Photo: depositphotos.com
- Typical Range: $149 to $350
- National Average: $247
A garage door can keep a home safe and boost the overall curb appeal. But when the track system, springs, or cables wear out and break, it’s time for a garage door fix. And trying to make garage door repairs on your own creates a risk of property damage or personal injury, so it’s best to hire a professional for this job. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, garage door repair costs range from $149 to $350, with many homeowners paying an average of $247. Depending on the issue, minor repairs can cost under $100, and a garage door replacement can cost upward of $2,400.
Some factors that affect garage door repair cost are the type of repair, door material, required parts, labor costs, and if any customizations or enhancements are added. Here, we’ll also explore how to save money on a garage door service and examine what questions to ask a garage door contractor. To find a reputable garage door repairman in your area, search online for “garage door repair near me” or “garage door service near me.”
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“}” data-sheets-userformat=”{” wp_automatic_readability=”1.8543046357616″> Broken garage door? You need a pro for that. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated garage door repair services near you. 
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Factors in Calculating Garage Door Repair Cost
Many factors can impact garage door repair cost. Prices can differ from the national average due to door material, style, door age, the type of repair, required parts, labor, and geographic location.
Door Material and Style
Many homeowners choose the garage door material based on what’s best for their climate or overall aesthetic appeal. The material can also affect the overall cost of repairs. The most common garage door materials are wood, metal, and fiberglass. They each have their advantages and price ranges for repair or replacement.
- Wood. Repairing or replacing a wood garage door is usually the most expensive. This material is prone to rot, cracks, splits, and warping, and it’s challenging to repair. When a wooden panel is damaged, it will need to be removed and replaced. The average cost to repair a wood garage door ranges from $200 to $300, but it can cost considerably more depending on the style and wood type.
- Metal. While metal is a durable material, it will still need repairs. Metal garage door repairs range from $150 to $250. Keep in mind that aluminum doors are rustproof, but they dent easily. One bonus of this material is that it’s available in many colors to match a home’s exterior. Minor repairs to steel garage doors are relatively inexpensive, but the project can get expensive if individual panels need to be replaced. This material also corrodes easily and, despite its strength, it’s prone to dents.
- Fiberglass. This durable material can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations and will not split, crack, dent, or rust. Fiberglass is a budget-friendly garage door option since replacing panels is considerably cheaper than replacing wood or metal panels. Repairs typically run from $100 to $200.
Garage door repair cost is also dependent on the style of the door. Simple styles with fewer parts are less expensive to repair than more complex styles with multiple features.
- Sectional. One of the most popular styles, the sectional garage door has multiple parts, each at risk of breaking down over time. Repairs can be inexpensive if just one part needs to be repaired or replaced, but replacing a panel can cost as much as $800 to $1,000.
- One-panel. One-panel garage doors are typically more prone to replacement than a simple repair. These doors can range from $400 to $1,200.
- Carriage. Repairs can be less expensive since a carriage-style garage door has fewer parts. But these doors are typically made from wood, which means more costly repairs. The most common types of repairs are hardware or window replacement. It’s standard for this door style to need a complete replacement, which can run from $1,000 to $10,000.
- Tilt-up. A tilt-up garage door comprises one large panel rather than multiple smaller parts. This style also works with a garage door screen. It’s common to replace the entire door rather than repair it, and spring replacement costs $150 to $200.
- Custom roll-up. A custom garage door will cost more to install and replace than a standard builder-grade door. A custom garage door system means that repairs will be more time-consuming and expensive.
Type of Repair and Parts Required
Garage doors are made up of many different components. Motors, cables, springs, and tracks can wear out over time and will need to be replaced. These broken parts can prevent a garage door from operating, create loud noises, or keep it from being locked properly. Some fixes, like repairing brackets, can be relatively inexpensive. But other parts of the garage door, like the cables and chains, will require replacement and incur a higher bill.
