How much does it cost to repair a garage door?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Every garage needs a door for insulation and protection. Garage doors are some of the strongest and heaviest doors. They are so heavy they need complex cable, spring, and track systems to open and close. These parts can break or wear down, leaving your garage door in need of repair. Due to the immense pressure under which garage doors operate, it’s always best to contact a professional when needing repairs for the springs or chains. A broken garage door may leave the home vulnerable to theft or vandalism.

Repairing a garage door costs between $150 and $350. The average homeowner pays $250 for replacing a broken torsion spring. The costs vary depending on the repair. For example, repairing misaligned sensors averages about $100, but replacing broken panels in a wooden garage door costs up to $1,000.

Average Cost to Repair Garage Door

Garage Door Repair Cost by Type of Material

Your door panels’ material also influences your repair costs. Common materials include wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. Manufacturers may also choose glass, composite, or vinyl for their garage door materials. Each has pros and cons. Some can be less expensive to repair than others. Additionally, the size of the door impacts repair costs. Larger ones usually reach the higher end of the scale, while small, single-car garage doors cost less. The table below shows average repair costs for garage door panels of various materials.

Fiberglass Garage Door Repair

Fiberglass garage door repair costs between $150 and $550. Fiberglass is one of the most economical materials for your garage because even big repair jobs like replacing panels can be cheap compared to steel and wood. Fiberglass doors are resistant to cracks, dents, and rust.

Aluminum Garage Door Repair

Aluminum garage door repairs cost $200 to $600. Aluminum panels are rustproof. However, they dent easily, so be extra careful with maintenance. They are available in many colors and styles to suit your home. One of the benefits of an aluminum door is its light weight. They are usually lighter than other materials, which means they do not put as much stress on garage door components like springs and chains.

Vinyl Garage Door Repair

Vinyl garage doors usually cost $250 to $600 to repair. Homeowners choose these versatile doors because they look like wood but weigh less, which means they are easier to maintain. They are a solid choice for any homeowner concerned about thermal efficiency. A well-maintained vinyl door should last 20 to 30 years. However, the drawback to vinyl doors is that high temperatures can warp them, which means they are not always the best choice for homes in the desert.

Steel Garage Door Repair

Steel garage door repairs range from $250 to $700. Simple repairs are not too expensive, but the costs rise if you need panels replaced. Steel is a great material for garage doors because of its strength. Steel doors are tough and secure and can be painted. However, they are prone to dents and corrosion. Rust may indicate the need to replace the door rather than repair it because rust begins inside the core and works its way outward. Keeping the door clean reduces the likelihood of rust or corrosion.

Glass Garage Door Repair

The cost to repair a glass garage door ranges between $250 and $800. A homeowner might choose glass because of the natural light a full glass door offers. Anyone who has a garage office or workspace will appreciate the natural light of a glass garage door. Glass garage doors also often provide superior modern aesthetics for homes. However, the glass can break, which can mean frequent repairs for families with rowdy pets, active kids, or teenage drivers.

Wood Garage Door Repair

Wood garage door repairs cost between $250 and $1,000. While wood is a popular choice for aesthetics, it is prone to rotting, warping, and general wear. Wooden door damage is difficult to undo. Entire sections may need to be removed and replaced, leading to high costs. A sagging wooden door is not an automatic replacement job. Sometimes, it is just the hardware that needs tightening. Wooden doors can last up to 30 years.

Repair a Composite Garage Door

A composite garage door costs between $275 and $750 to repair. A composite door is considered a wood garage door, constructed using many layers of different wooden materials. Homeowners often choose composite doors because they are environmentally friendly and offer exceptional durability. Some of the damages that might need repair on a composite door include swelling or sagging, worn seals, broken hinges, and dented panels. Their repair costs are higher than fiberglass and steel, but they are usually more affordable to maintain than traditional wood garage doors.

