Garage Door Repair and Replacement Guide
Your garage door is as vital to protecting your car 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 could be your garage door getting stuck on the rails. Check for any 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
You will have higher energy bills if your garage door isn’t weather-proofed. This can be repaired by fixing the seal around the garage door.
Cost Estimate: Depends on the trim needed to repair, remove the old sealing, and install the new trim.
The garage Door Needs Professional Repairs
If your garage door is still malfunctioning, you’ll likely need a professional repairman to help get your door back in working order. Standard repairs can range 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, it’s advised to 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. That could be as simple as having the power unplugged 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’s mind.
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, it will require a new garage door installation.
The cost of hiring a professional to replace the garage door will typically involve installing the door (including the electrical wiring) and disposing of your broken garage door.
For the basic 2-car garage door, you would be looking to spend around $1200 to replace an existing door.
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, curtain 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 is damaging the garage floor or ceiling when used, it’s highly recommended to install a new door. This could come from 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, 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 from anywhere, depending on your needs. A single garage door could cost under $500 if you want to attempt to DIY (not recommended), while a high-end double-garage door could cost you 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 costs more to do a garage door repair, 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 earlier, 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 for it, it’s nothing compared to the damage it can cost you if you ignore it. Don’t let a broken garage door put your home at risk.
We service the greater St. Louis area. We’re committed to getting your garage door back in working order. Request a repair today.