Installing a new garage door in your home is a great investment that boosts its value, improves its aesthetic appeal, and can see you recover up to 100 percent on the project on resale of property. However, given that garage doors are usually the single biggest piece of moving equipment in many homes, improper installation or maintenance of these doors can have serious repercussions. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that as many as 20,000 emergency room visits are caused by garage doors every year. Some of these incidents even result in severe injuries and death, especially in children. As such, whether you want to install a new garage door, upgrade your old garage door, or fix a damaged one, it is always in your best interest to hire a skilled and experienced garage door repair contractor. This saves you time and money by guaranteeing that the work is done right the first time, reduces accidents and injuries, and ensures that the job is carried out in compliance with federal safety standards and relevant building codes.
By asking the carefully curated questions provided below, you can ascertain if your prospective garage door repair contractors are aptly qualified and equipped to provide your required garage door services professionally, competently, and satisfactorily:
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Are You Licensed, Registered, or Certified?
Several state and local jurisdictions, including California, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and New York City, typically either issue occupation-specific licenses to garage door repairers or require them to be licensed or registered as general, building, or home improvement contractors before they offer services to interested parties. The requirements for being licensed or registered to practice as garage door repair contractors are usually determined by an appropriate regulatory body in the relevant state or city, and they typically include:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Paying a stipulated fee
- Attaining acceptable work experience
- Passing a licensing examination
- Providing proof of adequate liability insurance coverage
You can find out the specific licensing or registration requirements for garage door repair contractors that operate in your area of residence by contacting your local building department or consumer protection office. These agencies can also assist you in confirming whether your preferred garage door repair contractor has complied with all necessary licensing and registration requirements. In addition, you can also utilize the licensing information platform provided by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) to verify your preferred contractor’s licensing or registration status.
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How Much Does Garage Door Repair Cost?
The average cost of garage door repairs in the United States is $150 - $400. However, you may end up paying lower or higher than this amount for your required garage door services due to factors like:
- The construction material, style, and design of the garage door
- The extent of damage to the door
- Your location
- The labor intensity of the job
- The cost of necessary replacement parts
Provided below are cost estimates for different types of garage door repair services:
Cost estimates for garage door repair based on door material:
Fiberglass$120 - $660Aluminum$185 - $675Vinyl$200 - $680Steel$200 - $800Glass$200 - $910Wood$225 - $1,250Composite$265 - $800Cost estimates for garage door repair based on type of problem:
Bounces when closing$100 - $200Cable came off$100 - $275Noisy$100 - $250Off-track$100 - $375Sagging in the middle$100 - $500Opens and closes by itself$100 - $500Dented/Bent$100 - $700Snapped lock cable$120 - $200Sagging Header$120 - $400Stuck to floor$105 - $250Stuck closed or open$120 - $400Misaligned$120 - $600Cost estimates for garage door repair or replacement based on faulty component:
Bearings$100 - $300Belt$100 – $250Cable$100 - $250Chain$150 - $250Circuit board$150 - $550Coils/Springs$100 - $400Frame$125 - $650Lintel$150 - $650Lock Bar$100 - $185Motor$100 - $300Opener$100 - $1,200Panel$150 - $1,000Remote$100 - $200Rollers$100 - $180Sensor$100 - $180Strut$150 - $550Track$100 - $325Cost estimates for garage door installation and replacement labor (per hour):
New door installation$50 - $150Door replacement$55 - $250Old door disposal$30 - $50Cost estimates for garage door installation based on type (materials only)
Single-Panel$400 - $1,350Tilt-Up Canopy$500 - $1,575Tilt-Up Retractable$610 - $2,250Sectional$700 - $2,500Roll-Up$800 - $3,000Cost estimates for garage door installation based on configuration (materials only)
Single$650 - $1,550Double$850 - $3,700Custom$1,500 - $8,500Cost estimates for garage door installation based on size (materials only)
8’ x 7’$400 - $1,0009’ x 9’$450 - $1,20010’ x 10’$500 - $1,35012’ x 7’$520 - $1,50012’ x 12’$650 - $1,675016’ x 7’$700 - $3,80016’ x 8’$750 - $5,500Cost estimates for garage door installation based on door material (materials only)
