How Much Does a Roller Garage Door Cost in 2026?
A roller garage door cost starts from £800 fitted for a basic manual single-skin door. An electric roller door costs from £1,100, and an insulated electric roller door from £1,500. Premium brands such as SWS and Hormann run to £2,500–£4,000fully fitted. The door rolls vertically into a compact drum above the opening — no ceiling tracks, no driveway swing.
£600
Manual from
£900
Electric from
£1,200
Insulated from
£150
Fitting from
Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.
Planning permission. Replacing a garage door with a roller door does not usually require planning permission. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and garages that open directly onto a classified road may be exceptions. Check with your local planning authority if you are unsure.
Roller Garage Door Cost at a Glance
Here is how much a roller garage door costs across the main types, with both supply-only and supply-and-fit prices. Fitting typically costs £150–£300 for a standard single door replacement.
| Door Type | Supply Only | Supply & Fitted |
|---|---|---|
| Manual roller (single skin aluminium) — supply only | £600–£900 | £800–£1,200 |
| Electric roller (single skin) — supply only | £900–£1,400 | £1,100–£1,700 |
| Insulated electric roller — supply only | £1,200–£2,000 | £1,500–£2,500 |
| Premium insulated (SWS, Hormann) — supply only | £2,000–£3,500 | £2,500–£4,000 |
Supply-and-fit prices include removal and disposal of the old door. Frame replacement, if required, costs an extra £100–£300.
Roller vs Sectional vs Up-and-Over: Which Is Right for You?
Roller doors are the most popular choice for UK homes being replaced or upgraded, but they are not always the best option for every situation. Here is how the three main types stack up.
| Type | Cost (fitted) | Space Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roller | £800–£4,000 | No driveway or ceiling space needed | Short driveways, frequent daily use |
| Sectional | £1,000–£2,500 | No driveway space; uses ceiling | Workshop garages, maximum insulation |
| Up-and-over | £400–£1,200 | Requires driveway clearance | Budget installs, infrequent use |
Roller doors are particularly well-suited to homes with short driveways, where there is no room for a door that swings outward.
What Affects the Cost of a Roller Garage Door?
Width and height
Standard single garage openings are around 2.4m wide × 2.0m high, and most doors are priced for this size. Wider openings (2.7m, 3.0m, or double-width at 4.8m+) cost significantly more because the slats are longer, the drum is heavier, and the motor needs more torque. Always measure your opening before requesting quotes.
Insulation level
Single-skin aluminium slats are the cheapest option. Double-skin insulated slats (foam-filled, typically 40–55mm thick) cost £300–£600 more but make the garage noticeably warmer and quieter. On insulated doors, the slat thickness also makes the drum slightly larger — check there is enough headroom above the opening.
Motor quality
Budget electric motors are noisier, slower, and more likely to need replacement within five to eight years. Mid-range motors from brands like Somfy or the own-brand motors from SWS and Hormann are much quieter, faster, and come with longer warranties (typically three to five years on the motor). Spending £150–£250 more on a better motor is worth it.
Security rating
Doors with LPS 1175 or Secured by Design certification cost more but are significantly harder to break into. If your garage contains tools, a car, or connects internally to the house, it’s worth paying the premium for a certified secure door.
Colour and finish
Standard white or cream is the cheapest option. RAL colour matching (to coordinate with your front door or render) typically adds £80–£200. Woodgrain effect finishes are also available at similar uplift. Bespoke RAL colours on premium doors can add more.
Windows and glazing
Some roller doors are available with polycarbonate or acrylic window inserts in the slats, letting in natural light. These add £150–£400 depending on the number and type of inserts. They look great but reduce the overall insulation value of the door slightly.
Electric vs Manual Roller Garage Doors
The choice between electric and manual is one of the most common questions. Here is a clear breakdown to help you decide.
Manual roller — £600–£900 supply, £800–£1,200 fitted
Operated by hand using a strap or handle. Simple, reliable, and with fewer parts to go wrong. The obvious downside is the effort involved, particularly on cold mornings. Manual doors do not lock automatically — you need to use a separate lock or locking bar. A good choice if the garage is used infrequently or if budget is a primary concern.
