Garage Door Repair and Replacement Guide
Your garage door is as vital to protecting your car and tools, and an entryway to your home that’s as important as any other door. It’s designed to protect your property from the elements and intruders. Not replacing or fixing a damaged garage door can become a significant liability.
This garage door repair guide will help you today! Garage doors are essential to maintaining your home; this is a quick guide to see whether you need a garage door repair or a full-on garage door replacement.
Fix-it-Yourself
Below, we list the most common issues with garage doors and how much it’ll cost to repair them.
The door Won’t Open via the Remote.
Check the battery in your remote. If your garage door opens from a second remote or a wall opener, this is likely the cause. Swap out the battery and see if it works.
Cost Estimate: Less than $10
The Door Won’t Close Properly
There are a few reasons this could be happening. The first is to ensure your sensors (located near the garage, roughly six inches above the ground) aren’t blocked.
It’s easy for a box or ball to get in the way, meaning the garage believes something is in the way.
Another potential issue is your garage door getting stuck on the rails. Check for debris that could be blocking it. If the system is clunky or makes odd sounds when descending, it may need to be lubricated.
Cost Estimate: $0-$10
The garage Door Lets Out Heat and A/C
If your garage door isn’t weather-proofed, you will have higher energy bills. Fixing the seal around the garage door can repair this.
Cost Estimate: It depends on the trim needed to be repaired, the old sealing removed, and the new trim installed.
The garage Door Needs Professional Repairs.
If your garage door is still malfunctioning, you’ll likely need a professional garage door repairman to help get your door back in working order. Standard repairs can vary depending on the issue’s size and severity. Here are a few things that may be wrong and an estimate of the costs involved.
Cost Estimate: from $99-$149
Spring Replacement
If your garage door isn’t raising correctly or is making a lot of noise, the coiled springs on the door could be worn or damaged.
These springs are heavy and difficult to repair, as they can cause severe injuries. If you don’t have experience working with heavy coils, you should hire a professional to replace them.
Cost Estimate: $225-$300
Cables and Electricity Issues
Once you’ve confirmed that the batteries are not the issue, the garage door may have an electrical problem. It could be as simple as unplugging the power or requiring a total rewiring of the system.
A certified electrician should be able to diagnose the problem. This could be anything from a frayed wire, a fuse being out, a breaker needing a reset, or your home’s electrical system malfunctioning. A professional must come to ensure you’re fixing the root of the problem.
Cost Estimate: $0-$500
Garage Door Lock
When a garage door doesn’t lock, anyone can come up to it and open it with brute force; that’s not ideal.
Some locksmiths specialize in this kind of repair to restore peace of mind to the homeowner.
Cost Estimate: This charge is location-dependent and can range anywhere from $100-$300.
Replacing a Garage Door
Garage door repairs are common, and they can be maintained. But, in some circumstances, a new garage door installation will be required.
The cost of hiring a professional to replace the garage door typically includes installing the door (including the electrical wiring) and disposing of the broken door.
To replace an existing 2-car garage door, you would need to spend around $1200.
The garage door is Structurally Damaged.
Garage doors age and deteriorate like any other part of your home. Depending on the damage incurred to your garage door, it may require a complete replacement.
Due to the nature of a garage door bending, certain panels can show more damage than others. Replacing the panels individually could cost only a few hundred dollars, potentially saving you from needing a total replacement.
However, if the garage door damages the garage floor or ceiling when used, it’s highly recommended that a new door be installed. This could be caused by excess door usage or an alignment issue caused by the home settling after it was built.
The Garage Door is a Safety Hazard
Over the years, several safety measures have been implemented to prevent garage door injuries.
If the garage door opens or closes on its own or doesn’t close fully, this is a safety hazard for you and your family. If the door doesn’t have photoelectric sensors to prevent it from closing on someone, install one, and if they are damaged, replace them with ones that function.
Your family’s safety takes precedence when determining whether or not to replace the garage door.
The Cost to Replace a Garage Door
Garage doors come in many different sizes, colors, and styles. That means the price range is pretty varied.
Some of the best garage door brands include doorLink, Clopay, Wayne Dalton, and C.H.I. Overhead Doors.
Your typical garage door replacement cost can range anywhere, depending on your needs. A single garage door could cost under $500 if you attempt to DIY (not recommended), while a high-end double-garage door could cost around $4,000.
When considering whether or not to replace or repair your garage door, consider these costs. If your garage door is damaged and repairs cost more, a new garage door replacement is your best option.
How much should it cost to repair a garage door? Repair costs vary on the issue. It’s best to request an onsite inspection to determine the actual cost of any repair.
As mentioned, a standard repair can cost $99.00-$149 with no parts needed. How much does it cost to replace the springs on a garage door? The cost of replacing the torsion springs ranges depending on the spring’s size needed for your garage door.
Cost Estimate: from $225 and up to $300
Are You in Need of a Garage Door Repair or Replacement?
No matter what the garage door repair or replacement cost is, it’s nothing compared to the damage it can cause if you ignore it. Don’t let a broken garage door put your home at risk.
We have decades of experience in residential and commercial garage door repair and installation. We service the greater St. Louis area and are committed to getting your garage door back in working order. Request a repair today.
