.
- You want the garage cooler, quieter or more secure.
Choosing a door for El Paso
Insulation
El Paso has about 118 days a year at 90 F or above and around 28 at 100 F or above. An insulated door, usually steel with a foam core, keeps the garage noticeably cooler than a single-layer door, which helps if you use the garage as a workshop or laundry, or if a room sits over it. Insulated doors are also stiffer, so they dent and flex less.
Insulation is often described by an R-value. Ask what the R-value is and what kind of insulation is used. Higher numbers insulate better.
Wind
Average winds in El Paso often top 30 mph, and gusts over 75 mph have been measured. Ask the installer what wind rating the door has and whether it comes with struts across the sections. Wider double doors catch more wind than single doors.
Material and finish
Steel
is the most common choice. Thicker steel resists dents better.
Wood and wood-look
doors look warm but need refinishing more often in strong sun.
Aluminum and glass
doors are light and modern, but less insulated and easier to dent.
With sun on around 302 days a year, lighter colors and factory finishes made for strong sun hold up better than dark paint.
Windows
Windows in the top section bring light into the garage. They also add heat and are one more thing to break in a dust storm. Insulated glass is worth asking about.
Openers with a new door
If the opener is old, it may make sense to replace it at the same time. A new door is often lighter or heavier than the old one, and the springs are sized to the new door either way. See garage door opener repair and installation.
HOA approval and permits
If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, get the style and color approved before ordering. Many HOAs review any change to the front of the house.
Building permits in El Paso are handled by the city's Development Services department. A same-size swap is different from enlarging the opening, changing the frame, or adding wiring for an opener. Ask the installer whether your job needs a permit and whether they will pull it, or check with the city before work starts.
Questions to ask before you order
- What gauge of steel, and what R-value?
- What wind rating, and are struts included?
- Are new springs, tracks, rollers and weatherstripping part of the price?
- Is removal and disposal of the old door included?
- How long until the door arrives, and how long is the install?
- Will you check that the opener's safety reverse works with the new door?
What a new door costs
We have not found a published price figure for a new garage door that we would stand behind, so we do not quote one. Price depends on size, material, insulation, windows and the opener. Ask for a written estimate that lists the door, the hardware and the labor. Our cost guide covers repair pricing.
Common questions
Is an insulated garage door worth it in El Paso?
For most homes, yes. With many days above 90 F, an insulated door keeps the garage cooler and is stiffer in the wind than a single-layer door.
How long does garage door installation take?
Ordering can take time if the door is made to size. The install itself is often done in a day. Ask the installer for both times when you get the estimate.
Do I need HOA approval for a new garage door?
If your home is in an HOA, check its rules first. Many require approval for changes to the style or color of the front of the house.
Other services
Spring Repair
Snapped torsion and extension springs replaced, with the door balanced so the opener is not straining.
Opener Repair
Openers that hum, reverse or ignore the remote, plus new chain, belt and wall-mount openers.
Off-Track and Cables
Doors knocked off their rollers, crooked doors and frayed or snapped lift cables put back right.