How Much Does Garage Door Repair Cost?

Highlights

• The typical range for garage door repair costs is $150 to $356, with a national average of $253.
• Cost factors for garage door repair include the door material, door style, type of repair, parts, labor, and geographic location.
• If a garage door has issues opening and closing, slow response time, excessive noise, sagging, broken panels, spring issues, or other operation problems, it’s best to schedule garage door repair.
• Garage doors are not only mechanically complex but extremely heavy. Since repairing a garage door is a difficult and potentially dangerous job, it’s best to leave it to an experienced professional.

A garage door can keep a home safe and boost its overall curb appeal. But when the track system, springs, or cables wear out and break, it’s time for a garage door fix. Trying to make DIY garage door repairs creates a risk of property damage or personal injury, so it’s best for homeowners to hire a professional for this job. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, garage door repair costs range from $150 to $356, with many homeowners paying an average of $253. Depending on the issue, minor repairs can cost under $100, and a garage door replacement can cost upwards of $1,600.

Some factors that affect garage door repair cost are the type of repair, door material, parts, labor costs, and any customizations or enhancements. This guide will cover these factors in detail, explore the ways homeowners can save money on a garage door service, and examine what questions a homeowner can ask a garage door contractor before hiring one. To find a reputable garage door repairman in their area, homeowners can search online for “garage door repair near me” or “garage door service near me.”

Factors in Calculating Garage Door Repair Cost

Many factors can impact the cost of garage door repair. Prices can differ from the national average due to door material, style, door age, type of repair, required parts, labor, and geographic location.

Door Material

Many homeowners choose a garage door material based on what’s best for their climate or overall aesthetic appeal. The material can affect the overall cost of repairs. The most common garage door materials are wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, glass, and composite. 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 $250 to $1,000, but it can cost considerably more depending on the style and wood type.
• Steel. Steel garage doors are extremely tough and not prone to damage, but they may occasionally experience some corrosion or dents. Steel garage door repairs cost $100 to $350.
• Aluminum. While aluminum is rust-proof and lightweight, it dents easily. Homeowners can expect to pay $150 to $400 for aluminum garage door repairs.
• 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 $150 to $500.
• Glass. While this type of garage door allows lots of natural light and is aesthetically pleasing, broken panels can cost $250 to $1,000 to repair.
• Composite. Composite garage doors are made from a variety of materials, usually wood. Although they are durable, normal wear and tear like sagging can cost $250 to $700 to repair.

Door Style

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. The table below shows the typical repair costs for various styles of garage door.

• Carriage. A carriage garage door is typically made from wood, which means more costly repairs. The most common types of repairs are hardware and window replacement. It’s standard for this door style to need a complete replacement, which can run from $1,000 to $10,000.
• 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.
• One-panel. One-panel garage doors are typically more prone to replacement than a simple repair. Repairs for these doors can range from $400 to $1,200.
• 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 as inexpensive as $150 to $350 if just one part needs to be repaired or replaced, but replacing a panel can cost as much as $800 to $1,000.
• 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. The most common repair for this door is a spring replacement, which costs $150 to $350.

Repair Type 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 bracket repairs, 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. Homeowners will want to 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, 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 will be aware of all building codes.

Additional Costs and Considerations

When homeowners are planning for garage door repair costs, it’s helpful for them to know any additional costs and considerations. These can include emergency repairs, other customizations or enhancements, and replacement costs.

Repair vs. Replacement

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 homeowners are advised to be aware that some components cannot be repaired. If the entire garage door needs to be replaced, the best garage door installation companies typically charge $550 to $2,200.

Emergency 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 homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $300 extra for emergency same-day repairs.

Customizations and Enhancements

Some homeowners opt to install a window in a solid garage door to let in natural light. This can cost $22 to $55 and up per window. Double-pane windows will be more expensive. Installing an insulated garage door costs $400 to $10,000 and can help with heating and cooling costs if homeowners spend time in the space. This may also be a good time for a homeowner to install one of the best garage door keypads. 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 $120 to $550.

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, cables, tracks, brackets, and chains. Repairs to garage door openers are also common. Homeowners can search online for “garage repair near me” or “roll-up door repair near me” to find a professional garage door contractor who can tell if a part can be repaired or should be replaced. Below are some of the most frequent garage door repair prices.

