Owning a home comes with a lot of repairs, several of which will involve the garage door. So, it’s good to ask, “how much does it cost to replace a garage door?” to prepare for when those fixes come knocking. The garage door repair price will vary depending on the company, and the extent of the damage, and what part of the garage door needs to be fixed.
To better explain the costs, let’s go through the average price’s ins and outs for different garage door repairs and when it’s time to replace it.
Repairs that Sneak Up
When asking “how much does it cost to repair a garage door”, you’re really asking how much a number of different things cost. Is the door dented? Perhaps the remote no longer works? What about the sensors or door panels? Maybe there is a broken spring? Let’s break this down and give you the average costs of different garage door repairs so you can get a clearer view of what you’re likely to pay.
What is the Garage Door Cable Repair Cost?
A frayed or broken cable isn’t something to wait on. Not repairing a garage door cable can lead to a potential injury and is a major hazard to leave around the house. The cables themselves are pretty inexpensive, but the garage door cable repair cost is mostly tied to the repairman’s time and expertise. The average garage door cable repair cost is usually between $150-$200.
What is the Garage Door Dent Repair Cost?
Dents in the garage door may not be harmful, but they are unsightly and, if bad enough, may prevent the garage door from going up and down completely. If the dent continues to worsen, it could lead to further damage and more costs. So, while a dent isn’t directly harmful, it can lead to a more costly situation. A garage door dent repair cost is around $75, so spend it while it’s cheap.
What is the Garage Door Panel Repair Cost?
A panel replacement can be caused by a garage door dent that was left unprepared. A broken panel isn’t in and of itself a hazard, but it can let pests and critters in. You want to fix this before winter when animals are looking for a warm place to settle down. Also, who wants to shovel their garage out? The average garage door panel repair cost is $150 to $400, depending on the panel and material size. So, don’t wait on those dents or for winter to come.
What is the Garage Door Sensor Repair Cost?
There are two elements to a garage door sensor repair cost, the new sensor itself and the installation. The average sensor costs between $75 to $85 and, if you include a professional to install it for you, then it can cost around $170. Probably best to let the professional come as a sensor isn’t something you want to be broken for long or not installed correctly. The garage door coming down without a sensor is a hazard to you as well as your car.
How Much to Repair a Garage Door Opener?
A lot of people think that repairing an opener is a simple switch out, but that just isn’t the case. A malfunctioning opener is both a safety hazard and a major inconvenience that is somewhat involved in fixing. When looking up “how much to repair a garage door opener?” Many are surprised by the price range: $50 to $550. Of course, it depends on the kind of repairs and opener you have. Don’t worry, though, since, on average most people pay between $112 to $326.
Average Cost of Garage Door Repairs
Now that you’ve seen the average costs of different sorts of garage door repairs, you can see why it’s not easy to answer “how much does it cost to repair a garage door?” Mostly because it depends on what is wrong with it. It’s quite the price range, isn’t it? Let’s not forget that it also depends on the company you hire, though if they’re outside of the average, then they’re either cheap for good reason or overpricing.
You’re probably wondering if there is a general, overall price to how much garage door repair is. Well, you’re right. It’s just good to get some background on common issues homeowners have when asking, “how much does it cost to repair a garage door?”
Depending on your door’s size and the type of door it is, the average cost is $190. If this includes some of the repairs listed above, be prepared to spend as much as $300. It’s good to know what needs fixing, if possible, before calling a repair company over so you’re not surprised by the quote or bill. There are usually issues you can’t see or aren’t aware of, so always add a bit more on top of what you think you’ll be paying.
5 Signs You Need a Garage Door Replacement
Sometimes the damage is done, and it’s a bit too late for repairs. Other times it would be more costly to keep repairing a garage door that is determined not to work. Here are some signs to watch out for that mean it’s time to skip the repair call and start looking for a new garage door installation.
Rust or Visible Damage
Rust isn’t too big of a deal when it’s early on and just on the surface. It is something to catch in the beginning, or you’ll be needing a new garage door fast. Once rust takes hold, it will weaken the door’s entire structure and become access points for pests. You’ll want to keep an eye out for rust around wet seasons like winter or spring.
Sagging Door
This is one of the common issues many residential properties face, and not always an issue that means getting a new door. A minor garage door sag can be fixed with some bolt tightening, but anything beyond a slight sag is an easy hazard as it could mean the pulley system is giving out.
