Garage door repair– it’s the last kind of household project you want to worry about. Whether you forgot to look in your rearview mirror before backing out of the garage, or the springs won’t open the door as easily as they once did, it’s a chunk of change that all garage owners need to face if they want the luxury of garage ownership.
Do you have a loud or bent garage door prone to sticking? Is your automatic door opener starting to fail just as we start to get more rain? Rather than sticking it out, it’s time to get a real quote for garage door repair cost from a garage door repair company.
Read on for a part-by-part breakdown, as well as repair considerations to keep in mind.
Garage Door Repair Considerations
When it comes down to pricing out your garage door repair project, you’ll want to consider things like labor, materials used, and where you live. If you’re completing the project yourself, you can save on labor costs– however, this might cost you more money in the long run.
Labor
Of all of the possible household repair projects, garage doors are some of the least easy parts to repair. If you decide to work with a professional, choose a company with several years of experience.
Most companies will need to send two technicians to complete the project out of safety. Garage doors are heavy and awkward, so you’ll need to factor in these labor costs when requesting a house call. Expect labor costs for the service call and more if repairs are needed.
Materials
Material costs have increased or are hard to get these days. Even if you are expecting a simple spring repair, remember that you often need much more than just springs to get the garage door working again. New springs, brackets, and hardware can be required for that single project, which can add up depending on the repair work needed.
In addition, remember to consider how many panels or doors you will need to repair when receiving a materials quote.
Geographic Location
Supply and demand of garage door repair supplies will inform the price of professional services. If you live in a more urban area, you can expect a higher quote just due to the cost of materials and the amount of demand for that kind of service.
Additionally, if the technician has to travel a long way to get to your home in a rural area, their final fee may reflect the trip. Discuss these factors during your initial consultation to avoid any surprise costs down the road.
How Much Does a Garage Door Repair Cost?
How much does it cost to fix a broken garage door? Garage door installation can cost more than a thousand dollars, depending on the type of door and the repair. Prepare your budget and add 20% for potential overages or unexpected costs.
A professional will price a repair based on the amount of labor, the type of door, tracks, and any hardware that needs to be replaced or repaired. Neither design nor material should affect the amount of time it takes for a repair, though certain supplies may be impacted by supply chain shortages.
Permits for Garage Door Repairs
When you start a garage repair project, a permit is likely the last thing on your mind. Do you need one? Depending on how extensive the repairs will be, you may need a permit for the following projects:
- Structural changes
- Electrical work
- Adding an addition to the garage
- Replacing windows or garage doors
Though some cities and homeowner’s associations can be strict on the updates you make to your property, the permit for replacing your garage door might not even be necessary. Check in with your city’s residential code to see if your project requires a permit.
This permit should only apply to you if you are completely replacing your garage door– especially if you live in an area where hurricanes or inclement weather can be damaging to the structures on your property. If the repair on your garage is minor and something you can do yourself, you shouldn’t have to worry about this step. Just head to the hardware store and get to work!
Common Garage Door Problems
Many homeowners can go years without a garage door repair. However, when the time comes, these are the most common issues that arise with garage doors:
- Broken door springs
- Faulty switches
- Bent tracks
- Off-track or misaligned doors
- Panel damage
- Broken garage door locks
- Rust
- Faulty control box
- Remote issues
- Other electrical issues (with automatic doors only)
If you aren’t entirely sure what the problem is, give a professional garage repair service a call. They can take a look at how the garage door is opening and closing and determine an efficient fix.
Garage Door Repair: Individual Parts
The most common repair needs will be for individual parts that aren’t working as well as they used to. If you’re making the repairs yourself and aren’t sure what to expect, take a look at this checklist.
Garage Door Spring Repair
Most garage door springs run an average of $20 to $100 for one spring. If you need to replace or repair more than one spring, expect to spend anywhere from $40 to $200 for parts alone. Because of the amount of weight and tension involved with spring repair, you should always call a professional for this kind of work.
The type of spring system can also inform how much you will end up paying for a repair. Types of springs and their associated costs include:
- Torsion springs ($400-$800) – mounted horizontally over the garage door opening that twist as the door is closing and release energy as the door needs to be re-opened
- Extension springs ($300-$500) – stretch and compress; the most common type of garage door spring
A spring replacement is the most common type of repair done on a garage door. This is because they have a limited lifespan (about 10,000 cycles), so constant raising and lowering will guarantee a repair or replacement at some point down the road.
Garage Door Panel Repair
The panel of the garage door is what you likely think of when you think of door components. It is the solid portion of the garage that makes up the door and is prone to minor cosmetic damage. If panels are dented or cracked from accidents or impact with a vehicle, they may need to be patched or repaired.