Labor
Labor prices to repair garage door issues typically range from $75 to $150 per hour. For a quick and easy repair, a professional may charge a flat service fee of $50 to $75. Keep in mind that labor rates in densely populated urban areas are usually higher than in rural areas, and some pros may charge more if they have to travel to a remote location.
Geographic Location
Due to local price fluctuations and labor demands, your geographic location also affects garage door repair costs. Based on state or municipal building codes, some areas may have garage door reinforcement requirements. A qualified local contractor should be aware of all building codes.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Additional Costs and Considerations
When planning for garage door repair costs, it’s helpful to know any additional costs and considerations. These can include emergency repairs, other customizations or enhancements, and replacement costs.
Urgency of Repair
Some repairs need immediate attention because of the risk of injury or unsecured access to the home. Emergency repairs on the weekends, evenings, or holidays will cost more than repairs made during regular business hours. Many garage door professionals offer 24-hour service, but expect to pay between $100 and $200 for emergency same-day repairs.
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“}” data-sheets-userformat=”{” wp_automatic_readability=”2.8103448275862″> A broken garage door is a security threat to your home Fix it ASAP. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated garage door repair services near you.
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Customizations and Enhancements
Some homeowners opt to install a window in a solid garage door to let in natural light. The cost of removing a panel, cutting a space for the windowpane, and installing a window can run from $300 to $600. Double-pane windows will be more expensive. If a garage door looks old and worn but doesn’t need to be replaced, painting it can freshen its appearance and match it to the outside decor. Many different garage door materials can be painted, including wood and steel. The cost to paint a garage door ranges from $300 to $500.
Replacement vs. Repair
Often, if garage door parts such as springs and belts are damaged, they’ll need to be replaced since these parts cannot be repaired. Garage door repair professionals will fix issues when possible, but be aware that some components cannot be repaired.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Types of Garage Door Repair
The cost to repair a garage door depends on the type, material, and size of the door, as well as the type of repair needed. Common repairs involve dents, garage opener remotes, cables, tracks, brackets, and chains. Search online for “garage repair near me” or “roll-up door repair near me” to find a professional garage door contractor that can tell if a part can be repaired or should be replaced. Here are some of the most frequent garage door repairs and replacements.
Panel Replacement
Replacing a garage door panel is one of the most expensive repairs and can cost between $400 and $2,400, with the average at $1,200. Replacing a custom garage door panel may require replacing the entire door, which can significantly run up the project’s cost.
Motor Replacement
If the garage door opens and closes slower than usual, or if it stops working altogether, the motor may be to blame. Garage door motor replacement costs from $100 to $250, although high-end motors can cost more.
Dent Repair
Garage doors of all materials can be dented, but some are more easily repaired than others. The cost to fix a dented garage door ranges from $100 to $300. A professional can hammer out dents in aluminum or steel doors, but dents in a composite or wood door cannot be repaired as simply. This typically requires that the panel be replaced, which will be more expensive.
Glass Replacement
Broken glass in a garage door can be a security risk. A glass pane can cost between $10 and $50, and installation can run from $100 to $200, including labor.
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Remote Repair
Repairing a garage opener remote can range from $100 to $350, depending on the type of opener. If the remote cannot be fixed, it’ll need to be replaced, which can cost from $120 to $300.
Spring Replacement
The cost to replace garage door springs ranges from $180 to $550, including labor. There are two types of garage door springs: torsion and extension springs. Most torsion springs can handle 10,000 open and close cycles. These springs are mounted horizontally above the door opening. When the garage door lowers, the torsion springs twist to store energy. When the door opens, the energy is released. The price of these springs is typically higher than the more common extension springs that stretch and compress.
Garage Door Cable Repair
Whining and screeching noises usually signal a bad garage door cable. Expect to pay between $100 and $400 for new cables, including labor. If a cable has broken, the garage door may run off the track and the counterbalance may not be in the correct position. If a spring breaks while a cable is also broken, the spring may pop out of place, which can cause serious injury.