Garage Door Repair Prices by Type of Repair

Garage doors may seem simple, but they have many components to open and close, including springs, cables, tracks, and motors. Faults can arise with these parts, which could cause door problems. The table below shows commonly affected garage door components and the average repair costs. Note that the repair person may need to conduct replacement if the damage is too severe for any of these parts.

Garage Door Lock Bar Repair

Garage door lock bar repairs average $100 to $150. The lock bar secures the door when closed to keep your home and possessions safe. Lock bars may corrode or wear down, but some cleaning, oiling, or treatments can get them working smoothly again without replacing them. A lock bar is a separate and distinct device from a traditional cylinder lock that you might attach to the door or which might come preinstalled in the door for security.

Garage Door Sensor Repair

Garage door sensor repairs range from $100 to $150. Many modern doors come with sensors that detect objects or people in the door’s path as it closes. The door might continue closing if the sensors stop working, even when blocked. Sensor issues might be solved with rewiring or realigning. Before calling the repair person, make sure the sensors are not blocked. They will fail to work if an object is in the way of their view of the garage.

Garage Door Track Repair

Garage door track repairs cost between $100 and $175. The door should move along the track cleanly and smoothly. However, it might need repair if you notice it is not opening or closing properly or the wheels are not moving smoothly. Minor damage can be patched by a repairman. The track may need to be cleaned or lubricated.

Garage Door Motor Repair

Garage door motor repairs average $100 to $175. Motors open and close the door. A faulty motor might need to be adjusted, inspected, cleaned, or oiled to start working again. Repairs are common for motors less than ten years old. You may need to consider replacing motors older than a decade, particularly if you have a heavy door you use frequently.

Garage Door Opener Repair

Garage door opener repairs range from $100 to $300, depending on the opener type and components. For example, basic chain-drive openers are cheaper than direct-drive or jackshaft-drive openers. Keeping these parts well lubricated reduces failure. Bear in mind that these replacement figures and machines refer to the actual opener components and not the remote that you use to open your garage door.

Garage Door Frame Repair

Garage door frame repairs average $125 to $400. The frame sits around the outside to define the door and offer extra insulation. It can be made of various materials, but wood is the most common. Damaged or rotting frames can be treated and patched by repair workers. Sagging door panels may put pressure on the frame and cause it to warp. A misalignment of the door on its tracks may also bend the frame and require repair. Frame repair may occur simultaneously with panel repair.

Garage Door Chain Repair

A garage door chain costs between $150 and $175 to fix. The chain should last from 10 to 15 years under normal use. Sometimes accidents happen that require repair or replacement. Chains may also corrode over time and start malfunctioning. Sometimes, the repair person will need to remove or insert links into the chain to fix the alignment of the door. Chains are not normally expensive, but the labor involved in removing and repairing them takes time.

Garage Door Strut Repair

Repairing a garage door strut costs between $150 and $300. Struts keep the door straight at the top and align the hinges. They are also important for maintaining the structural integrity of the door in the event of a disaster like an earthquake or a tree falling on the roof of the garage. Major damage to the struts may indicate the need to replace them rather than repairing them.

Garage Door Panel Repair

Garage door panel repair ranges from $150 to $500. The panels are the main body. They might get dented or cracked from impacts and accidents. A repairman can patch holes and cover cracks without a full replacement if there is only minor cosmetic damage. For the best match, a repair person might need to contact the manufacturer of the door company to get a replacement panel. If the door is too old and replacement parts are not available, another option is repainting the entire door after replacing a few panels.

Garage Door Lintel Repair

Garage door lintel repairs cost between $150 and $600, depending on the problem. The lintel is the beam above the opening that forms part of the frame and supports the weight of the wall. Many lintels are made of wood that rot over time or metals that gradually corrode. However, repairmen can restore lintels through cleaning, restoration techniques, or reinforcement.

Cost to Fix a Garage Door by Type of Replacement

Typically, damaged parts must be removed and replaced with new ones. This can be more expensive than a simple repair because you add new material costs to the labor costs. The table below shows common garage door parts and the costs for replacing each.