Garage door panel repair will cost you from $300 to $800. If a repairman can simply patch the holes and cover cracks, a full replacement shouldn’t be necessary.
A complete door or panel replacement is going to be one of the more expensive aspects of garage ownership. A full replacement may cost you between $400-$1500 depending on the material and style of the garage door. Remember– if your garage door is older, an exact replacement may not be available.
Garage Door Door Motor Repair
The motors of an automatic garage door are responsible for opening and closing the door. If a motor is no longer doing the job, it may need to be adjusted, cleaned, or oiled to start working again.
If cleaning or oiling doesn’t work, call a technician for an adjustment. This should cost between $200 to $300.
Garage Door Lock Bar Repair
The garage door lock bar is used to secure the garage door when it is closed. This keeps your home and possessions safe.
Lock bars corrode or wear down over time if they are not cared for. Cleaning, oiling, and lubricant treatments can keep them working smoothly. However, if it is time to replace them, it will cost between $75 and $175 on average for new lock bars.
Standard Lock Repair or Replacement
Just like if they were coming to work on your house, a locksmith will charge $50-$75 to come onsite, and an additional $90-$325 to replace the locks. They can also add additional locks if you feel like you need to step up the security on your garage.
Misaligned Sensor
It’s best to have a broken or misaligned sensor repaired as quickly as possible. The problem can range from minor irritation to danger if small kids or pets get in the way of the door.
Most modern garage doors are equipped with sensors that detect objects or people that might be in the way as it tries to close. If the sensors stop working, the door might continue closing onto the object or person. Sensor issues are usually resolved by rewiring or realigning.
If your garage door won’t close, the sensor may be obstructed or misaligned. If you cannot realign the sensors on your own, this can be fixed for about $150-$200.
Garage Door Opener Repair
Garage door opener repairs will usually run from $75 to $300– all depending on the opener type and components. The actual repair will either involve:
- Opener remote issues – check the batteries in the remote before calling a technician
- Opener wiring – will require the work of a technician to attend to the wiring
The difference between garage door opener types is how the motor drives the trolley or carriage along the rail. This might involve either a belt-drive system or a chain-drive system. If the repair is due to the type of drive system, call a garage repair service right away.
If you aren’t happy with the type of garage door opener you currently have, you may consider replacing it entirely. Belt-drive systems tend to have fewer maintenance needs, though basic chain-drive openers are cheaper than direct-drive or jackshaft-drive openers. Chain-drive systems tend to create more noise and vibration than other types, while a belt chain will provide quieter, smoother operation.
Garage Door Lintel Repair
The garage door lintel is the beam above the opening. It forms part of the frame and supports the weight of the wall. This may need to be repaired if the wood has rotted, or if the metal has corroded over time.
A repairman can restore a lintel with cleaning, restoration techniques, and additional reinforcement. It should cost $100 to $400 for a repair.
Track Problem
Your garage door should move along the track cleanly and smoothly when opening and closing the door. The garage door track might need repairing if it is no longer opening or closing properly, or if you notice the wheels are getting stuck or grinding against the track. Try cleaning and lubricating the track first.
If this doesn’t help, bring in a professional to bend the track back into place or to replace it entirely. If the door continues to fall off of the tracks or out of place, request a realignment. The door must be carefully aligned with the repaired tracks in order for the garage door to effectively open and close.
If you cannot bend the track back into shape, a dented or bent track will cost around $125 to $150 to replace. If the door has come off of its tracks, you can pay to have it put back into place for $170-$290.
Garage Door Cable Repair
Cables perform various functions such as keeping a spring in place if it breaks and keeping the counterbalance for your door in the appropriate position. If the garage door is screeching or whining, this is most likely a cable repair problem.
Cables may fray or break over time. Cables usually cannot just be repaired. Unless a repairman can simply reinforce the cable, it must be replaced entirely.
A broken cable will run you $75 to $200 because of the time and effort it takes for a technician to replace it. To avoid future issues, maintain the garage door by keeping all pulleys, chains, springs, and tracks lubricated to avoid stress on the opener. Keep yourself on a strict schedule to avoid missing necessary maintenance.
Noisy Door
A noisy door can be extremely inconvenient if your door is attached to your house, or if there are additional living quarters above the garage. Use lubricant or check for debris if your garage door is making noises like:
- Grinding
- Squealing
- Screeching
If lubricant or a good clean doesn’t help fix the noise, bring out a professional to take a look. There may be a deeper underlying problem with the track or the alignment of the door.
Broken Glass
We’ve all been there– a stray basketball or rock breaks the glass window in your garage door. Fixing or replacing a glass panel professionally is usually around $75. If you can repair yourself, the glass alone may cost as little as $25.
