So, you’re thinking about replacing that old garage door. Maybe it squeaks, maybe it’s heavy, or maybe it just looks tired. Whatever the reason, one big question comes up right away: how long will the garage door installation in Rockville take?
Let’s walk through it together. I’ll explain the steps, the timeline, and the little things that make the job quicker or slower. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture. Think of it like we’re having a chat over coffee, and you’re planning your day around the work.
Average Time for a Standard Garage Door Installation
For most homes in Rockville, a new garage door takes about four to six hours to install. That’s the average for a standard, single-car door. If you’ve got a double-car door, add a little more time. Maybe six to eight hours in total. That’s a typical range. But like most home projects, the clock can shift depending on a few factors.
Factors That Change the Timeline
Let’s break down the things that can stretch or shorten the job.
Removing the Old Door
If the crew has to take down an old, heavy wooden door, it takes extra time. A steel door with worn tracks might come down fast. But a layered wood door? That can add an hour or more.
Door Size
A small single door installs faster than a tall or wide double door. Size matters here.
Custom Features
Windows, insulation, smart openers, and decorative trim all add steps. Each step adds a few minutes. Put them all together, and you might tack on another hour.
Condition of the Garage
If the framing is solid and square, the job runs smoothly. If the wood is rotted or the floor isn’t level, the crew might need to fix things first. That slows it down.
The Opener
If you’re adding a new opener with the door, count an extra one to two hours. Wiring, mounting, and testing all take time.
Thinking about how to choose the right garage door installation company? Read this: How to Choose the Right Garage Door Repair Company in Rockville
Step-by-Step Look at the Process
To really understand the timing, it helps to see the steps. Let’s walk through them.
Step 1: Arrival and Prep – 30 Minutes
The crew shows up. They unload tools and the new door. They check the space, measure again, and plan the order of work.
Step 2: Removing the Old Door – 30-60 Minutes
They unhook the springs first. Then they take out the panels one by one. Tracks and hardware come off next.
Step 3: Framing and Leveling – 30 Minutes
They check the wood frame. They make sure the header and sides are square. If they’re not, they make quick adjustments.
Step 4: Installing Tracks and Hardware – 30-45 Minutes
They set the vertical tracks, the horizontal tracks, and the brackets. These need to line up perfectly.
Step 5: Placing the Door Panels – 60-90 Minutes
They place each panel, starting from the bottom. Hinges and rollers go on as they stack the panels upward. This part takes focus.
Step 6: Springs and Cables – 45-60 Minutes
Springs are the muscles of the door. The crew sets the torsion or extension springs, adds the cables, and balances the tension. Safety matters most here.
Step 7: Opener Installation – 60-90 Minutes
If you bought a new opener, they mount the rail, motor, and sensors. They wire it all up and connect it to the door.
Step 8: Testing and Final Adjustments – 30 Minutes
They open and close the door several times. They check balance, adjust springs, tighten bolts, and test safety sensors. Add it up, and you get that four to six-hour range.
Same-Day vs. Multi-Day Jobs
Most Rockville homeowners get the job done in one day. A morning start means you’ll likely be parking inside again by late afternoon. But sometimes it stretches into two days. That happens if:
- The old frame is damaged.
- You ordered a custom wood or carriage-style door.
- You added extra features like insulation kits or smart tech.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Some homeowners ask, “Can I do it myself?”
The short answer: you can, but you shouldn’t.
A DIY job can stretch to two or even three days. Springs are dangerous if handled wrong. Tracks can misalign. A door that’s off by even half an inch can jam or wear out quickly.
A professional crew does it daily. They have the right tools and training. They also bring spare parts in case something doesn’t fit. That’s why pros can finish in hours instead of days.
Preparing for Faster Installation
Want to help the crew move quickly? A little prep goes a long way.
- Clear the garage. Move cars, bikes, and boxes out of the way.
- Sweep the floor. A clean, level space helps with setup.
- Decide on opener placement. Knowing where outlets are saves time.
- Confirm your door choice. Make sure the style and size are right before the crew arrives.
Do these small things, and you can shave off 30 minutes or more.
What Happens After Installation?
Once the door is in, you’re not quite done. You’ll spend a few minutes with the crew as they show you how everything works.
They’ll explain:
- How to use the manual release.
- How to change the opener code.
- How to test the safety sensors.
- How to schedule regular maintenance.
This final walkthrough takes about 15 minutes. But it’s worth every second.
Rockville-Specific Considerations
Now, why does Rockville matter here? Location plays a role.
- Older Homes: Some homes in Rockville have older garages with uneven floors or non-standard frames. That can add time.
- Weather: Maryland weather swings can affect wood frames. Rain or cold might slow the process a bit.
- Permits: For most standard doors, you don’t need permits. But if you’re widening the frame, local codes might add a step.
Install Premium Garage Doors With Superior Garage Door
A garage door is an important aspect of any home. It protects your home and adds everyday ease. Therefore, it should be strong and durable.
At Superior Garage Door, we install garage doors built for strength, style, and long-lasting performance. Our team handles installations with care, ensuring a smooth, quiet, and secure door.
Call us today and let our experts handle your garage door installation in Rockville.