Fiberglass$820 - $3,200Aluminum$500 - $4,000Vinyl$750 - $2,500Steel$500 - $3,600Glass$900 - $4,500Wood$1,000 - $6,000Composite$800 - $5,000Cost estimates for garage door installation based on style (materials only)
Paneled$750 - $2,000Carriage$1,000 - $4,000French Doors$1,500 - $5,000Cost estimates for garage door opener installation based on type (unit only)
Chain-Drive$150 - $250AC-Power$150 - $300Screw-Drive$170 - $300Belt-Drive$200 - $350DC-Power$350 - $450Direct-Drive$350 - $550Jackshaft-Drive$550 - $700The tips offered below can help you stay within your budget and even save money when hiring garage door repair contractors:
- Find out if your preferred garage door repair contractors offer free inspections
- Ensure that only high-quality garage doors or components are used for the job
- Consider re-using compatible parts, like rollers and openers, from your old garage door system if you are replacing the door
- Keep your garage door well-maintained. You should also find out if your garage door repair contractor offers discounts for recurring maintenance services
- Do not attempt to DIY repairs. In addition to exposing yourself to injuries, you also risk worsening the situation and ultimately spending more money to rectify it
What Are Common Garage Door Repair Expenses?
Common expenses that are typically associated with garage door repair projects include
- Hardware costs: this is the actual cost of the new garage door to be used for the installation or replacement, as well as any garage door components that have to be replaced in an existing garage door system. Hardware costs can range from $100 to $4,000, depending on the type and brand of garage door or component purchased
- Labor costs: this is the fee that the garage door repairer charges for the actual work. Labor costs typically range from $50 - $200 per hour, depending on your location and the complexity of the task at hand
- Inspection fees: some garage door contractors charge a separate fee to inspect faulty garage doors and diagnose the issues with said doors. This fee can range from $50 - $100
- Enhancement and improvement costs: this includes the cost of insulating, weatherstripping, door screen installation, painting, and any other additional services designed to improve or enhance the overall look and performance of the garage door. These types of services can cost you anywhere from $100 - $500
- Maintenance services: some professional garage door repair contractors offer their customers the option of signing up for recurring maintenance services that involve regular inspections and tune-ups. Maintenance services can cost you anywhere from $100 to $400 yearly, depending on the garage door repair contractor that offers them as well as the scope and frequency of the maintenance activities
- Emergency repair costs: in situations where you require a garage door repair contractor to provide their services urgently or outside regular business hours, you may have to pay an additional fee of anywhere between $100 to $300 on top of the actual cost of the repair job
Always find out exactly how much you will be expected to pay for your required garage door repair services when making hiring arrangements with any garage door repairer near you, and make sure that you agree on these prices before they begin any work.
Who Will Do the Work?
You should always do your diligence on any garage door repair contractor you intend to hire to ensure that they are aptly qualified for the job. To this end, request proof of licensing or registration from them, whichever is applicable, and make sure that you verify this with the relevant authority. Also, ensure that the garage door repair contractor is adequately insured and bonded, otherwise, you may be held liable for any injuries or property damage that occurs either when the work is being done or as a result of the work done. Finally, when making your hiring decision, prioritizing garage door repair contractors that belong to reputable trade associations like the International Door Association and the National Association of Home Builders is also a good idea.
By taking these actions, you significantly increase the likelihood of your requested garage door repair job being executed by professionals that deliver their services skillfully and effectively.
What Qualifications Should Garage Door Repair Contractors Have?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 23,300 mechanical door repairers are currently employed around the nation. Individuals that wish to work as garage door repairers typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent and also usually have to undergo on-the-job training under the supervision of a more seasoned garage door repairer for a few months to one year. This training is generally designed to help them develop and hone skills like arm-hand steadiness, manual dexterity, trunk strength, finger dexterity, control precision, and customer service relations.
Lastly, many professional garage door repair contractors also join trade associations like the International Door Association, the Associated General Contractors of America, and the National Association of Home Builders to indicate professionalism and competence.
Will You Provide References?