Bad Circuit Board
If you have an automatic garage door, there may be some electronics repair required. Replacing the circuit board will cost about $100. You will also need to reprogram the remotes used to open and close the garage door in order to use them again.
Rollers and Hinges
This type of repair shouldn’t run you too much if you are purchasing the materials yourself. It should cost around $10 to $15 to fix each damaged or broken roller. Hinges will run you about $10 apiece.
Garage Door Frame Repair
The frame on a garage door sits around the outside. This defines the door and also offers additional insulation. A garage door frame is typically made out of wood, which can lead to damaged or rotting frames.
A garage door frame repair will cost an average of $100 to $400. A garage door frame repair will typically involve patching and additional reinforcement. If enough rot or damage has occurred, a complete replacement may be warranted.
Garage Door Materials
The type of garage door material will greatly affect the final cost of your repairs or replacement. Common garage-door material types and their corresponding replacement costs include:
- Steel – costs $2500 – $5,000
- Wood – costs $6500 – $10,000
- Wood Composite – costs $6,000-$10,000
- Faux Wood – costs $6000 – $10,000
- Aluminum – costs $2500 – $3,000
- Fiberglass – costs $2,200 – $4,000
- Vinyl – costs $2,200- $4,000
These materials tend to range in quality from budget, premade materials to sleek, high-end builds. The most common garage door type is steel, as they are typically maintenance-free, durable, and reasonably priced.
Cheapest Garage Door Materials
Of the materials in the above list, uninsulated steel and aluminum garage doors tend to be the cheapest types to repair and install. If you’re looking to replace or repair a garage door on a budget or time crunch, these are your best bet.
Aluminum doors tend to cost $350to $750 to repair. They will usually require dent repair or re-alignment, as aluminum is rust-resistant and good for humid areas.
Mid-Range Garage Door Materials
Garage door materials like wood, glass, or steel are more expensive than uninsulated steel or aluminum. The good news is that these materials tend to be more customizable, include windows, and can withstand the weather better than cheaper garage door options.
As far as the repair of these materials, wood is the most expensive material to repair, ranging on average from $350-$750 for one house call before painting costs. This cost may vary due to the type of wood.
Steel doors are extremely durable but are prone to rust damage. Fixing a steel garage door typically costs around $350-$750.
High-end Garage Door Materials
100% wood or glass doors are the most expensive type of garage door. These doors are usually completely customizable and very pleasing to the eye.
Fiberglass is durable in both hot and cold climates and will resist splitting. On average, repairing fiberglass doors costs $350-$750.
Garage Door Styles
The style of the garage door will certainly impact the cost of repair. Popular garage door styles include:
- Roll Up – costs $2,200 – $10,000 to replace
- Glass Roll-Up – costs $5,000 – $25,000 to replace
- Standard Panel – costs $850- $2,250 to replace
- Carriage – $1,500 – $20,000
- Carriage Stamp – $1,500-$20,000
Unsure of what type of garage door you have? Check out this quick guide for reference.
Glass or Standard Roll-Up Garage Door
A roll-up garage door contains horizontal sheets of steel. Instead of running on a horizontal track system, the sheets coil up in a roll on the ceiling of the garage.
Walk Through or Pedestrian Door
A walk-through garage door contains a door that’s built into the sectional garage door. Rather than walking through a side door into the garage or rolling up the door entirely, a walk-through or pedestrian door allows you to let yourself in through the convenient built-in door.
Tilt-Up Garage Door
Tilt-up doors are built in one piece rather than numerous panels. To open, the door is pulled back on a pivot before being lifted onto a track on the ceiling.
Standard Panel Garage Doors
Panel garage doors are the most common type of door. They are usually fitted with springs so the door can be opened without a manual opener. This allows the door to slide up and into the space in the ceiling of the garage.
French Garage Door
French garage doors open sideways like doors in your home. They’re on a hinge and are least likely to be seen on a traditional garage. If you are converting your garage into a studio or living space, this might be a great option for you.
Carriage Doors
Carriage garage doors are a very classic and high-end look for larger homes. Some historic homes may have this type of door if the original architecture has been preserved. As the name suggests, carriage doors swing open wide enough to fit a carriage-sized vehicle.
Garage Door Maintenance
Garage door maintenance can be performed on a regular schedule by the average homeowner, though many technicians will offer certain maintenance services for a small fee. On a seasonal basis, make sure you’re inspecting your garage door for these potential problems.
Note Any Strange Noises
Listen to the door as it opens and closes. While the material itself might make some noise, it shouldn’t give off scraping or grating sounds.
The door should be reasonably quiet, but you can lubricate with WD-40, if necessary.
Check All Screws and Hinges
Check for loose screws and tighten right away. The vibration of the everyday operation of your garage door can loosen screws and hardware. Lubricate hinges with a $5 can of WD-40.
