New garage door installation
A new garage door changes how the front of the house looks, and a well-installed insulated door can make the garage quieter and more comfortable. Replacement makes sense when panels are damaged, parts are no longer made, the door is uninsulated and the garage is used as a workshop or gym, or you simply want a different look.
Sizes you'll see in South Jersey homes
| Opening | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 8 × 7 ft | Single door, older homes and narrow garages |
| 9 × 7 ft | Single door, the most common single size |
| 16 × 7 ft | Double door on a two-car garage |
| 16 × 8 ft | Double door with extra height for SUVs and trucks |
Measure the opening inside the frame, width and height, and send it with a photo of the door from the street. The contractor confirms the exact measurements on site.
Choosing a door
Material and thickness
Most residential doors are steel. A lower gauge number means thicker steel and better dent resistance (24 gauge is thicker than 27). Wood and wood-look composite doors suit older and historic homes.
Insulation
Insulated doors use polystyrene or polyurethane between steel layers. They're quieter and stiffer, and they help if the garage is attached or has a room above it. Compare doors by their R-value, and ask what the number refers to.
Style
Raised-panel doors match most colonials and split-levels. Carriage-style doors with decorative hardware fit older neighborhoods, and flush or modern doors suit newer homes. Windows across the top section let in light.
What installation includes
Ask the contractor to confirm in writing: removal and disposal of the old door, new tracks, springs sized to the new door's weight, new cables and rollers, weather seal, and whether the existing opener stays or is replaced. Before they leave, the door should be balanced and the opener's auto-reverse tested.
If your home is in a historic district, such as parts of Haddonfield, check whether exterior changes need approval before ordering a door.
Questions to ask before work starts
- What is your business name and New Jersey HIC registration number (13VH…)?
- What exactly is broken, and what parts will you replace?
- What is the total price, including parts, labor and any trip charge?
- What warranty comes with the parts and the labor, and is it in writing?
New Jersey requires a written contract for home improvement work over $500. Keep a copy.