“Should I repair or replace my garage door?” That’s a question we hear almost every day. Whether or not it’s time to install a new garage door really comes down to how damaged the door is, whether it’s a safety issue, and whether its worth just starting fresh with a new door. Here’s how much a new door costs.
Generally, you could get away with spending a few hundred dollars for your basic door uninstalled. But if you want all the bells and whistles, or more specifically great insulation and a high quality material, you should expect to pay at least a grand or more.
And the reality is a garage door installation is not a DIY job. In fact, you may very well void your warranty — and for good reason. An improperly installed door can lead to repair issues and break down faster over time. You could cause serious damage to your garage door if it is not installed properly.
Signs You Need a New Garage Door
There are some sure fire signs you should just cut to the chase and install a new garage door. If there are loose cords hanging from your garage door, you technically could fix it, but you’re really just buying yourself time. The pulley system is likely failing and the door will soon need replaced. If a wooden door starts to crack, there’s really no way to fix it, unless the damage is limited to only one panel. You might want to start fresh with a new door.
Small dents are easy enough to fix, but major dents may be beyond repair. Aside from looking ugly, these dents may also be a security issue, especially if the dents leave an opening for a crowbar. If there is major water leakage coming in during heavy storms, replacing your garage door’s bottom seal may do the trick but it may actually be a structural problem with the door. The entire door may need replaced.
Garage Door Repair: The Value of a Proactive Investment
We caution against being too cheap with your garage door installation. While of course you want to stick to your budget, the quality of the door itself can have a big impact on the value of your home. Most people only buy 2 garage doors in their lifetimes. When it’s time to buy, it’s best to make that investment count.
The good news? Because of their high return on investment, garage door installation is almost always offset by a better appraisal value on your home. Naturally, the better the investment, the greater the value, so proactive planning is always preferred.
Weigh the cost of garage door repair versus replacing and ask yourself if you can wait. That way you can save to get a quality door and still meet your budget.
How Much Will It Cost to Repair My Garage Door?
The cost to fix a garage door naturally depends on the nature of the repair, the cost of the components, and the time required to do the job. On average, most repairs will run you between $125 and $290. For garage door opener repair or garage door cables, you can expect to pay about $190 just for the garage door parts alone. Most professional companies will charge you a minimum $85 fee just to come out and inspect it, and may require premium hours if done after hours on a 24/7 emergency garage door repair call. Springs will cost you between $150 to $250. Cables can cost between $85 and $200.
If you decide to install a new garage door, you can pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the size of the door, the quality of the door and insulation, and the materials the door is made from.