How Much Does a Hurricane Garage Door Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $900 - $10,000
Installing a hurricane door costs around $6,000 on average, or anywhere from $900 to $10,000 when you consider materials, WindCode rating, and high-tech features.
Hurricane garage doors cost $6,000 on average. But these doors can cost anywhere between $900 and $10,000, depending on the door’s size, material, and WindCode rating. These impact-resistant garage doors play a critical role in reinforcing your property against extreme weather conditions. When living in hurricane-prone areas, ensuring the safety and protection of your home is of utmost importance.
- Average
- $6,000
- Low end
- $800
- high end
- $10,000
Hurricane Garage Door Cost Breakdown
Considerations like size, quality, and material could affect your hurricane garage door cost. Here’s a glance at the factors that may impact your project’s overall price tag.
WindCode Rating
The WindCode rating of a hurricane garage door indicates the door's ability to withstand high wind pressures and impact from flying debris. Ratings fall between W1 and W9, with W9 being able to withstand the highest impact and W1 being able to withstand the lowest. Your choice of WindCode rating will depend on the wind speeds in your region and the number of stories in your building.
Doors with higher WindCode ratings often come with a higher price tag, while lower ratings tend to cost less.
Garage Size
The size of your garage directly affects the cost of the door. Larger garages require more materials and often multiple garage doors, leading to increased expenses.
A hurricane door on a single door garage can cost between $800 and $6,200 while equipping a double-door garage with hurricane doors costs between $2,000 and $10,000.
Door Material
Hurricane garage doors are available in various materials, each with its advantages, and costs can range from $900 to $10,000. Common options include steel, aluminum, reinforced fiberglass, and wood. While steel is durable and relatively affordable, aluminum offers corrosion resistance and is lighter. On the other hand, reinforced fiberglass provides excellent impact resistance but can be more expensive.
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $900 – $4,700 |
| Steel | $1,100 – $6,700 |
| Aluminum | $1,200 – $6,800 |
| Fiberglass | $1,400 – $7,000 |
| Wood | $2,400 – $10,000 |
Labor
The cost of labor for installing a hurricane garage door depends on the complexity of the job and local labor rates. Labor costs can range from $250 to $800, depending on how many doors the garage has.
Single garage door: $250–$400
Double garage door: $400–$800
Windows
Adding windows to your garage door can improve natural lighting, aesthetic appeal, and your home’s value. However, it is vital to select impact-resistant windows to maintain the door's integrity and prevent shattering during storms. Garage doors cost more with windows, typically around $300–$500 more per door.
Technological Features
Some hurricane garage doors come with advanced technological features, such as smart opening systems or remote monitoring. While these add-ons can elevate convenience and security, they also impact the overall cost. You can expect to pay an extra $150–$600 for the smart technology’s hardware, in addition to any fees associated with the services needed to manage it.
Cleanup and Disposal
When installing a new hurricane garage door, there may be additional fees for cleaning up and disposing of the old door. It's essential to clarify these charges with the installation company beforehand, but this service typically runs about $50 on average.
Cost to Retrofit a Hurricane Garage Door Yourself
You may be able to boost the safety of your garage door during storms with a hurricane-resistant retrofit kit. This kit includes sturdy braces and hardware, costing around $500 for a double garage door. If you're handy with a drill, you might install the braces yourself, but check the compatibility of the retrofit kit with your specific garage door model. Different doors may require different types of retrofitting, so be sure to consult the manufacturer or a professional if you're unsure.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While retrofitting a hurricane garage door yourself may seem cost-effective, sometimes this task is best left to a local garage door company. Incorrect installation can compromise the door's performance and void warranties, costing you more in the long run. Hiring a qualified technician ensures the job is done correctly, giving you peace of mind during hurricanes.
How to Save Money on the Cost of a Hurricane Garage Door
A hurricane garage door is a significant investment, particularly if you’re also retrofitting other areas of your house and have to keep the cost of hurricane shutters and new storm windows in mind. But there are ways to reduce costs without compromising on quality or safety.
Get multiple quotes from reputable suppliers and contractors.
Forego the bells and whistles like smart features and windows.
Look for discounts, promotions, or financing options.
Check with your insurance provider about discounts on your coverage.
Explore applicable tax breaks in your state.
Consider retrofitting other areas of your home, like installing storm doors, at the same time for an overall discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just like any other part of your home, hurricane garage doors need regular maintenance to stay in top shape. This ensures they function optimally during storms and provide the protection you need.
You can do some basic maintenance yourself, like cleaning the tracks and lubricating the moving parts. It's as simple as using a mild detergent and water to clean the tracks and applying a silicone-based lubricant to the hardware. However, for more in-depth maintenance and inspections, it's a good idea to call in the professionals to identify any potential problems and fix them before they become more significant issues.
When it comes to hurricane garage doors, you don't have to sacrifice style for safety. Many manufacturers offer customization options, allowing you to design a door that not only protects your home during storms but also complements its overall look. You can choose from various materials, colors, finishes, and features to match your home's architectural style and personal taste. Whether you prefer a sleek modern design or a more traditional look, there's a customization option for you.
The life span of a hurricane garage door can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the materials, how well it's maintained, and the local weather conditions. As a general rule of thumb, most hurricane garage doors can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years or even more with proper care. However, if you start to see visible damage, the garage door becomes noisier, or you experience difficulty operating it, it may be time for a replacement.