Asking for references is an excellent way to determine whether a garage door repair contractor is reputable. Thus, you should always insist on getting references from prospective garage door repairers near you before reaching any agreements with them, regardless of whether they were recommended by friends, relatives, or online directories offered by reputable organizations like the International Door Association. Professional and reputable garage door repair contractors will generally not hesitate to give you the names and contact information of previous clients who can attest to their work, and be wary if the garage door repairer you are in discussions with seems reluctant to offer this information.
You can also get additional reviews and testimonials on your preferred garage door repair contractor online via platforms like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Review. Likewise, you can reach out to your local customer protection agency or attorney general’s office to find out if there have been any complaints or reports about the garage door repair contractor you want to hire.
Quick Facts about Garage Door Repairers
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Expert Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Garage Door Repairs
How Long Do Garage Doors Last?
Garage doors typically last an average of 15 to 30 years. However, this depends on factors like the garage door materials and proper maintenance.
Why Is My Garage Door Not Opening or Closing?
Your garage door may not be opening or closing properly for a number of reasons, such as broken or loose springs or cables and malfunctioning garage door openers. When faced with this issue, it is advisable to contact a professional garage door repair contractor to inspect the door and pinpoint the specific fault.
Why Is My Garage Door Noisy When Opening or Closing?
If your garage door is excessively noisy when opening or closing, it usually indicates that its moving parts are worn, rusted, or poorly lubricated.
Do I Need a Permit to Install, Replace, or Repair My Garage Door?
Permits are usually required for construction and home improvement work, including garage door installations and replacements, and whether or not you will need one before commencing any garage door work primarily depends on your area of residence. However, these permits are typically not required for minor garage door repairs that do not affect the structural integrity of your home.
As such, it is always a good idea to contact your local building department before commencing any home improvement projects to confirm if a permit is needed.
Do I Need to Replace the Entire Garage Door If Only One Section Is Damaged?
No, you do not always need to replace your entire garage door if only one section is damaged. However, you will have to consider factors like whether the replacement sections are readily available and if the rest of the door is still good enough to function properly when the damaged section is replaced.
Will My Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Garage Door Repairs?
Yes, homeowner's insurance usually covers damages to garage doors caused by you or members of your household. Nonetheless, you should always get confirmation on this from your insurance provider and also find out the extent of coverage that the policy provides.
How Can I Decide the Best Type of Garage Door for My Home?
When deciding on the best type of garage door for your home, you should always consider the following factors:
- Durability
- Security and safety
- Cost
- Insulation/energy-efficiency
- Ease of maintenance
- Aesthetic appeal
- Personal preferences
Professional garage door contractors typically take all these variables into account when recommending new garage doors to clients, and it is advisable to consult with one before making your final choice.
What Is the Top Garage Door Brand Available?
Some top garage door brands favored by homeowners across the United States include:
- Amarr
- Andersen
- CHI Overhead Doors
- Clopay
- Hormann
- Martin Doors
- Midland
- Overhead Doors
- Pella
- Raynor
- Wayne-Dalton
How Do I Select the Right Garage Door Opener?
Several factors influence the right type of opener for your garage door, and these include:
- The size and construction material of your garage door: this determines the type and size of motor drive needed to lift the door
- Living spaces above or near the garage: this influences how quiet you need the opener to be when operating
- Clearances above and on the sizes of the garage door: this determines where the opener will be mounted
- Available safety devices, features, and accessories that suit your personal preferences
How Will I Know If My Garage Door Springs are Broken?
Some signs that your garage door springs may be broken include:
- The cables connected to the spring are dangling loose
- The door opens partly before falling close
- The door is misaligned or off-track
Can Garage Doors Work with Broken Springs?
Yes, a garage door can open and close with broken springs and even without any springs. However, this can be extremely dangerous, as these springs are required to ensure that the garage doors open safely and with minimal physical exertion. As such, you should always replace your garage door springs as soon as you notice they are broken.
Should I Replace Both Springs If Only One Is Broken?
Yes. Professional garage door repair contractors generally recommend replacing both springs, even if only one is broken, to ensure that your garage door remains balanced and functional. Note that you should never attempt these replacements yourself.