What You Need to Know About Garage Door Repairs
Even if you’re wise enough not to attempt repairing your garage door by yourself, you still need to know a few things when it comes to garage doors, and garage door repairs.
First, let’s cover some basics and identify your problem.
Common Garage Door Issues
Garage doors can have a number of issues, from problems with the springs to the opener, and even the keypad. Each has its own signs that you can use to identify the core problem. Here are some common garage doors and what they could mean in terms of repairs:
The door is making loud noises
If it sounds like the door is grinding or squeaking, it could be because your rollers need lubrication or replacement. If the sound is more like a popping, then the issue could be the springs adjustment or replacement.
The door is moving unevenly
If this happens then something could be blocking the tracks or that the springs are not delivering enough tension.
The door won’t open or close
If the issue isn’t the batteries of the remote, then most likely the problem is with the opener unit. It could be that a fuse has blown, or a circuit breaker has been tripped.
The door is closing too fast
If the door is slamming down instead of closing smoothly, this most likely means that the springs or the cables are broken.
Costs of Repairing a Garage Door
Once you’ve identified your problem you can get a better idea about the cost of repairing (or replacing, if need be) your garage door. Sometimes replacing the panel or cables alone will solve your problem, and you won’t have to replace the whole garage door.
Here are some of the most common repair / replacement costs:
Panel Replacement: If the issue with your panel is small, like a dent, nick, or small hole, you could easily fill it out instead of outright replacing it. However, if the damage is more severe you would need to replace it. For steel panels, the cost is usually around $150, while for wood panels it’s more like $200.
Broken Springs: Spring replacement tends to be around $200.
New opener: the cost of an opener will depend a lot on the type that you have or want. You could get one for $200, but they can also go around $450.
Cable and chain repair: The replacement of the chains and cables usually costs around $150 to $200
New door: This is the big one. The price for a new garage door can range wildly, depending on the type that you want. It could range between $1,000 to $10,000.
In general, most repairs will go around $150 to $300, with the exception of having to replace the door entirely.
Garage Door Maintenance Tips
While we don’t recommend that people try to repair a broken or damaged garage door, that doesn’t mean that you can’t take measures to reduce the chances of having issues with it.
Proper maintenance will go a long way to keep your door in good working condition. Here are some tips you can follow to take good care of your door:
- Inspect your door for signs of wear and tear
- Lubricate the parts that move
- Keep the tracks and other parts clean
- Check the seals around the door
- Have someone service your door every year
Garage Door Tests You Can Do on Your Own
There are two tests you can perform without too much trouble that will tell you if there are issues with your door, these are the balance test and the safety test.
Balance test:
This test is used to check if there are any issues with the balance of the door. To test it, close the door and disconnect the opener. Then, lift the door about 3 to 4 feet from the ground and let it go carefully. If the door doesn’t remain in place, or you feel resistance while trying to pen it, that could indicate issues with the springs.
Safety test:
The door should have an auto-reverse function to prevent accidents or injuries. To test it, place an object on the ground behind the door and try to open it. When the door feels the object, it should reverse and try to open again. If it doesn’t, there could be an issue with the door’s sensor.
Good Luck
Now that you are better familiarized with the innerworkings of your garage door mechanism, you can confidently ask for help. You’ll want someone with years of experience. Like we have. We have 50 years working in the garage door installation and repair industry. If you need help with your door, reach out to us.