Slow Open
Sometimes a garage door slowly opening or closing more quickly is due to something other than the motor, especially if it’s slight. It could just need some lubrication. If the speed has rapidly changed or changes often, your motor is giving out, which means it’s time for a new garage door.
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
This is one of those issues where the cause is like a needle in a haystack. There could be several reasons or sources for why your garage door is shaking and rattling while it rolls up and down. It’s never a good sign and reason enough to start searching for “garage door repair near me.” Though, it’s likely you’ll be looking at getting a new garage door rather than repairing your current one. If it shakes, it better roll out of the home.
Creaks and Crannies
Garage doors aren’t known to be quiet things, but they shouldn’t rival a heavy metal concert either. A lot of the time, loud creaking or noises from a garage door are due to the tracks. They could be loose or damaged; the noises could be from the motor getting old or the pulley system wearing out. No matter the cause, it isn’t something to ignore and likely means you may need a replacement garage door. Don’t mess with a noisy garage; the longer you wait, the more hazards come through the gate.
5 Benefits to Forgoing Repairs and Getting a New Garage Door
You can only repair something for so long before it’s time to call it a day. If every few months you’re wondering how much it cost to repair a garage door, then it’s time to look into a replacement. Wear, tear, time, and all that will win the day eventually no matter how well kept the door is or how great the repair work was. So, let’s look into some of the benefits of skipping another round of garage door repairs and going for a new model.
Safety Improvements
Earlier you read about the hazards garage doors can pose if left in disrepair. If repairs become increasingly common, then the door itself is a danger and needs to be done away with. One of the perks of getting a new garage door is the current safety improvements. Many homes have old garage doors that are way behind in the safety department. Even on the more modern side, when do you think is the last time anything was updated?
Let’s not forget that a faulty garage door means easier access for burglars. The garage door itself may not be a hazard, but it still poses one when someone is trying to get into your home. Take the opportunity and get a fresh safety start with a new garage door.
Invest in Longevity
A new garage door is going to last quite a bit longer than the one you’re constantly fixing. It’ll also be a while before you need to do any repairs, barring some sort of accident or installation issue. Investing in a new garage door instead of spending tons of constant repairs is better financially for the long run. It may not seem like it with many of the upfront costs of installation, but check your pocketbook after a few months. You’ll notice that you’re not dropping $100-$400 on repairs a few times a year.
Energy Efficiency
People don’t tend to think about this part, but a new garage door can save you a lot of money and not just on repairs. Without rust, misaligned tracks, better materials, and more current technology, the heat or air conditioning won’t be rushing out through the door. Try it out! Keep track of your new garage door installed and see how much your energy bill goes down. Again, don’t think so much about the upfront installation payment as all the money you save later.
Lookin’ Good
That garage door your throwing money at to keep going, does it suit your style? This is a chance to spruce up the outside of your home and show off your tastes. You can have some fun with your garage door and use it to choose an overall aesthetic or theme for your landscape. Fall in love with your home again with something new. Kind of like a new suit, but for the driveway.
Maintenance Time
Chipped paint, creaking door, time pulling it up or down, clicker not working, a malfunctioning or aging garage door puts extra chores on the list. Having a new garage door installed means less to do and more money in your wallet in the long run. Think about how much time you spend on a door. Yes, a door! It’s supposed to provide safety and ease of access instead of consuming your day or covering the driveway in chipped paint or rust stains.
Out with the old and with more time on your hands.
So, How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Garage Door?
These answers are always frustrating, but it does depend on what you’re having repaired. Let’s do a recap of the factors that go into answering, “how much does it cost to repair a garage door?”
- Garage Door Cable Repair Cost: $150-$200
- Garage Door Dent Repair Cost: $75
- Garage Door Panel Repair Cost: $150-$400
- Garage Door Sensor Repair Cost: $75-$85 for the sensor and $170 for the sensor with installation
- Garage Door Opener Repair: $50-$550, most pay $112-$326
- General Garage Door Repair: $190
Quite a range, depending on what needs to be done. The overall average is what most people end up paying for their repairs, but it does count, as you can see from the more specific averages. Now you have a better idea of the kind of cash cushion you need before the repairs come knocking. Also, remember that when you find yourself repairing your garage door too often, then it’s time to invest in a new one.
When one door has a problem opening, fix it, or get another!
