Choosing a door that fits your garage
A garage door needs to suit the opening, the available space and daily use. A useful comparison covers the complete installation, not just the door panel shown in a catalogue.
Replacement, repair or a new opener?
A faulty remote or failed motor does not necessarily mean replacing the entire door. Have its mechanism, condition and availability of compatible parts assessed. For a repair, the make, model and symptoms are more useful than preferences for a new door’s appearance.
Adding an opener requires a compatible door in sound mechanical condition. A stronger motor cannot fix binding tracks or worn springs. If you already own the equipment, the installer should check compatibility and completeness before agreeing to fit it.
Which opening arrangement fits the space?
The door’s movement determines which areas must remain clear. Include parked vehicles, shelves, lights and pipework when assessing the space.
| Door type | Installation consideration |
|---|---|
| Overhead sectional | Panels usually travel beneath the ceiling. Tracks and opener need clearance above and behind the opening. |
| Roller | The curtain rolls into a housing. Allow room for the housing and side guides. |
| Up-and-over | The single panel needs movement space, sometimes extending in front of the garage. |
| Side-sectional | Panels travel along a side wall which must remain unobstructed. |
| Side-hinged | Leaves swing sideways. Consider their sweep, wind and any rising driveway. |
Opening size is not the same as ordering size
For the initial enquiry, provide the opening’s width and height if known. Describe differently sized doors separately. The number of parking spaces does not establish the number or dimensions of the doors.
Before ordering, the contractor also checks headroom, side clearance, garage depth, fixing surfaces and finished floor level. Ask how much clear driving width and height will remain. Similar catalogue dimensions do not guarantee that a door fits the existing structural opening.
Private garage or shared parking entrance?
A household garage and a shared underground car park differ in usage intensity and access arrangements. For frequent operation, the expected daily openings, suitable controls and maintenance arrangements matter.
Insulation and seals should match the room’s use. An insulated door does not heat an unheated garage; moisture brought in by wet vehicles still needs ventilation. Quiet operation also depends on rollers, installation and the condition of the whole system, not only the motor.
How much does a garage door cost?
October 2026 product example: promotional door with opener from CHF 1,299 including 8.1% VAT, promotional sizes only, valid until 31 December 2026. Measurement, installation, removal and disposal are excluded. This is not a complete replacement price.
A project quote must reflect your dimensions and site. Special sizes, glazing, a wicket door, finishes and electrical or building alterations change the scope. Averaging product and installation prices with different inclusions cannot produce a reliable Swiss market figure.
- Door and controls. Identify panels, frame, hardware, opener, controls and necessary protective equipment.
- Removal and fitting. Include travel, survey, delivery, dismantling, disposal, installation and commissioning.
- Connections and finishes. Clarify electricity supply, opening or floor alterations, trims and VAT.
Safety depends on the complete system
The door, motor, controller and protective devices must work together. At handover, ask for a demonstration of operation, safety functions and emergency release. Smartphone control is no substitute for properly configured protection against trapping.
If the garage has no other entrance, access during a power failure needs particular attention. Discuss a suitable external release. Stop using a door with a broken spring, loose cable or crooked panel until a qualified person has assessed it.
Preparing comparable quotes
State the work you need, the doors involved and known dimensions. For existing equipment, identification-plate details are useful. Missing information can be checked during a survey.
- Survey the site. Check dimensions, obstructions and connections, then confirm the desired configuration.
- Agree the scope. Distinguish a complete door, opener or repair and specify removal, associated works and delivery time.
- Complete the handover. Receive operating guidance, documents, keys, remotes and maintenance instructions.
Care and servicing for the specific system
Keep guide areas clear and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Not every part should be oiled or greased. Adding cladding or insulation panels yourself can alter door weight and balance.
Checks and replacement intervals depend on the system, its use and the manufacturer’s instructions. A lifespan stated only in years says little about a heavily used entrance. Tensioned springs and load-bearing cables require skilled attention.
Frequently asked questions
Can an old garage door have an electric opener fitted?
Often, after checking its condition, balance, hardware and opener compatibility. A damaged or stiff door must first be repaired.
Do I need every installation measurement?
No. Known width and height help with the initial assessment. The contractor takes final measurements, including clearances, before ordering.
Can I request several garage doors together?
Yes. List different doors separately with their description, quantity and known dimensions. Two small doors are not equivalent to one wide double door.
Is a new door always better insulated?
It depends on the construction, seals and connections. Consider how the garage is used; replacing the door alone does not guarantee lower heating costs.
How long does a replacement take?
A straightforward replacement that fits the opening may be completed in one installation visit. Manufacturing, delivery and any building or electrical alterations need separate planning.