Garage Door Sensor Replacement

Garage door sensor replacements cost $100 to $150. The door could become a serious danger if your door’s sensors are not working. The door might try and force itself closed, even if an object or person, such as a small child, is in the way. Faulty sensors should always be replaced promptly. Sometimes, a sensor might get blocked and fail to operate. Removing the block allows the sensor to operate again. However, when the sensor does not work despite a clear view of the garage door, it might need replacing.

Replace Garage Door Rollers

Garage door roller replacement costs between $100 and $150. Rollers, or wheels, roll the door along the tracks and move the door up and down. Wheels tend to wear down after a few years, so they need to be replaced regularly. Fortunately, they are inexpensive. A professional can quickly fit the new wheels.

Garage Door Belt Replacement

Garage door belt replacements range from $100 to $200. Belts are present in doors with belt-drive openers. They have some advantages over chain-drive openers. They offer quieter operation and advanced features but are more costly to repair. Also, belts are not as strong as chains.

Garage Door Cable Replacement

Garage door cable replacements cost $100 to $200. The cables used in your garage door are often under immense amounts of tension, so they can snap. This renders the door unusable, so snapped cables must be replaced as soon as possible. If one of the cables on a door snaps, there is a good chance it was starting to fray for some time before the break. It is helpful to inspect the cables regularly so a replacement can occur before a potentially deadly cable snaps.

Garage Door Chain Replacement

Garage door chain replacements average $100 to $200. Chains are present in chain-drive opener systems and are known for their strength, so they rarely need replacing. However, it might be time to install a new one if it is very old or has suffered serious damage. Lubricating the chain reduces the likelihood of a break. Chains should not be excessively taut because they can damage the chain drive system when pulled too tight.

Garage Door Bearings Replacement

Garage door bearings replacement costs between $100 and $250. Bearings are present in doors with torsion springs. They run along the shaft to support the door’s weight, but they wear down. Replacement bearings are inexpensive, but fitting them takes some time. New brackets may also be needed, which may raise the costs.

Garage Door Motor Replacement

Garage door motor replacements range from $100 to $250. The motor might be to blame if your opener stops working. Motors often need replacing when they start to fail. The replacement cost mostly depends on your opener type because high-end motors cost more. A door opener should last between 10 and 15 years before it needs replacement. Regular checkups help them last longer.

Garage Door Opener Remote Replacement

Homeowners can purchase their own remote for $15 to $50, depending on the model. However, a professional’s help for programming the replacement remote costs $115 to $150. Nine times out of ten, it is a simple matter of replacing the batteries. However, when the batteries fail to work, a new remote is usually necessary. Repairing a remote is not cost-effective. The new remote may need programming to work with the existing opener. If you replace your garage door remote and the opener still does not function, you may need to call for opener repair.

Garage Door Spring or Coil Replacement

Garage door spring or coil replacements cost between $120 and $350. There are two main spring types: torsion and extension. Torsion springs mount horizontally over the door opening and coil or uncoil as the door opens and closes. Extension springs stretch and compress as the door opens and closes. Extension springs are more common and less expensive to replace at $120 to $250. Torsion springs cost more and range from $200 to $350. Note that coils are virtually always replaced as a pair so that they age at the same rate and provide safe and equal tension during door operation.

Garage Door Track Replacement

Garage door track replacement ranges from $150 to $250. Tracks wear down, especially if they are not properly maintained. Broken tracks mean the door is not in the right position and cannot open or close correctly or at all. A minor dent in a door track is usually fixable, but too much bending of the tracks leads to track failure and a total break.

Garage Door Opener Circuit Board Replacement

Replacing the circuit board for a garage door should cost between $150 and $400. The opener uses a circuit board to communicate with the remotes. Sometimes, it is not the opener motor that needs replacement but the circuit board that needs attention. Manufacturers usually make replacement boards for several years for their models, so it is usually a straightforward replacement.

