Like anything else in your home, your garage door will need repairs over time. No matter how well you take care of it, wear and tear will happen over its lifespan. That’s not to mention the issues that it can encounter, from snapped springs to dents in the door itself. So, how much does it cost to repair a garage door and get it back to full working order?
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Garage Door on Average?
How much will it cost to repair your garage door? The exact number will always be different, depending on your door, its age, and what needs to be repaired. It’s good to have some estimated numbers in mind though, so you can know what to expect. Here are what some common repairs would cost you:
Garage door panel replacement: From $150 to $1,000 for a panel, and $200 to $500 for the fitting service.
Window replacement: $15 to $50 for new glass, and $75 to 150 for fitting.
Dent repair: From $100 to $300 for dents in steel or aluminum doors.
Spring replacement: $150 to $350 for two new springs. It’s worth noting these are usually always replacements, rather than repairs.
Track repair: Costs range from $125 to $400, depending on whether the track will need to be fully replaced.
Chain replacement: From $85 to $350, including parts and labor.
These are some basic costs, and exactly how much you’ll pay will depend on the door and the extent of the damage.
DIY Repairs On Your Garage Door
A garage door is made up of many moving parts, and to repair it, you will need to call an expert, in most cases. There are some minor repairs that can be done yourself, though. These will depend on you and your level of experience, so you’ll need to keep that in mind if you’re thinking of doing a DIY repair.
Also, consider safety protocols. Repairing a garage door spring, for example, is highly dangerous. They hold a lot of tension and can spring away and cause serious injury if improperly handled. With repair jobs like these, you’ll need to call an expert to have it done safely.
Think about your own experience with repairs, too. If a repair is done correctly, then your garage door can carry on functioning as normal. If you don’t do it correctly though, you may find that more damage is incurred. There’s a lot more stress put onto all the moving parts, and you may not get the result that you were looking for.
While in most cases you’ll need an expert to carry out the repairs, there are some that you’ll be able to do yourself. These will be minor repairs that won’t need a good amount of technical know-how and will be safe to do. Here are some examples of what you could do yourself:
Fixing a dented garage door panel: If there’s a dent in the garage door, some can be fixed quite easily. There are a few ways of doing so. Smaller dents can be hammered out with a piece of wood over the dent, and a rubber mallet. You can also use a trick using aluminum foil, a lighter, and compressed air. This requires you to change the temperature of the dent quickly, in order to make the dent right itself.
Realigning garage door photo eyes: These are what monitor for blockages in the garage door’s path, and will check that nothing’s in the way. If the door is auto-reversing when nothing’s there, it’s an easy fix. Firstly, wipe the eyes off with a cloth to remove any dirt. If this doesn’t work, then the eyes can be realigned using a length of string and a spirit level, to ensure they’re level with each other.
Fixing a squeaking garage door: A squeaking garage door can be a sign of a lot of different issues, but you may be able to fix it in one step. All you’ll need is some lithium-based lubricant in a spray can. Spray the lubricant into every space that needs lubricant, such as the rollers, tracks, and all other moving parts.
Bringing In An Expert
In the vast majority of cases, you’ll need to bring in an expert to repair your door for you, rather than fixing it yourself. Of course, this is going to cost more upfront. However, remember that it can actually save you money in the long run. It’s very easy for even the most experienced DIYer to make a mistake, so the door needs even costlier repairs later down the line. They can avoid this happening.
Also, remember that their expertise can actually prolong the life of your garage door. They’ll be able to pinpoint what’s causing the problem with your door, and put it right. That will help you get the most out of the door until you need to replace it.
Should You Replace Your Garage Door Instead Of Repairing It?
This is a good question you should ask yourself if the garage door needs repair. It will very much depend on the age of your garage door. If the door is newer, it will be much more cost-effective to repair the issue with the door, and then carry on using it as normal.
With an older door though, you’ll need to consider a replacement. All garage doors will have an average life span, and if yours is approaching it, it’ll be more cost-effective to replace them. For example, a steel door averages at around 30 years, while a wood door can start to age at just 15.
If you’re not sure, then you’ll want to talk to your garage door installer. They’ll be able to advise you on whether the door should be replaced rather than repaired.
The cost of repairing your garage door can be a lot less than you’d think. Plus, having a professional perform the repairs will ensure you get the best quality repair possible. Call your local garage door repair service today for a quote.