Key takeaways
- Short answer: Repair it when the problem is a single part — springs, cables, rollers, sensors or one damaged panel — since most repairs cost $80–$675.
- Single part failure → repair
- Multiple damaged panels or rot → replace
- Average repair: about $260
- Typical garage door repair cost: $80–$675 per repair.
Repair if
- A spring, cable, roller or hinge broke
- Sensors or the opener need adjusting
- Only one panel is dented and replacements are available
Replace if
- Several panels are damaged or the door is warped
- Wood is rotting
- It's uninsulated and the garage is attached or used as a workspace
- The door is very old and parts aren't available
Related questions
Does a new garage door add home value?
Garage door replacement is consistently one of the better-returning projects in Cost vs. Value reports because of curb appeal.
Can one garage door panel be replaced?
Sometimes, if the manufacturer still makes matching panels.
How long do garage doors last?
Well-maintained steel doors often last decades; springs, rollers and openers are replaced along the way.
Other garage door repair questions homeowners ask
Should I repair or replace my garage door?
Repair springs, cables, rollers and openers. Replace the door when panels are cracked, rusted or badly dented, or when repairs keep stacking up.
How much does garage door repair cost?
Most garage door repairs cost about $80–$675. The national average is around $260.
How often should a garage door be serviced?
Once a year, plus lubricating the moving parts every 6 months and testing auto-reverse monthly.
How much does garage door spring replacement cost?
Spring replacement typically costs $150–$350, with about $250 average. Replace both springs together so they wear evenly.
How long do garage door springs last?
Standard torsion springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles, which is roughly 7–10 years at a few openings a day. Higher-cycle springs last longer.
Why won't my garage door close?
The most common cause is misaligned or dirty safety sensors. Obstructions, limit settings and track problems are next.
Is it safe to use a garage door with a broken spring?
No. The door can slam down and the opener can be damaged. Leave it closed and call a technician.
How much does a new garage door opener cost?
Installed openers usually cost a few hundred dollars, with quiet belt drives and smart models at the higher end.
Garage Door Repair at a glance
Timeline
Most repairs take 1–2 hours. A new door is usually installed in half a day.
Permits
Repairs need no permit. A new door may need one in high-wind code areas.
DIY or pro?
Lubricating rollers, tightening hardware and testing auto-reverse are DIY jobs. Springs and cables are under high tension, so call a pro.
What garage door repair costs
Garage door repair averages about $260, and most repairs cost $80–$675. Broken springs — the most common call — usually cost $150–$350 to replace.