Test Sensors
Test your garage door sensors. To do this, start with an open garage door. Place something on the garage floor that is in the way of the door, and test to see if the door stops closing when it comes close to the object.
Make sure the sensors are aligned by checking that the lights turn on. Replace if the sensors fail your test– new sensors should cost about $150-$200.
Clean and Inspect Tracks
Clean the garage door tracks. Using a ladder, look up and inside of the tracks to ensure they are free of debris and rust.
If you find dust, use an air compressor to blow out or wipe clean. Use a ladder and take a look inside the tracks. Be sure they are free of debris, and there is no rust.
Make sure the tracks are level and straight. Using a level, make sure the vertical parts of the garage door are plumb. If necessary, clean the tracks with a $5 bottle of carburetor spray or brake cleaner instead of a lubricant.
Inspect Rollers
Take a look at the rollers. If they are at all worn, chipped, or cracked, they should be replaced for optimal performance. You can replace all rollers that are not attached to a cable. Usually, the bottom rollers are connected to cables, and those should be replaced by a professional due to the high tension on those wires. Rollers should be replaced every 5–7 years, so make a note of the last time they were replaced on your maintenance schedule.
Check Pulleys and Cables
Check the pulleys and cables on your garage door, but try to avoid working on them yourself. If you see signs of wear like broken strands, it’s time to call a professional. Remember– these are high-tension parts and should only be worked on by a highly-trained technician in order to avoid further damage or additional expenses.
Tighten Chains and Belts
If you find sagging chains and belts, tighten them up. Make sure you release the door from the opener prior to trying to make adjustments.
Check Weather Stripping
If the weather stripping is peeling off or flapping in the wind, it’s time to replace it. This part should be tight against the surface of the garage door.
Complete a Full Visual Inspection
Do a general visual inspection of how the door looks. Keep your eyes open for rust, peeling paint, and any other damage.
If the door needs a new coat of paint, make sure to prepare the surface according to the material. Wood, steel, fiberglass, or aluminum will require different treatments. Remove rust with sandpaper.
If you don’t need to paint, great! Just clean the door with the right kind of cleaner.
Check Door Balance
Does the door seem to be off-balance or difficult to open manually? It shouldn’t be extremely difficult to lift or fall down if you leave it halfway up.
Give this a test by releasing the automatic opener and opening manually. Halfway up to the top, let the door go. It should stay in that position without moving.
Test Batteries and Lightbulbs
Your automatic door opener should have a light and backup battery. Unplug the garage door opener box to make sure the backup battery is working. Also, be sure to check the batteries in your remote.
Average Garage Door Installation Cost
Hands down, installing a brand-new garage door will be one of the more expensive home improvement projects you’ll perform around the house. If the garage is beyond a simple repair, this might be the best investment for you. Reasons for a new garage door installation include:
- Home value – replacing your damaged or high-maintenance garage door can significantly impact the value of your home
- Appearance – making updates to the exterior could impact the look of your current door
- Cooling and heating costs – reduce heating and cooling costs with a door that has an R-16 insulation rating
- Safe storage – keep your items insulated and safe from inclement weather with a properly fitted door
- Increased utility – if your current door isn’t insulated enough, you may not want to spend much time in the space
- Improve security – if your current door can’t be secured in an effective way, put your home and belongings at risk
- Personal safety – if you don’t have a photoelectric detector that can sense if someone is coming in and out of the garage, there is a risk of injury if the garage door won’t stop its motion
If you are interested in a completely new garage door installation, prepare to pay $600+. A typical single-door garage costs $600+ installed. Popular double-car doors cost $800+ to be installed.
Labor costs for your new garage doors will likely run you $600-$1500 per unit. Keep this in mind when you receive your quote.
Custom Garage Doors
Customizing a garage door may cost anywhere from $3,500 to $25,000. Homeowners may decide to do this for additional features or to ensure it matches the aesthetic of their home. Some customization options include:
- Windows
- New panels and trim
- Shatterproof or frosted glass
- Barn door-style garage doors
- Murals or custom paint jobs
Compared to stock options, a partially custom or completely custom garage door usually provide longer guarantees and a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. Some may include installation, depending on the provider. Do your research before committing to a package.
Insurance and Garage Doors
Can you use insurance to pay for a garage door repair?
In the event of certain damage that occurs to your garage door, your insurance company might pay to have it fixed. This isn’t wildly common, however, and any claim you make might increase your monthly premium.
Bring In a Professional
A garage door is not something to always try and fix yourself. Working with a reputable technician will ensure high-quality work and that it is all completed in a timely fashion. No need to worry about starting a project that won’t be finished in time for your visiting in-laws!
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. When it’s time to schedule a proper fix, book your garage door repair online for both residential and commercial projects.
