How to Fix a Garage Door Gap: Tips for a Tighter Seal
Replacing a garage door in the UK costs between £400 and £3,000 fully installed, depending on the door type, material, size, and whether automation is included. A standard steel up-and-over door for a single garage costs £400-£800 installed. A sectional door costs £700-£1,500 installed. Roller doors and insulated double doors are at the top of the range at £1,200-£3,000. These prices include supply and professional installation. DIY supply-only prices are typically 30-50% lower, but installation mistakes can be costly to fix.
Garage Door Replacement Costs at a Glance
Use this table as a starting point before reading the detail below. Prices are for UK supply and installation in 2025 and cover standard single-garage sizes (approximately 2.1m x 1.98m to 2.4m x 2.13m).
| Door Type | Supply Only | Installed (Single) | Installed (Double) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel up-and-over | £250-£500 | £400-£800 | £700-£1,200 |
| GRP/fibreglass up-and-over | £300-£600 | £500-£1,000 | £800-£1,500 |
| Timber up-and-over | £350-£700 | £550-£1,100 | £900-£1,800 |
| Steel sectional | £500-£900 | £700-£1,400 | £1,000-£2,200 |
| Roller door (steel) | £600-£1,200 | £900-£1,800 | £1,400-£2,800 |
| Insulation upgrade (any type) | Add £150-£400 | - | - |
| Automation (electric opener) | £200-£600 | - | - |
Garage Door Prices by Type
Up-and-Over Garage Doors
Up-and-over doors are the most common type in the UK and the least expensive to supply and install. They come in two mechanisms: canopy (the door projects outward as it opens) and retractable (the door swings fully into the garage). Canopy mechanisms are simpler and cheaper; retractable allows a garage door opener to be fitted more easily.
Steel up-and-over doors are the standard choice. They are durable, low-maintenance, and available in a wide range of colours and panel designs. Expect to pay £400-£800 installed for a single door, £700-£1,200 for a double.
GRP (fibreglass) up-and-over doors are lightweight, will not rust, and can mimic the appearance of timber without the maintenance. They cost around 20-30% more than equivalent steel doors. Installed prices: £500-£1,000 single, £800-£1,500 double.
Timber up-and-over doors are the most expensive in this category. They require periodic repainting or staining to prevent rot. Installed prices: £550-£1,100 single, £900-£1,800 double.
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional doors open vertically, folding upward along the ceiling of the garage. They are better suited to garages with limited driveway depth (the door does not swing outward) and take up less ceiling space than a fully retracted up-and-over door.
Steel sectional doors cost £700-£1,400 installed for a single garage. Insulated sectional doors (polyurethane foam cores) cost £900-£1,800 installed and are significantly better at retaining heat - a worthwhile upgrade for garages used as workshops or home offices.
Roller Garage Doors
Roller doors roll up into a compact housing box above the opening. They require no ceiling space and leave the full garage depth usable. Most are aluminium or steel, and most are electric as standard.
Installed prices for a single roller door: £900-£1,800. Double: £1,400-£2,800. The wide range reflects differences in insulation levels, motor specification, and housing box finish.
Side-Hinged Garage Doors
Side-hinged doors open outward like a pair of barn doors. They are the simplest mechanism of any garage door type and often the least expensive. They suit garages used frequently on foot (workshop access, storage) better than car garages, because one leaf must be opened at minimum even for pedestrian access.
Installed prices: £500-£1,200 for a single garage, depending on material.
What Affects the Price?
Size
Standard single garage door openings in the UK are 2.1-2.4m wide and 1.98-2.13m high. Non-standard sizes - wider openings for larger vehicles or taller openings for camper vans and SUVs - require made-to-measure doors and cost significantly more, often 50-100% above standard pricing.
Always measure the opening accurately before requesting quotes. Measure the width and height of the actual aperture (the opening in the wall), not the existing door. Also measure the headroom above the opening and the side clearance, as different door types require different minimum clearances.
Material
Steel is the least expensive and most durable material for modern garage doors. GRP (fibreglass) costs slightly more but eliminates rust. Timber is the most expensive and highest maintenance, though it remains the preferred choice for period properties.
Insulation
Standard steel doors have no insulation and a very low thermal resistance. An insulated door - typically with a polyurethane foam core - adds £150-£400 to the door cost but significantly reduces heat loss. This is worthwhile if the garage is attached to the house or used as a workspace.
Automation
Electric garage door openers cost £200-£600 supply and fit, depending on the motor specification and features (smart home integration, battery backup, safety sensors). Roller doors and sectional doors are the easiest to automate. Up-and-over doors with retractable mechanisms can be automated; canopy up-and-over doors cannot.