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 openers, and they’re more expensive to replace. Belt replacement can run from $100 to $200.

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 $150.

Cable Repair

Whining and screeching noises usually signal that garage door cable repair is needed. Garage door cable repair costs $90 and $350, 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.

Chain Repair

When a garage door lifts unevenly, the chain may need to be repaired. The price of repairs can range from $85 to $350, including labor. Chain-drive garage door openers typically need to be replaced if they’ve been damaged or if they’re very old.

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 easily. This typically requires that the panel be replaced, which will be more expensive.

Frame Repair

Just like a door frame in a home or building, the garage door frame surrounds the garage door and helps with insulation. Since frames are often made of wood, the most common garage door frame issue is rot or water damage with age. It costs between $125 and $400 to repair a garage door frame.

Garage Door Opener Repair

Often, garage door opener repair is as simple as replacing the remote. In this case, a new remote costs only $30 to $40. If the problem is electrical, the opener itself may need to be repaired by an electrician for $125 to $350. In some cases, a power outage can temporarily disable a garage door opener. If this happens, it will be necessary for the homeowner to figure out how to open the garage door without power and then reset the remote. If the opener needs to be replaced, homeowners can expect to pay a garage door opener installation cost of around $356. Homeowners may want to research the best garage door openers before deciding on the right one for their needs.

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.

Lintel Repair

The garage door lintel is the support beam at the top of the garage door opening. Like the rest of the frame, it is often made of wood and may succumb to rot after a few years. The weight of the wall can also cause it to sag or buckle. Lintel repair can cost $150 to $600.

Lock Replacement

A lock is the first line of defense in garage door security. Many garage door companies provide locksmith services if the garage door lock is broken. A locksmith typically charges between $50 and $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.

Motor Replacement

If the garage door won’t close, or it opens and closes more slowly than usual, the motor may be to blame. Garage door motor replacement costs from $100 to $250, although high-end motors can cost more.

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 and $400. This price includes $50 to $100 to replace the track.

Panel Replacement

Replacing a garage door panel is one of the most expensive repairs and can cost between $350 and $1,500. Replacing a custom garage door panel may require replacing the entire door, which will push project costs to the higher end of this range.

Roller Replacement

Replacing garage door rollers can cost between $90 and $200. Rollers allow the garage door system to roll smoothly along the track. It’s recommended that homeowners replace rollers every 5 to 7 years or if they’re chipped, cracked, or worn.

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 $100 and $200.

Spring Replacement

Garage door spring repair or replacement costs $150 to $350, 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 for the more common extension springs that stretch and compress.

Strut Repair

Struts reinforce the garage door at its hinges. This feature provides backup support in case the garage door is hit or an earthquake threatens the structure of the garage. Since struts are a safety feature, any damage will need to be repaired immediately to avoid injury. Strut repair costs $150 to $300.

Do I Need to Repair My Garage Door?

A garage door is something homeowners use every day, but it’s not a part of the house that is often thought about until something goes awry. Below are some common red flags that can signal to homeowners that their 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 ensuring the door isn’t blocked and nothing is in the way, it’s best for a homeowner 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 to the homeowner 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 that don’t go away after applying one of the best garage door lubricants suggest that the door needs maintenance or repair.

Sagging Door or Broken Panels

It’s recommended for homeowners to manually test the garage door’s balance to prevent sagging. Once a year, they’ll want to 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. Homeowners will want to 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. Homeowners are advised 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, leading to additional expenses. Also, homeowners will want to 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.

How to Save Money on Garage Door Repair Cost

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.

Questions to Ask About Garage Door Repair

Asking the right questions about garage door repair costs can minimize miscommunication and save money. Below are some questions for homeowners to ask a garage door repair professional during the hiring process.

• 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 a budget for garage door repairs can be daunting. What follows are some frequently asked questions about garage door repair costs to help homeowners guide their decision.

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. Wooden garage doors usually cost the most to repair, followed by metal and fiberglass.

Q. How much does a brand-new garage door installation cost?

Installing a brand-new garage door can cost between $260 and $2,300, with an average cost of $1,200.

Q. Is garage door repair covered by home insurance?

In most cases, a garage is covered under home insurance (and by extension, so is the garage door) as long as the damage is caused by a covered event. Homeowners are always advised to double-check the policy to ensure that garage doors are covered.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, Fixr, LawnStarter, Forbes