How much does a hurricane garage door cost?
How much does a hurricane garage door cost?
$1,200 – $6,000 single hurricane door cost (with installation)
$2,000 – $10,000 double hurricane door cost (with installation)
Average hurricane garage door cost
A hurricane garage door costs $1,200 to $6,000 for a single door and $2,000 to $10,000 for a double door, including installation. Hurricane-rated garage door prices depend on the door material and size, features like windows and insulation, and the amount of reinforcement needed based on the wind load and exposure type.
| Garage door type | Average installed cost | Standard door sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Single door | $1,200 – $6,000 | 8’ x 7’ 9’ x 7’ |
| Double door | $2,000 – $10,000 | 16’ x 7’ 16’ x 8’ |
Hurricane-rated garage door prices
Hurricane-rated or impact garage door prices range from $700 to $5,000 for a single garage door and $1,200 to $8,500 for a double garage door for the unit alone, depending on the door dimensions, material, and features.
These impact doors are fabricated with multiple reinforced layers of heavy-duty materials such as steel, aluminum, and thick, dense wood to withstand high winds and flying debris during hurricanes.
| Material | Average door price* |
|---|---|
| Steel | $1,200 – $7,500 |
| Aluminum | $1,400 – $7,800 |
| Composite | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| Wood | $2,000 – $8,500+ |
*Prices shown are for double garage doors, not including installation.
Doors with higher WindCode ratings and Exposure Categories, which indicate better resistance to wind pressures and impacts, are generally more expensive.
Additional features such as impact-resistant windows, insulation, or decorative elements further increase the price.
Impact garage door cost factors
In addition to the cost for the door itself, garage door installation labor costs $250 to $800 to install the door and framing, plus additional expenses for old door removal, disposal, permitting, and a garage door opener.
| Cost factor | Single garage door | Double garage door |
|---|---|---|
| Door & hardware | $700 – $5,000 | $1,200 – $8,500 |
| Installation labor | $250 – $400 | $500 – $800 |
| Old door removal and disposal | $50 – $200 | $100 – $300 |
| Permits | $50 – $100 | $50 – $100 |
| Garage door opener | $150 – $300 | $150 – $300 |
| Windows (optional) | $300 – $500 | $300 – $500 |
| Pre-insulated door (optional) | $300 – $800 | $400 – $1,000+ |
| Total installed cost* | $1,200 – $6,000* | $2,000 – $10,000* |
*Not including optional add-ons
Check with your installer to confirm the estimate includes the cost of a new garage door opener. Your existing opener may not be compatible with hurricane-rated doors, as these doors are typically heavier and may require a more powerful opener.
What makes a garage door hurricane proof?
Hurricane-proof garage doors are engineered to withstand extreme conditions, including high winds and wind-blown projectiles. They undergo rigorous testing to meet local building codes for wind resistance and impact protection. In contrast, standard garage doors usually cost less but are made from thinner materials and lack the reinforcement needed for severe weather conditions.
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, investing in a hurricane-resistant door is essential for safeguarding your home. These doors offer several key features that enhance their durability and effectiveness:
Reinforced materials: Constructed from high-strength materials such as steel or reinforced aluminum, these doors provide the necessary rigidity to endure intense wind pressures and impacts from debris.
Impact-resistant design: They are designed with reinforced panels and frames that help maintain structural integrity when subjected to high-speed winds or flying objects. This prevents buckling or collapsing under pressure.
Additional bracing: Vertical and horizontal reinforcements are included to enhance strength, ensuring the door remains stable during severe weather events.
Heavy-duty hardware: Components such as hinges, rollers, and tracks are made from heavy-duty materials to ensure smooth operation and security during high wind conditions.
Wind load rating: Hurricane-rated doors are tested to meet specific wind load requirements, often capable of withstanding winds exceeding 130 mph, which is crucial for homes in hurricane-prone areas.
Weather seals: These doors are equipped with advanced weather sealing to prevent water infiltration during heavy rains, protecting the interior of the garage from flooding and moisture damage.
Thicker tracks: The tracking systems on hurricane-proof doors use thicker steel to prevent bending or warping, ensuring that the door remains securely in place during storms.
Impact-resistant glass: If windows are present, they should be made of impact-resistant glass to prevent shattering and further damage during a storm.
FAQs about hurricane-rated garage doors
Are all garage doors hurricane proof?
No, there is no such thing as a hurricane-proof garage door. However, specifically designed hurricane-rated or wind-load-rated garage doors do offer protection against severe storms and high winds.
What size bolts are used for hurricane-proof garage doors?
For hurricane-proof garage doors, 1/2-inch bolts are typical. However, the size and type of bolts are just one part of a comprehensive hurricane-proofing system for garage doors. The effectiveness of the bolts depends on proper installation, spacing, and torque.
Do I need a permit to replace a garage door?
Yes, you need a permit to replace a garage door to ensure safety and code compliance, especially when installing a hurricane-rated garage door.
Are WindCode ratings and Exposure Categories the same?
While WindCode ratings consider exposure categories as one of their factors, they are not the same:
WindCode ratings: These ratings, ranging from W-1 to W-9, evaluate a garage door's ability to withstand wind pressures based on factors like wind speed, structural type, and exposure category. They are specifically designed to indicate how much wind and debris a door can handle.
Exposure Categories: Defined by ASCE standards, these categories describe the surrounding environment's impact on wind loads. For example, Exposure D applies to structures in open terrain or coastal areas where wind travels unobstructed, while Exposure B pertains to urban or wooded regions with natural wind blocks.
Getting estimates from garage door installers
Hire a reliable garage door installer near you by following these recommendations:
Contact at least three garage door installation companies to compare detailed estimates.
Confirm the installer's professional licensing, insurance, years in business, and reputation by checking references and online reviews.
Discuss your exact needs including door size, material, and hurricane ratings. Also, get a comprehensive quote covering materials, labor, removal, and disposal.
Request specific information about warranty coverage, installation process, permit requirements, and compliance with local building codes.
Be wary of extremely low estimates, vague communication, lack of written documentation, or inability to provide proof of insurance and professional credentials.
Questions to ask a hurricane garage door installer
Ask the installer these questions to ensure that you're getting a properly installed, high-quality hurricane-rated garage door that will provide the necessary protection during severe weather events:
Are you certified to install hurricane-rated garage doors? How much experience do you have with these specific types of doors?
Can you explain your installation process for hurricane-rated garage doors? How do you ensure the door meets manufacturer specifications?
What wind load rating does the door have, and is it appropriate for our local hurricane codes?
Is the door designed to withstand impact from debris during a storm?
What materials are used in the door's construction? How many layers of steel does it have?
What specific reinforcements are included to make the door hurricane-resistant?
How is the door weatherproofed to prevent gaps that could compromise its effectiveness?
What type of track system is used, and how is it reinforced for hurricane conditions?
Are there any additional costs beyond the initial quote, such as for extra reinforcements or specific hardware?
What warranty do you offer on both the door and the installation?
What regular maintenance is required to keep the door functioning properly and maintain its hurricane resistance?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.