Off-Track Repair
If a garage door isn’t moving smoothly, hangs unevenly, or fails to open or close properly, the track may require repair. To repair the track, the door needs to be removed, the cables and rollers reset, the springs rewound, and the garage door realigned after hanging. The cost to fix a garage door track averages between $125 to $400. This price includes $50 to $100 to replace the track.
Roller Replacement
Replacing garage door rollers can cost between $110 and $230. Rollers allow the garage door system to roll smoothly along the track. It’s recommended to replace rollers every 5 to 7 years or if they’re chipped, cracked, or worn.
Bracket Repair
Brackets reinforce the garage door and hold it together to work with a mechanical opener. It’s common to replace brackets at the same time as bearings for a door with torsion springs. Including labor, the cost to repair a bracket runs from $80 to $160.
Sensor Replacement
Garage door sensors tell the system if there is an obstacle in the way when the door is closing. If the sensor isn’t working properly, it could lead to damage or injury if a car or person isn’t identified. A malfunctioning sensor could also stop the garage from closing or opening all the way, even if nothing is obstructing the path. Replacing a broken sensor can cost between $150 and $250.
Chain Repair
When a garage door lifts unevenly, the chain may need to be repaired. The price of repairs can range from $100 to $400, including labor. Chain-drive garage door openers typically need to be replaced if they’ve been damaged or if they’re very old.
Hinge Replacement
Replacing a garage door hinge can average around $85 to $175. Over time, hinges can wear down and break, which can cause the door to make irritating sounds when it opens and closes.
Belt Replacement
Belt-drive garage door openers are typically quieter than chain-driven ones. However, belt-drive openers are not as strong as chain-driven ones, and they’re more expensive to replace. Belt replacement can run from $85 to $200.
Lock Replacement
Many garage door companies provide locksmith services if the garage door lock is broken. A locksmith typically charges between $50 to $75 per visit and can charge $95 to $325 to replace a lock. The range in price depends on the type and quality of the lock.
Maintenance and Adjustment
There are many maintenance duties for a garage door that homeowners can do themselves. Inspecting hinges, tracks, pulleys, cables, chains, and rollers can prevent major repairs. Lubricating hinges, cleaning sensors, tightening screws, cleaning the tracks, listening for unusual noises, and getting minor issues fixed quickly can stave off expensive replacements in the future. If you prefer to have a professional maintain the garage door, it can cost between $100 and $200. After inspecting all the important parts of the door, a professional can make any needed modifications to spring and belt tension, door lubrication, or limits and force adjustments.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Do I Need Garage Door Repair?
A garage door is something homeowners use every day, but it’s not a part of the house you think about until something goes awry. Here are some common red flags that show when a garage door needs repair.
Issues Opening and Closing
This may be the most obvious sign that the door needs repairs, but there are various reasons that a garage door will not open or close. The springs or sensors could be broken, the cables may have snapped, the door may be off the track, a gear could be stripped, the remote batteries may need to be replaced, or the motor could be burned out. After you ensure the door isn’t blocked and nothing is in the way, it’s best to call a professional to identify and fix the issue.
Slow Response Time
When it seems like it takes forever for the garage door to open or close, something could be wrong with the opener or the springs. Lubricating the rollers, track, and hinges may speed up the response time. If not, this is a job for a professional.
Excessive Noise
While garage doors have many moving parts, they shouldn’t be obnoxiously loud when they operate. A noisy garage door is a sign that something isn’t right. Paying close attention to the type of sound the door makes may be a clue as to what’s wrong. A grinding sound can indicate that the door is dragging along a track, and the springs could create a rumbling noise. A popping noise implies that certain parts are not able to operate smoothly. Any unusual noises suggest that the door needs maintenance or repair.
