Garage door upkeeping tends to be among the more affordable home repairs, usually costing between $152 and $365. While some fixes might be as low as $80, others can go over $696, with the average cost being around $258. Since your garage door is not only a key part of your home's appearance but also plays a big role in your security, it's useful to know what factors can affect the cost of upgrading.
The Average Cost for Garage Door Repair
Garage door services cost an average of $258. The key costs are the parts needing to be changed and the labor.
Swapping A bracket can cost around $5, while a track might cost $100 or more. You should expect to spend between $5 and $200 for each part exchange when budgeting for garage door services.
Parts that need to be changed can constitute a significant portion of the total repair cost, sometimes accounting for upto 85% or more, depending on the parts required. Labor costs may vary based on factors like location and the degree of repairs required, and they can also affect the overall expense. Expensive parts may require minimal labor, making it easier to negotiate the cost of parts rather than focusing on negotiating labor rates.
Can You Fix the Garage Doors Without Professional Help?
Hiring professionals is necessary if you have little to no experience in addressing garage door issues. The cost of hiring a pro can range from $75 to $150 per hour, making the total labor cost between $150 and $450, depending on the complexity of the damages and the hours required to fix them. For simple and easy repairs, a service call fee might be charged separately, typically between $50 and $75. Professionals will help you identify the issues, determine where the parts need a service, and where parts need to be changed. This makes it easier for you to decide on the project and plan the budget accordingly.
Bigger homes with larger garages may require more time to fix the door, affecting labor costs and increasing overall expenses compared to small or medium-sized garages. If you have a multi-car garage, such as a two- or three-car garage, you may need help to fix multiple doors, which also affects the cost.
Costs by Repair Type
A garage door can malfunction or break in many ways, such as getting a dent while parking your car or the remote control stopping working. With many moving parts, a garage door is prone to malfunctions or breakage if any of the components fail.
Let's discuss the cost by types of door issues:
Panel Repair Cost
Addressing Panel issues, including labor, can cost around $250 to $1,000 in most cases. If you want customized doors with a unique style or wish to give your garage a specific look, you will need to replace the entire door or all the doors in a multi-door garage. On average, this can cost around $740 to $1,500. For some specific door exchange, costs can go up to around $3,000.
For minimal damage, such as a dent from backing into it by mistake, the cost to fix it is around $100 to $300. Metal garage doors are easier to mend if it's just a dent, making them cheaper to mend compared to other types of doors. You may only need to fix some parts instead of swapping the whole door or panel.
Glassdoor Repair Cost
Garage doors having glass components and windows can be damaged if the glass breaks, leading to security concerns. For addressing glass issues in garage doors, homeowners can expect to spend between $100 and $200, including labour costs. The cost of the glass itself typically ranges from $10 to $50. While working on a glass garage door can be manageable as a DIY project, handling a large glass door or multiple broken windows usually requires professional help.
Spring Repair Cost
Issues with Spring require professional assistance, as it can be dangerous and requires specialized knowledge. The cost to fix garage door springs ranges from $180 to $350, including labor. Garage doors are generally large, and the springs bear a lot of load, making them dangerous to replace if they're damaged. You should immediately get them assessed by a professional to be repaired to avoid any mishap, as they often hold loads of up to 800 pounds. As the springs age, they may need to be repaired. If your springs are around 7 to 10 years old, it's time to check them for replacement.
You can find out if your garage door springs need to be swapped by checking for these signs:
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Check for noise; if your garage door makes noise while opening or closing, the Spring might need help.
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Check if the door opens and closes unevenly; if it does, you should inspect the springs.
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Check for visible signs of damage.
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Check for loud squeaking noises. If the opening motor is working but the door doesn't open or close, the springs might be the issue.
Springs are not only dangerous, but they are also difficult to unload correctly. Always let a professional handle the process of upgrading if it's required. Do not attempt to DIY this hazardous project.
Opener Repair Cost
Restoring damaged chains would cost around $100 to $400, including labor. The cost of the chains alone can be $10 to $50, while the average cost for fixing the sensors is around $150 to $250, including labor. You can DIY this if you have knowledge of electronics; otherwise, hiring a professional is necessary.
The cost of fixing a remote is around $20 to $300 for parts. However, hiring a professional for a damaged remote can cost $100 to $350. An opener works with the help of a remote, as the remote activates the opener that moves the door.
The next thing to check is the motor. The models of motors vary, so the cost depends on the model. Garage door motors can cost around $180 to $400, based on the model. Motors are often exchanged entirely instead of fixing or replacing the parts.
