How Much Does Garage Door Repair Cost? A Breakdown by Issue

Garage doors involve a lot of moving parts and heavy components, which is why the costs of repairs vary. In Orange County, the price to make common repairs typically runs anywhere from a couple of hundred bucks to several hundred dollars. Detailed below, we break all of it down into the average cost of some standard repairs (for a single 2 car door) with ways to save some expenses and clarifications about warranties. OC Garage Door Guys have been proudly serving Orange County with a transparent pricing structure & vast experience.

Garage Door Spring Replacement

Garage springs bear the weight of the door, so when one breaks, it’s not going to open. Replacing spring cables is one of the most common repairs. Extension springs (long spring cables on the sides) typically cost $50-$100 each, and torsion springs (bar springs, usually above the door) depend on size and are $75-$150+ . Most double-car garage doors have two of each spring type and; replacing both will typically run you about $200-$400 in spring costs (in addition to labor). On average, spring repairs cost about $150-$350 total. (Converting from extension to torsion springs or vice versa can be considerably more expensive.)

• Cost: Extension spring ~$50-$100; Torsion spring ~$75-$150. Total (both springs): ~$200-$400+.

• Notes: Always replace both springs at the same time for balance and safety. Never try and repair springs on your own - it is extremely dangerous. OC Garage Door Guys' technicians are trained and insured to do the springs as safely as possible, and they will be able to detect any issues with your other springs, etc.

Cable Repair for Garage Doors

Garage door cables work with garage springs to raise the door. If a cable snaps or comes off its pulley, the door falls out of balance.Trouble with cables are quick fixes: labor plus new cable ends run from about $100–$350 for a standard two-spring garage. (Heavier doors with additional cables are more.) No matter if one of the cables is broken, you should always replace the other side cable at the same time so that you don't unbalance your door.

• Costs: cable repair/replacement around $100–$350 for both sides.

• Notes: cables run in high tension. DIY cable repair can be dangerous. You should always call a professional to do repairs. OC Garage Door Guys will adjust pulleys and safety locks so you know it’s done correctly.

Garage Door Opener & Remote Issues

The garage door opener (motor unit) and remote/keypad can fail as well. Simple repairs, such as only needing to reprogram the remote to the opener or replace batteries, are one thing (often under $100), whereas motor problems are typically more costly repair. Replacing a broken opener motor, generally runs $180–$400, depending on brand/size, labor included. Programming/replacement of remote/keypad for the opener, on the other hand runs about $100-$350, generally speaking. All things considered, expect the issues with opener repairs costs anywhere from $100–$500 for the repairs running typical issues and model. A modern-day “smart” opener will likely have a higher cost if it needs to be replaced, i.e., newer belt drives or wifi control capabilities.

• Costs: motor replacement $180–$400; Remote/keypad repair $100–$350.

• Notes: Many issues (i.e. sensors out of alignment, wires were not properly attached) are very minor repairs. OC Garage Door Guys will figure out the electronic vs mechanical issue of the opener and then provide you with a recommendation for the repair and/or replacement when applicable. We will only install openers from brands we trust, that generally have a decent warranty behind them.

Sensor & Safety Eye Problems

Garage door safety sensors (the photo-eye's on the ground) stop the garage door from closing on items that are in the way.Most often, misaligned or dirty sensors are a simple fix either by adjusting the sensors back into alignment or cleaning the sensors, and is usually a very inexpensive service (typically less than $100). If the sensor is faulty, it typically costs about $150-250 to replace both eyes and wiring (with labor).

• Costs: Sensor alignment/repair: ~$80-$150, full sensor replacement $100-$200.

• Notes: A door that won't close at all is usually a sensor issue. OC Garage Door Guys techs will test and calibrate each of the safety features. Investing in proper sensor replacement is cheap peace of mind.

Track Alignment or Replacement

Garage door tracks guide the door both up and down. If the tracks are simply misaligned or if rollers are jammed, a technician can realign or tighten them (typically $75-$150 in labor); however, if a whole section of track is damaged and can't be repaired (from a collision or age), a new piece of track typically costs about $40-$120 per section plus the cost of labor. In total, all track-related work can range from just approximately $100 to as high as $400 for major repairs.

• Costs: Track realignment/repair: ~$75-$150 (labor): A new track section costs $40 to $120 per piece plus labor.

• Notes: Tracks do not typically need to be replaced often; however, due to accidents, such as hitting the door, can dent them. Our techs will check the brackets, rollers and tracks and adjust/replace as required to ensure the door moves as it should.