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Sagging Door or Broken Panels
It’s recommended to manually test the garage door’s balance to prevent sagging. Once a year, disconnect the opener and manually open the door halfway. If the door continues to open or falls closed, there is something wrong with the spring tension and pressure. Be sure to call in a professional to deal with balance and tension issues.
Not only are broken door panels a safety issue, but a broken door can allow rodents and pests to access the home. Plus, heating and cooling can escape if the door isn’t properly insulating the garage, resulting in higher utility bills.
Garage Door Spring Issues
Issues with the torsion or extension springs are a serious concern. They can cause the door to be inoperable, and there’s a high change that the door may come crashing down at an unexpected moment. Springs that are about to break can also create a loud grating or rumbling sound, and they can cause the door to sag. It’s recommended to have a professional inspect and replace garage door springs. Incorrect installation by an inexperienced homeowner could result in serious injury.
Other Operation Issues
The risk of serious injury can happen if a garage door comes off its track. It could fall or become separated from the framework. A garage door can come off the track if it’s hit by a car, the rollers are damaged, a cable breaks, or the alignment isn’t balanced. A professional can replace the parts and ensure the garage door works smoothly.
Garage Door Repair: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Since a garage door can weigh up to 400 pounds, many homeowners let a professional tackle garage door repairs. If the door is broken or off its tracks, the possibility of the door falling and causing injury is high. Garage door springs are under intense pressure, and replacing them without the correct knowledge and experience can cause serious injuries. If a repair is made incorrectly, it could cause the door to break and lead to additional expenses. Also, keep in mind that some garage door part warranties are not valid with a DIY installation.
Many homeowners feel safe with basic maintenance like lubricating hinges, tightening screws, or cleaning the door track but leave all the other repairs or replacements to a trained professional.
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How to Save Money on Garage Door Repair
Budgeting for garage door repair costs can be challenging, and the additional fees associated with the job can quickly add up. One way to save money is to find the cheapest materials for repair, but there are other ways to save without compromising on quality.
- Get multiple quotes. Get at least three quotes from reputable garage door repair companies in your area.
- Look for coupons. Many garage door repair companies have online coupons or specials. Take the time to search online to see if the company you want to hire offers discounts.
- Wait a day or two. Before contacting a 24-hour garage door repair professional, consider waiting. Emergency service repairs can cost considerably more than a house call during regular business hours. If the repair can wait, you can save money.
- Opt for quality. Paying more up front for a quality garage door can help save money down the road for repairs.
- Maintain the door. Inspecting the door, tracks, springs, hinges, cables, opener, and rollers can keep minor issues from developing into more expensive, serious ones.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Questions to Ask About Garage Door Repair
Asking the right questions about garage door repair costs can minimize miscommunication and save money. Here are some questions to ask a garage door repair professional.
- Are you licensed and insured?
- How much experience do you have?
- Who will be doing the repairs?
- Will you provide references?
- What brands do you use?
- How long will the repairs take?
- What warranties do you offer?
- What is the estimated cost for repairs?
- Do you provide 24/7 emergency service?
- Do you offer maintenance visits?
- Do I need to be home for garage door repairs?
- What can I do to keep the garage door in good working condition?
FAQs
Staying within your budget for garage door repair costs can be daunting. Here are some frequently asked questions about garage door repair costs to help guide you in your decisions.
Q. How does the garage door style affect repair costs?
Garage doors with simpler styles and fewer parts are less expensive to repair than styles with multiple features.
Q. How do garage door repair prices vary by material?
Homeowners will typically choose garage door material based on climate and personal taste. It usually costs the most to repair wooden garage doors, followed by metal and fiberglass.
Q. How much does a brand-new garage door installation cost?
Garage door replacement cost ranges from $757 to $1,549, with many homeowners spending $1,123.
Q. Is garage door repair covered by home insurance?
In most cases, homeowners insurance will cover damage to your garage door as long as the damage is caused by a covered event. It’s always recommended to double-check the policy to ensure that garage doors are covered in the policy.
Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, Fixr
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