Garage Door Panel Replacement

Garage door panel replacements and window replacements cost between $150 and $1,000. Costs increase when the repair person must replace custom panels or windows. Readymade windows in a standard size are less expensive than custom windows in unusual sizes. In some cases, it might cost less to replace the entire door. Your repair person might recommend repainting or restaining the door to ensure the door’s appearance is uniform and matching.

Garage Door Strut Replacement

Garage door strut replacement costs between $200 and $500. Struts have two main purposes: keep the door’s top section straight and keep the hinges aligned so that the door opens and closes smoothly. Struts can get damaged or wear down. Installing new struts is simple, but the material costs are high because they must be made of very strong and stable materials.

Garage Door Frame Replacement

The frame around a garage door costs from $200 to $600. Single-car garage doors at a size of 8 x 7 feet usually sit on the lower end of the price scale. Two-car doors at a size of 16 x 7 feet hit the higher end. When the frame of a door warps or disintegrates, frame replacement offers a more reasonable solution than complete door replacement. For high-end garage doors, replacing the frame costs several hundred, while replacing the entire door costs thousands.

Replace a Garage Door Opener

Replacing a garage door opener averages $300 to $940, depending on the opener type. It is more expensive to fit an opener with more parts and advanced technology than a simpler model. Replacing a garage door opener means removing the existing equipment, mounting the new motor on its brackets, connecting the drive system components, and making all required electrical connections.

Average Cost of Garage Door Repair by Type of Problem

Since garage doors have many moving parts and small components to consider, you might not know exactly what is wrong with your door. You might notice that it is not opening or closing how it used to or sags or bends in certain areas. There can be different causes for these problems. The table below shows average repair costs for some of the most common garage door complaints.

Garage Door Bounces When Closing

It usually costs between $100 and $150 to fix a door that bounces back up when you try to close it. A garage door that bounces up after closing may indicate a problem with the door tracks. However, it is normally a sensor issue where something is blocking the sensor, forcing the door to bounce back up after it tries to close. Homeowners should inspect the sensors to determine if there are any obstructions. Call a professional if it looks like a repair is needed.

Cable Came Off the Garage Door

Fixing a garage door where the cable came off costs between $100 and $200. If the cable is intact and in good condition, it might be possible to refit it. Otherwise, a new cable might be needed if it is damaged, which is more expensive. Homeowners can expect their garage door cables to last approximately 8 to 15 years. Frequent repairs may indicate worn-out cables.

Noisy

To fix a noisy garage door, your repair person will charge between $100 and $220 to fix the issue. In many cases, noise comes from parts that need lubrication. A noisy chain might rattle and require lubrication. The repair person might need to tighten some of the nuts and bolts that hold the tracks in place. Loose hardware is often the culprit, but loose, missing, or damaged support hardware could also be the cause.

Garage Door Off Track Repair

Repairing an off-track garage door costs $100 to $300. This may be due to an issue with the track, which might need adjusting or replacing. It could also simply be an alignment issue, and you may need to realign the door. Tracks last up to 30 years before needing replacement, which means they should last about as long as the garage door before repairs become too frequent.

Garage Door Sagging in the Middle

Fixing a garage door that is sagging in the middle ranges from $100 to $500. There are various issues when a garage starts to sag. It might be a problem with the track, and your door might need a new track or realignment. It could also be an issue with the hinges that need replacing or oiling. Finally, your door might need reinforcement with a new strut.

Garage Door Going Up and Down on its Own

Fixing a garage door that is opening and closing by itself costs between $100 and $500. This is a real security risk and health hazard, so resolve the issue quickly. It might be caused by a wiring issue, the sensors, broken springs, or the opener system. The cost depends on what is causing the issue because some things are less expensive and simpler to fix. A misaligned sensor, for example, is usually a quick repair.

Dented Garage Door Repair

Repairing a dented garage door costs $100 to $700, depending on the amount of work. Dents can often be hammered out with care and skill by a professional. However, a panel may need to be replaced entirely if they are too severe, which can be much more expensive. A repaired panel may require a new coat of paint, which can be tricky when the paint needs to match the rest of the door.