Track Repair Cost
The motor helps pull the parts that lift the garage door while it runs along the track. The main parts usually changed are brackets, cables, rollers, and the entire track. Homeowners can expect to pay between $40 and $120 for upgrading the tracks. The cost of brackets ranges from $5 to $40 and usually includes labor costs, making the total cost reach up to $160. Rollers are hard to install or replace, as you need to remove the door from the track. The parts and labor cost between $110 and $230. The cost of new cables can be around $100 to $400, which includes professional help and labor. You should not consider DYing this, as it is dangerous and poses safety concerns.
Garage Door Repair Costs Based on Door Type
Simple garage doors, like single roll-up or carriage-style doors, are easy to work with, making them more affordable to mend or replace. Meanwhile, bigger garage doors in larger houses, such as custom doors or garage doors with several parts, are harder to mend, making them cost more compared to simpler doors.
| Door Style | Upgrading Cost |
| Sectional | $150-$400 |
| Roll-up | $300-$800 |
| Tilt- up | $150-$1,000 |
| One-Panel | $400-$1,200 |
| Carriage | $1,000-$10,000 |
Carriage Door Upgrade Costs
A Carriage-style door having few parts is easier to fix, making it an affordable project. However, it might require removing the whole door, which is common and usually makes the cost go higher. Carriage door replacement can cost an average of $1000 to $10,000 for a full door replacement.
One-Panel Door Repair Costs
These doors are often swapped entirely because they are more prone to replacement rather than addressing minor issues. Removing a single panel is not an option. Single-panel doors typically cost between $400 and $1,200, depending on factors such as material, size, design, and brand.
Sectional Door Upgrade Costs
Sectional garage doors are a popular style in the U.S. These doors, having many parts, are prone to wear and damage over time. While the cost of fixing specific parts can be affordable, with sectional garage door refurbishing costs ranging from $150 to $400, changing the entire door can be significantly more expensive.
Tilt-Up Door Repair Costs
Tilt-up garage doors have one large panel instead of several smaller parts. Homeowners can install this style of door if they want to add a garage door screen. Although these doors look sleek and elegant, they are more prone to complete upgrades rather than addressing minor damage issues, which makes maintaining the moving parts expensive. The cost can be around $150, while the cost of a full substitution can be as high as $1,000.
Custom Roll-Up Door Restoration Cost
To enhance your home's curb appeal, you can install a custom garage door, which is ideal for small garages. However, custom parts and systems can be difficult and expensive to restore if damaged. Homeowners can expect to pay around $300 to $800 for custom doors, depending on the specific parts that need fixing and the labor required.
Repair Costs Based on Door Material
If you are looking to upgrade your garage door with a more aesthetic or climate-friendly material or a style that enhances the curb appeal of your house, keep in mind that the material of the door affects overhaul and maintenance costs. Here are some cost considerations based on different materials. You can determine which material aligns best with your requirements, budget, and future garage door maintenance needs.
| Material | Average Cost |
| Fiberglass | $100–$200 |
| Metal | $150–$350 |
| Wood | $200–$300 |
Wooden Garage Door Repair Costs
Wooden garage doors are the least affordable to refurbish. They may look aesthetic and beautiful, but they are hard to mend. Dents, splitting, cracks, and other damages are not easy to fix, making them more prone to substituting rather than restoring. Homeowners can expect to spend around $200 to $300, but costs can reach as high as $1,000 for major parts exchange.
Metal Garage Door Repair Costs
Metal garage doors are durable, easy to maintain, and fix, making them a better option. However, metal doors require maintenance from time to time to manage them, which increases their lifespan. Costs for aluminum and steel doors are around $140 to $350 for moving parts, and replacing single panels can cost around $400. Aluminum doors are rust-proof, while steel doors are prone to rusting, making them prone to repairs more often.
Fiberglass Garage Door Repair Costs
Fibreglass and composite materials are durable and perfect for garage doors. They do not split and can withstand high or low temperatures, making them suitable for both hot and cold climates. Costs for fiberglass garage door upkeeping are generally less expensive and affordable, ranging from $100 to $200.
In conclusion, garage door refurbishing costs can vary significantly based on the nature of the damages, the type and model of the door, the motors, and local labor rates. Basic fixes, such as repairing broken springs or changing the rollers, generally cost between $100 to $300, while more complex issues or full-door replacements may incur higher costs. To get an accurate estimate, it's advisable to obtain quotes from local maintenance services.
