Is your garage door causing you problems? If that’s the case, you’re likely faced with the age old conundrum: to fix or replace?
Nobody likes spending money on home repairs. When it comes to garage doors, many homeowners are often at a loss. They haven’t the first idea how to fix them.
Your garage door might be suffering from old age, harsh weather, or even an accidental collision with your car. No matter the reason, it’s important to evaluate a few factors before getting out your checkbook.
Are your garage door panels in desperate need of an upgrade? In this article, we’re taking a look at when to repair vs. replace. Read on to learn more.
Evaluate the Damage
Having a “broken garage door” can mean quite a few things. It’s important to diagnose your problem before deciding whether or not to replace it.
The cause of damage can make a big difference when it comes to cost. For instance, if your garage door panels have a few dents it’s probably a pretty cheap fix.
Conversely, let’s say your car door withstood a big storm or collision. This can have a huge impact on the functionality. It can throw off the strut, wheels, or hinges.
Simply replacing a few parts is enough to get your garage door back in action. But it depends greatly on the extent of the damage.
You can also consult a garage door professional if you’re not sure what the problem is. They can diagnose the issue and provide you with a quote for the repairs.
Determine Your Budget
So how much is this going to cost me?
Garage door replacements and repairs vary greatly in cost. They could run you several dollars to upwards of thousands of dollars. Understanding repair and replacement costs are paramount to getting the best bang for your buck.
For example: Wooden garage doors are often custom or semi-custom built, meaning they’re not mass produced in a factory and the materials are more expensive. Custom-built wooden garage doors start from cord wood, then can be designed to perfectly match the look and feel of your home.
Wooden garage doors that are custom-built can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, depending the size, materials used, etc. Factory-built wooden doors usually run around $500 to $600, excluding installation fees from your local garage door installation company.
The national average for garage door repair is about $221. This price will vary greatly depending on your needs.
Replacing small parts like hinges will only cost you a few bucks. However, spring issues will cost you upwards of $300.
The most expensive repairs come from issues with garage door panels. That’s because repairs require an expert. Panel installation can run from a few hundred dollars to over $700.
Meanwhile, the national average for a garage door replacement is a little over $1,000. That might seem like a big number until you consider the age of your garage door.
Most garage doors last about 20 years. If your garage door is approaching its expiration date, it might be time to consider a replacement. One upfront cost could save you big money in the long run.
Consider that old worn down garage doors often require frequent repairs. Pair that with the price of panel repair. Your repair could be vastly more expensive than a replacement in the long run.
Replacing my Garage Door Panels
Ready to get a new garage door? We’re here to help.
Check out our website for answers to all of your garage repair questions.
Before consulting with our team, be ready with a few facts about your garage door. Knowing your panel size, door model, and color will help us provide you with the best service.
You can rest easy knowing you have a quality team to help you install your brand new garage door. What are you waiting for?