Electric roller — £900–£1,400 supply, £1,100–£1,700 fitted
Opens and closes with a remote control or wall button. The door locks automatically when closed — a significant security advantage. Many models now include Wi-Fi connectivity so you can open or check the door from your phone. You will need a power socket in the garage if you do not already have one (an electrician will charge £80–£150 to install one). The motor typically lasts 10–15 years before needing replacement. Most also include a battery backup so the door still works during a power cut.
Insulated vs Non-Insulated: Is It Worth Paying More?
This is the question that divides homeowners most. Here is the practical answer.
Go insulated if…
- Your garage is attached to the house or has an internal door — heat loss through a single-skin door is significant
- You use the garage as a workshop, home gym, or hobby space and want it to stay warm
- Noise is a concern — insulated doors are noticeably quieter in operation
- You park a car in the garage and want to reduce condensation on the vehicle overnight
Single-skin is fine if…
- The garage is a standalone outbuilding with no internal connection to the house
- It is purely used for storage and you are not heating it at all
- Budget is the main concern and the door is not used daily
Top Roller Garage Door Brands in the UK
The brand you choose matters — quality varies significantly at the lower end of the market. These four are consistently regarded as the best options for UK homeowners.
SWS (SeceuroGlide)
PremiumWidely considered the best roller garage door brand in the UK. The SeceuroGlide range offers outstanding build quality, excellent security credentials (LPS 1175 SR2 certified on some models), and the quietest operation of any roller door. Made in the UK. Prices run from around £1,800 to £3,500+ fitted for standard insulated models. The go-to choice when quality is the priority.
Hormann
PremiumGerman manufacturer with an outstanding reputation across all types of garage doors. Their roller door range offers excellent insulation values, very quiet motors, and a wide choice of colours and finishes. Available from most specialist garage door companies. Prices are comparable to SWS at £1,800–£3,500+ fitted. Their RollMatic and RollMatic PE models are particularly well-regarded.
Gliderol
Mid-rangeUK manufacturer offering solid quality at a more accessible price point. The Gliderol range covers manual and electric roller doors in both single-skin and insulated versions. A popular choice for those who want a reliable door from a UK brand without paying premium prices. Typically £1,100–£2,200 fitted for insulated electric models.
Garador
Mid-rangeAnother well-known UK brand producing a reliable range of roller doors at competitive prices. Garador doors are widely available through independent garage door specialists and national chains. A sensible choice for a mid-range budget. Electric insulated models typically cost £1,200–£2,000 fitted.
How to Get Your Roller Garage Door for Less
A few smart choices at the buying stage can knock a meaningful amount off the final bill without cutting corners on quality or security.
Always get at least three quotes
Roller garage door prices vary enormously between suppliers. We have seen the same SWS SeceuroGlide door quoted at £1,400 by one firm and £2,200 by another for identical specification. Get at least three written quotes and check that each one covers the same door size, specification, fitting, and disposal of the old door. Don’t just go with the cheapest — check reviews and ask how long they’ve been installing that particular brand.
Choose an insulated door from the start
It’s tempting to save £300–£600 by going single-skin, but if you later decide you want insulation you’ll need an entirely new door. The foam-filled slats on insulated roller doors also tend to be more rigid, dent-resistant, and quieter. If your garage is attached to your house or you use it for anything beyond basic storage, opt for insulation at the outset.
Reuse the existing guide channels if possible
If the old roller door guide channels (the vertical side tracks) are in good condition and the correct size for the new door, a good installer can often reuse them. This can save £80–£150 on materials and reduce fitting time. Ask each installer specifically whether the existing guides are reusable before accepting a quote that includes new ones.
Order in winter for a better price
Garage door installers tend to be quieter between November and February. Ordering in the off-season can sometimes get you 10–15% off the headline price, and you’re likely to be fitted faster. If you’re not in a rush, waiting for the winter months is an easy way to save £150–£300 on a mid-range door.
Go manual if the garage is rarely used
If you only open the garage a few times a week or month, a manual roller door at £800–£1,200 fitted does the job perfectly well. The £300–£500 you save by skipping the motor is harder to justify if you’re not getting daily use from it. Manual doors also have fewer parts to go wrong and no motor to replace after 10–15 years.