Installation
Professional installation typically adds £150-£400 to the door supply price for a standard single door, and £200-£500 for a double door. This is worth paying for roller doors and sectional doors where precise track alignment is critical. For side-hinged and basic up-and-over doors, confident DIYers can manage installation from the manufacturer's instructions.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Several costs are frequently overlooked when budgeting for a garage door replacement:
Old door removal and disposal. Most installers charge £50-£150 to remove and dispose of the old door. Some include this; many do not. Confirm before accepting a quote.
Frame repair or replacement. If the existing door frame is damaged, rotten (timber frames), or corroded (steel frames), it may need partial or full replacement. This can add £100-£400 to the job depending on the extent of damage.
Lintel inspection. The concrete or steel lintel above the garage door opening supports the wall above it. A cracked or failing lintel must be replaced before fitting a new door. This is a structural job costing £400-£1,000 or more.
Sealing. A new door alone will not make the garage weathertight. Budget for a threshold seal at the bottom (£30-£80 for a GaraDry seal), weatherstripping on the sides and top (£20-£50), and door panel insulation if the door is not factory-insulated (£40-£80 for a GaraDry insulation kit).
Electrical supply for automation. If you are adding an electric opener to a garage that does not currently have a power socket inside, an electrician will need to run a spur. This typically costs £100-£250.
Repainting or redecorating. Fitting a new door sometimes exposes unpainted sections of wall or render around the opening. Budget for this if the surrounding finish matters.
Repair vs Replace: When Each Makes Sense
Not every garage door problem requires full replacement. Knowing when to repair saves significant cost.
Repair when:
- The door mechanism is sound but the seals have worn
- The door surface is cosmetically damaged (dented panels, faded paint) but the structure and mechanism are intact
- A single component has failed (a broken spring, a damaged hinge)
- The door is less than 10 years old
Replace when:
- The door is more than 20 years old and showing multiple issues
- The mechanism is damaged beyond economic repair (severe rust, bent tracks)
- You want to add automation to a door type that cannot be motorised
- The door no longer fits the opening due to frame movement
- You want to significantly improve insulation or security and the existing door cannot be upgraded
The 50% rule is a useful guide: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the replacement cost, replacement usually makes more financial sense, particularly for older doors approaching the end of their service life.
Sealing Your New Door
A new garage door is only weathertight if it is properly sealed. Most supply-and-fit quotes do not include sealing products - these are separate.
At a minimum, fit a threshold seal at the base of the door opening. GaraDry threshold seals are available in heights from 15mm to 50mm to suit different flood risk levels, and are designed to bond directly to the floor with the included adhesive.
For complete protection, also fit weatherstripping on the door frame sides and a top seal above the door. Together, these prevent water ingress, draughts, pests, and leaves from entering around the door regardless of how tight the door's own mechanism closes.
If the door is not factory-insulated, add a GaraDry insulation kit to the inside of the panels. This is particularly worthwhile for attached garages or garages converted to workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a garage door in the UK?
A standard steel up-and-over door for a single garage costs £400-£800 fully installed. Sectional doors cost £700-£1,400 installed. Roller doors cost £900-£1,800 installed. Double garage doors cost roughly 50-80% more than the equivalent single door. These are 2025 prices for standard UK sizes.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a garage door?
Repair is usually cheaper if the door is under 10-15 years old and the problem is isolated - a broken spring, worn seal, or surface damage. Replacement makes more sense when the door is old and showing multiple failures, or when repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost. Seals and weatherstripping can always be replaced cheaply regardless of door age.
What is the cheapest type of garage door?
Steel up-and-over doors are the least expensive option, starting at around £400 installed for a single garage. They are also the most widely available and easiest to source as a replacement.
How long does it take to fit a new garage door?
A professional installer can replace a standard up-and-over or side-hinged door in 2-4 hours. Sectional and roller doors take 4-6 hours due to the track and motor installation. Same-day fitting is standard for most residential door types.
Do I need planning permission to replace my garage door?
In most cases, no. Replacing a garage door with one of a similar type and appearance is permitted development. However, if the property is listed, in a conservation area, or if the new door would significantly change the appearance of the building, you may need planning consent. Check with your local planning authority if in doubt.
What is the most secure type of garage door?
Roller doors and sectional doors are generally considered the most secure because they have no external handle and cannot be levered open from outside. Up-and-over doors with a multi-point locking system are also secure. Fitting a garage door alarm and ensuring the connecting door to the house is solid and locked adds a further layer of security for any door type.
How long do garage doors last?
A well-maintained steel or GRP garage door lasts 20-30 years. Timber doors last a similar period with regular treatment but require more maintenance to achieve it. The mechanism (springs, rollers, tracks) typically lasts 10-15 years and may need replacing before the door itself.
Does replacing a garage door add value to my home?
A new garage door is generally considered a cost-effective home improvement in terms of kerb appeal and resale value. Estate agents frequently cite it as one of the improvements with the best return on investment relative to cost, particularly if the existing door is visibly aged or damaged.