Sectional Garage Doors: Guide to Cost and Benefits

What Is a Sectional Garage Door?

A sectional garage door is made up of multiple horizontal panels or sections that are hinged together. When you open the door, the panels roll upward on tracks and curve at the ceiling, lying flat once fully open and retracted for storage. This vertical opening mechanism allows you to park close to the door without needing extra space to swing open.

These doors are among the most popular garage door types in the U.S. due to their functionality, insulation options, and modern appearance. They’re compatible with automatic openers and come in a wide range of materials, colors, and styles to suit any home.

Other types of garage doors include swing-out doors, doors that rotate up and away in a single panel, manual sectional garage doors that don’t feature openers, barn-door style doors that slide open, roll-up doors that essentially function as mini panels, and carriage-house or French doors that look more like front entry doors on a home. Another key factor to consider with sectional garage doors is that they’re easy to automate or operate manually, whereas other options might only come with a manual option.

What to Know About Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors offer flexibility for homeowners looking to have them installed, but there are also a few trade-offs to consider with this style of garage door.

Pros

• Space-Saving Vertical Operation: This feature makes sectional garage doors ideal for smaller garage spaces.
• Excellent Insulation Options: Whether your garage is standalone or attached to your home, maintaining the temperature inside is important for your stored items and energy efficiency. Sectional garage doors offer good insulation options compared to other styles.
• Compatible With Most Openers: Sectional garage doors are typically compatible with most aftermarket garage door openers, making them easy to shop for.
• Customizable in Style and Material: Sectional garage doors are more flexible in terms of design, with a range of panel numbers, sizes, materials, and colors.

Cons

• Requires Track Space: While these doors save space in terms of horizontal design, they do require overhead space, which can be a drawback for homeowners who typically store items above.
• Regular Maintenance Required: Unlike other types of doors, sectional garage doors use hinges and rollers, which require maintenance to keep them properly lubricated and working smoothly.
• Complex Repairs: Sectional garage door repairs can be pricier if individual sections or internal mechanisms are damaged.
• Higher Initial Cost: Sectional doors, while affordable, are often more expensive than some counterpart designs and styles.

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Common Materials for Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional Garage Door Costs

The average cost to install a new sectional garage door is $2,500, with most homeowners spending between $1,500 and $3,500. Prices vary depending on material, insulation, and features.

Installation Cost Breakdown

Repair Costs

Factors That Affect Cost

Several factors will affect the bottom-line cost of your new sectional door, such as:

• • Door Material: Materials such as vinyl are more affordable than wood, steel, or aluminum.
  • Insulation Level: The amount of insulation will increase the cost, whether you opt for a single, double, or triple layer.
  • Custom Design or Windows: Unique shapes, sizes, and windows will increase costs.
  • Smart Openers and Security Features: Operating your door with upgraded smart features will cost more.
  • Professional Installation vs. DIY: Installing your own garage door is possible but can be dangerous. Professional installation is often required and will add to your overall cost.

Available Sizes

Sectional garage doors come in standard sizes for both single and double garages. Single doors are commonly 8 feet wide by 7 feet tall, but they also come in widths of 9 or 10 feet. Double doors for two-car garages are typically 16 feet wide by 7 feet tall. Some manufacturers also offer 8-foot-tall doors as standard.

Larger garages may require custom sizes, which are available but come with higher price tags. Oversized doors for unique garage builds or vehicles usually cost more.

Who Is a Sectional Garage Door Best For?

Sectional doors might not be the best fit if your garage lacks headroom or if you want a rustic, swing-out look without mechanical components. Instead, they are ideal for:

• • • Homeowners with limited driveway space
    • Attached garages requiring good insulation to keep energy costs down
    • Contemporary or traditional home styles needing a modern look
    • Garages with ceiling clearance for tracks and overhead storage

Optional Features to Consider

There are several ways to upgrade your sectional garage door, all with additional costs. These upgrades enhance aesthetics, convenience, or durability.

• • • Insulation: Polyurethane or polystyrene for energy efficiency and noise reduction
    • Smart Openers: Compatible with smartphones and home Wi-Fi for remote operation
    • Windows: Add natural light and an aesthetic boost
    • Heavy-Duty Torsion Springs: Improves door lifespan
    • Decorative Hardware: Boosts curb appeal

How Do Sectional Garage Doors Compare to Other Garage Door Types?

Should You Choose a Sectional Garage Door?

If you’re looking for a versatile, durable, and space-saving garage door, a sectional garage door is likely your best bet. Though they come with a higher upfront cost and require ceiling space, their customization options, insulation capabilities, and smooth operation make them a standout choice.

With prices averaging $2,500 and ranging from $1,500 to $3,500, sectional doors are a smart long-term investment — especially if you want to improve both functionality and curb appeal.

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