Bent Garage Door Repair

Fixing a bent garage door ranges from $100 to $700. As with dents, bends can sometimes be hammered out. They may also be filled in, depending on the door’s material. In the worst case, the bends are too deep to fix, and the door or panel needs replacing. In the case of an insulated door, repairs may need to occur on the visible section and the insulation inside the door.

Lock Cable Snapped

Fixing a garage door with a snapped lock cable costs between $110 and $200. If a cable snaps, there is no other option except to replace it with a new one. A professional repairman can use simple tools to remove the snapped cable and fit the replacement. When replacement is necessary, it is usually best to replace all cables at the same time to ensure uniform wear throughout their life spans.

Sagging Header

Fixing a sagging garage door header averages $110 to $400. If the beam above the door starts to sag from the wall’s pressure, it may need to be forced back into position and reinforced. This can be an expensive repair due to the materials and labor required. Homeowners can reduce the cost of repairing a sagging door by getting the problem fixed quickly before the sagging causes irreparable harm to the door or the structure of the home.

Frozen Garage Door

A garage door may become stuck to the floor on cold days with wet winter weather and might require a repair costing $125 to $250 if the door becomes damaged while the homeowner attempts to open the door. It is not uncommon for a door opener motor to burn out while trying to lift a door that will not budge from the floor. It is important to resist forcing the door open with the door opener because significant damage to the machinery and the door may occur.

​​Garage Door Won't Close or Won't Open

To fix a garage door that will not open and is stuck closed or open, the cost runs between $120 and $350. Common reasons a garage door might get stuck include having broken springs, a broken remote, snapped cables, or a problem with the gears on the opener. You may need to use the emergency release mechanism to get the door unstuck before the repair person arrives to complete the repair.

Misaligned

The root cause of a misaligned garage door may stem from a few problems. It will cost between $120 and $600 to repair the problem. Causes of a misaligned door include a bent frame, bent tracks, or broken springs. Sometimes, failure to lubricate some of the mechanisms at work within the garage door may cause misalignment. You may want to get the rollers lubricated first to see if that fixes the problem.

Labor Costs to Repair a Garage Door

Many garage door repair professionals charge hourly for repairing a garage door. Hourly rates range from $75 to $100. Repair companies and workers may also charge a call-out fee or service call fee, ranging from $50 to $75, to come out and look at the door. You may also have to pay extra if you live in a remote location because the worker has to travel farther. It is helpful to ask about the pricing structure when speaking with a repair person.

Ask your repair company whether they have a flat fee for projects or whether they charge by the hour. They should offer an estimate of the cost of work and an explanation of their pricing. In rare cases, a homeowner may need to call a second professional to do the work. For example, damage to the electrical wiring may require an electrician’s help. However, most garage door repair services can recommend a professional for this service. They might have someone on call for those complex situations.

Emergency Garage Door Repairs Cost

Some garage door problems must be solved immediately because they present a genuine threat to your home’s security and safety. A door that is opening and closing on its own must be fixed very quickly. A door that has been severely broken requires immediate attention. For urgent same-day repairs, your overall cost may increase by $100 to $300, the added fee charged by garage door repair companies for emergency services. It is important to consider an emergency repair when the operation of the door may cause an injury or when damage has occurred to destabilize the overall assembly.

A garage door track that may cause a total collapse of the door at any moment is dangerous and needs swift attention. A problem with the electrical system may require shutting off the power at the breaker and calling for an emergency repair. An emergency repair might be required even if the repair is not technically an emergency and it’s simply a homeowner’s need to get their car out of the garage for work or school.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

Spring repairs are one of the most common repairs because springs inevitably wear out. It does not matter whether you choose torsion springs or extension springs. Each has an estimated lifespan and a maximum number of cycles it can withstand. One cycle includes one opening and closing. Garage door springs should last at least 10,000 cycles. Some models, especially extension springs, can go to 20,000 cycles before breaking. The table below shows how springs last, based on the number of daily cycles and estimated lifespan.