Panel Repair or Replacement

Damaged door panels (dents, cracks, or holes installed, will typically run between $250 and $1,000 - with prices for wood and custom styles going up accordingly. Multi-panel garage doors, when they get damaged, will allow for replacing only the damaged panel; when one-piece (or single-panel) garage doors sustain damage, all panel damage usually requires replacing the whole door.

• Costs: Minor dent repair will be $100 - $300. Full panel replacement will run $250 - $1000 (for each panel).

• Notes: Aluminum or steel panels are usually cheaper to replace and match (at 1 or 2 panel timing) than wood or insulated panels. OC Garage Door Guys stocks common panels and we can color-matching paint finishes too.

Other Common Repairs:

Other small repairs include rollers, hinges, weather seals, and emergency releases. Rollers usually wear out, and replacing a set - approximately 10 in the set - will cost in the neighborhood of $100 - $150; hinges and bottom brackets are cheap parts - ($10 - $50 for each), but we will all no doubt agree, labor to install them are extra. Weatherstrip kits are usually less than $50. Because these parts are security and/or are weight(s), OC Garage Door Guys recommends inspecting them periodically by you, as finding a loose hinge or noise in a roller before it breaks can stop larger repairs.

Diagnostic Fee and Labor Rates

Most garage door companies will charge a diagnostic service or call fee ($50-100) to come out and inspect your door(s) and let you know what the charges would be to fix it. Sometimes they will waive the fee if you choose to proceed with the repair. Labor rates for techs will vary, but normal rates in Orange County are usually in the neighborhood of $75-150 per hour.(We provide upfront quotes and combine repairs where possible to give you the best value.)

Tips to Save Money as a Homeowner

• Take action quickly on minor problems: To paraphrase the saying, “A stitch in time saves nine,” solving simple issues early can save you lots of money later. For example, fixing a noisy spring or misaligned track is a lot cheaper than needing to replace your garage doors panels or the opener, in essence the entire door system. OC Garage Door Guys encourages performing routine inspections since if you start hearing a squeak or the door starts to stick, it may be time to check for misaligned tracks.

• Bundle repairs together: If you have multiple items to repair, (or multiple garage doors) fix them at the same time. Technicians will only charge the service call fees once, so if you are doing two spring replacements, or a spring and a sensor repair during one trip, you will save on labor charges.

• Leave dangerous jobs to professionals: Trying to perform DIY spring or cable repairs is extremely dangerous. If a homeowner gets injured doing these repairs, it costs a lot more than the cost of a professional's labor. OC Garage Door Guys are experts in safely handling garage door torsion springs, cables, and other high-tension systems. (You can do some DIY projects, such as cleaning the tracks and lubricating the rollers.)

• Plan on preventative maintenance: Schedule a professional garage door tune-up every one-to-two years. The average cost is between $100 - $150. During a typical garage door tune-up, we inspect the springs, cables, rollers, and sensors, and operators lubricate and tighten any parts. The preventative maintenance will not only catch normal wear-and-tear early, but it can also improve or extend the life of components. For example, lubricated rollers and balanced springs, reduces strain beyond its design by the motor.

OC Garage Door Guys have different maintenance plans for you to choose from, plus can remind you when it is time to service your garage door.

Warranty Coverage and Service Guarantee

Most components for garage doors come with manufacturer warranties: springs are often covered under multi-year warranty or lifetime limited warranties, while openers usually include warranties on the motor and parts of 1-5 years. Since OC Garage Door Guys install quality brands, your new parts will be covered under the manufacturer warranties. We stand behind our work too: we include a warranty on labor for every repair we perform. If a part we have replaced fails within its manufacturer warranty, we would file the claim and provide a replacement; many springs actually include free one-time replacements in in the event of a failed spring, usually within 1-3 years from the installation date. We keep records of your installation documents and will assist with identifying any warranty issues if needed. Our goal is that you don't pay any additional money for something that is covered under warranty.

OC Garage Door Guys employs a team of licensed technicians in Orange County, each of whom are licensed and insured. We will explain any warranties on parts or labor, before the work begins. You can trust that you will receive professional quality of repairs and service following the repair with us.

Are you ready to fix your garage door? For a price quote or emergency service in Orange County, call the pros at OC Garage Door Guys. We will diagnose your issue with our garage door and provide solutions for you and repair your garage door safely.