Useful Resources
Authoritative guidance on garage door safety, security, and standards.
What to Expect: The Roller Door Installation Process
A roller garage door can usually be fitted in half a day. Here's what the installation involves from start to finish.
- 1
Measure the opening and order the door
The installer measures the garage opening width, height, and headroom. Roller doors coil into a compact drum above the opening, so they need less headroom than up-and-over doors — typically 200 to 300mm. The door is manufactured to fit.
- 2
Remove the old door (if replacing)
The existing garage door, tracks, and fixings are removed. If the frame or lintel is damaged, repairs are carried out before the new door goes in.
- 3
Fit the guide rails and drum housing
Vertical guide rails are fixed to each side of the opening. The roller drum housing is mounted at the top, either face-fixed to the lintel or fitted behind the opening depending on the headroom available.
- 4
Hang the door curtain
The aluminium or steel slat curtain is fed into the guide rails and attached to the roller drum. The tension spring is adjusted so the door rolls up and down smoothly under its own balance.
- 5
Install the motor (electric models)
For electric roller doors, a tubular motor is fitted inside the roller drum. The motor is wired to a nearby power supply and paired with remote control fobs. Safety features including auto-reverse on obstruction are tested.
- 6
Final adjustments and handover
The installer adjusts the travel limits, checks the weatherseal at the bottom and sides, and ensures the locking mechanism engages correctly. You receive a demonstration, spare fobs, and any warranty documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a roller garage door cost?
A roller garage door costs between £800 and £4,000 including supply and fitting, depending on whether it is manual or electric, insulated or single-skin, and the brand. A basic manual single-skin roller door costs £800–£1,200 fitted. An electric single-skin door costs £1,100–£1,700. An insulated electric roller door costs £1,500–£2,500. Premium insulated doors from brands such as Hormann or SWS cost £2,500–£4,000 fitted.
What is the difference between electric and manual roller garage doors?
A manual roller door is wound up and down by hand using a handle or strap. It is cheaper to buy (£600–£900 for the door alone) and has no moving electrical parts to go wrong, but it requires more effort to operate. An electric roller door uses a motor to open and close at the touch of a remote or wall button. Electric doors are much more convenient for daily use, lock automatically when closed, and can often be connected to a smartphone app. The motor adds around £300–£500 to the cost.
Is an insulated roller garage door worth the extra cost?
Yes, in most cases. An insulated roller door costs £300–£600 more than a single-skin door but makes a significant difference if your garage is attached to the house, used as a workshop or home gym, or if you store a car in cold weather. Insulated slats (typically 40–55mm thick foam-filled aluminium) dramatically reduce heat loss, reduce condensation, and make the garage much quieter. If the garage is purely for storage and not connected to the house, a single-skin door may be perfectly adequate.
Which roller garage door brand is best?
The most respected brands in the UK are SWS (their SeceuroGlide range is widely regarded as the best on the market), Hormann, Gliderol, and Garador. SWS and Hormann sit at the premium end with the best build quality, longest warranties, and most security features. Gliderol and Garador offer good quality at a slightly lower price point. Avoid unknown brands at the budget end — the slats, springs, and motors on cheap doors can fail quickly and are difficult to get parts for.
What security rating should I look for on a roller garage door?
Look for doors that carry LPS 1175 certification or are listed on the Secured by Design scheme, which is backed by the UK police service. A minimum of LPS 1175 SR1 (Security Rating 1) is recommended for most homes. Electric roller doors have an inherent security advantage because the door locks automatically when closed — there is no padlock to cut or handle to force. Premium insulated doors with interlocking steel slats offer the highest resistance to break-in attempts.
Do roller garage doors need maintenance?
Roller garage doors need very little maintenance compared to up-and-over or side-hinged doors. The main tasks are: lubricating the guide channels once or twice a year with a silicone spray, cleaning the slats with warm soapy water, and checking the tension spring annually. On electric doors, the motor unit should be serviced every five years or so. Most good installers offer a servicing package. Avoid using WD-40 on the guides — it attracts dust and grime, which wears the channels over time.
Reviewed by Chris Ward, Less.co.uk Home Improvement Costs Specialist
Last updated: · Pricing based on industry data and verified contractor submissions · Methodology
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