Garage Door Maintenance Cost

Proper maintenance of your garage door should mean fewer repair visits throughout the life span of the door. A professional garage door repair company often arranges yearly inspections at $100 to $250 per year or every two years. These fees increase when the inspection reveals damage that requires repairs. The inspection looks at the different door components like the chains, belts, and tracks. The inspector applies lubrication when needed, makes sure the door is clean, and handles any minor issues like cosmetic damage. Regular maintenance helps you catch small issues that might become major problems that cost a lot more to fix. Routine maintenance costs should not differ too widely depending on the type of door you have, but repairs may cost more on expensive garage doors.

Homeowners should keep an eye on their garage door between inspections. Simple visual inspections are incredibly helpful for catching problems. Spending anywhere from $20 to $40 a year on lubrication keeps the garage door in good condition. Homeowners should pay attention to the regular operation of the door. Unusual creaks and noises might require a maintenance or repair call to a professional. Try to clean the sensors and replace the remote batteries regularly.

Repair vs Replace a Garage Door Cost

Over time, garage doors wear out, and the frequency of repairs increases. You may find it helpful to consider replacement when things keep breaking on and around the door. A well-maintained garage door should last from 15 to 30 years. With care, a well-made garage door may last many decades. However, you may need to repair or replace various pieces of equipment, like the opener or the sensors.

The cost to repair a garage door should average between $150 to $350. The cost to replace a garage door should cost between $500 and $2,000. If someone accidentally backs into your garage door with their car, the best solution might be a full replacement, particularly if the door is an affordably priced budget model. However, luxury doors may cost more to replace fully, so the best option might be a repair. Consulting with your garage door repair person can help you make the most affordable decision.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Paint a Garage Door

You may want to have your garage door painted to update its appearance and give it a fresh look to match the outside of your home. This can be a good option for older doors that look a little worn. It is possible to paint garage doors of various materials, including steel and wood. If your garage repair includes replacing a panel, you may want to paint the door to create a uniform color throughout the door. The costs for painting a garage door start at around $215 and can go up to $550.

Insulate Garage Door

At the cost of $20 to $90 per roll, it is also possible to add insulation to non-insulated doors with the addition of fiberglass insulation batts. The cost depends on the insulation rating. Insulating a garage door helps with energy efficiency and safety. Most homeowners benefit from insulated garage doors when they have an attached garage. However, a detached garage might fare just as well with a non-insulated door. Installing an insulated garage door costs from $700 to $2,300.

Cost for Weatherstripping a Garage Door

Adding weather stripping to a garage door enhances its sealing capabilities and costs $100 to $200 when added or replaced on an existing garage door. The installation process may include weather stripping on all four edges of the door and between each of the panels. The price for weather stripping increases with every sealed edge added to the project.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• DIY. Most DIY repairs are not recommended for garage doors. Simple jobs like cleaning and painting are easy, but it is best to allow professionals to handle issues with the chains, springs, and other equipment under immense pressure.
• Resetting. Doors that open back up after closing likely need to be reset or have their limits adjusted, which normally takes nothing more than a flathead screwdriver to rotate the limit switch on the door opener.
• Locks. Garage doors that do not open even though the motor runs for a few seconds may have been manually locked. Try unlocking the garage door before assuming it is broken and calling a professional.
• Lifespan. Garage doors should last from 15 to 30 years, depending on the material and maintenance. Regular maintenance is important for all doors, whether they are luxury carriage house doors or standard affordable steel doors.
• Home warranty. Most home warranties do not cover garage doors and may only cover door openers. You will rely on the manufacturer’s warranty to fix defects in the garage door. Always check your policy or warranty to confirm.
• Security and safety concerns. Always maintain garage doors because they are a security risk when they are inoperable and cannot protect the contents of your garage. Homeowners commonly store thousands of dollars’ worth of vehicles and equipment in their garages. An open garage is an invitation to thieves. Garage doors are also dangerously heavy and require professional help for repair. A broken garage door may cause serious injury to anyone in the vicinity when it malfunctions.