A broken garage door can ruin your day in an instant. Maybe you are rushing to work, only to find the door stuck halfway open. Or you come home to realize it will not close, leaving your home exposed. Before you panic, understanding garage door repair costs can help you prepare for what comes next.
The Importance of Garage Door Safety and Maintenance
What is the most massive moving object in your home? If you guessed the garage door, you’re correct. Double-car garage doors measure 16’ X 7’ and can weigh upwards of 400 pounds!
Ensuring the structural integrity of the door and its many components is crucial. Properly maintained, it should last upwards of 30 years, depending on the material. Today’s openers are designed with a 10- to 15-year lifespan, on average.
You should act immediately to avoid dealing with a substantial headache, not to mention a significant safety risk anytime the door begins to malfunction. Always call a garage door repair professional for a faulty door or opener.
Average Garage Door Repair Costs
So, how much do garage door repairs cost? It depends on the issue, parts, and labor. Minor fixes like track adjustments range from $40 to $120, while opener repairs typically cost between $150 and $300. More complex repairs, such as fixing misaligned tracks or repairing sensors, may fall within a similar range.
The average cost of a garage door repair is $263. For significant repairs, hiring a professional ensures safety and proper installation.
Considerations for the Average Cost of Garage Door Repair
Several factors can affect garage door repair costs:
- Parts Needing Repair or Replacement – Some components cannot be repaired and must be replaced, which can increase garage door replacement costs.
- Door Assembly (i.e., size, style, material) – Larger or heavier doors may require more expensive parts and labor.
- Extent of Damage – Minor issues like sensor misalignment cost less than major problems like spring or panel replacement.
- Labor Costs – The garage door replacement costs or repairs vary by location and the complexity of the repair.
Common Garage Door Problems
- Track Misalignment – The tracks guide the door’s movement during operation. They must be regularly wiped clean using a damp cloth as well as realigned when, not if, something bumps into them. The latter requires an expert, as does any substantial impact damage. If comfortable, you may repair minor dents by gently hitting them with a rubber mallet. Another critical component of the track assembly is the rollers. These, too, require professional garage door replacement.
- A Noisy Garage Door – Homeowners often deal with the common problem of a noisy garage door. Noise is often associated with a lack of lubrication, wearing rollers, or chain-driven openers. All moving parts require semi-annual lubrication. Always use professional-grade oil (NOT WD-40!) Roller replacement, vibration isolators, and belt- or screw-drive opener installation require the help of a professional.
- Broken Garage Door Springs – Behind every garage door are torsion springs. These use torque to lift the weight of the door each time it’s opened. Torsion springs feature between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles. The number of years torsion springs last depends on spring type and daily usage. Broken garage door springs must be replaced in pairs, if applicable, by a garage door repair professional.
- Faulty Photoelectric Sensors – For safe operation, garage door openers use two sensors positioned on either side of the door, about six inches from the ground. The sensors must be perfectly aligned and free from obstructions as they are designed to prevent entrapment. Faulty photo eyes typically result in a door that is either nonoperational or will not close all the way. Hire a pro to diagnose and repair faulty sensors.
Hire a Garage Door Repair Professional
Fixing garage door issues early saves time and money. Costs for a garage door replacement and repair depend on the type of repair, labor, and materials. Understanding these factors helps you plan and avoid surprise expenses.
Contact Overhead Door Company of Maricopa & Pinal County at (480) 405-0919 to gain incredible peace of mind. We specialize in garage door preventive maintenance, installation, and repair for both residential and commercial clients throughout the greater Phoenix metro area.
