If your garage door does not open or function correctly, then you may think buying a new door is the only answer. However, many common garage door problems can be repaired like other home wear and tear.
This is a better solution than replacing your door, as garage doors can be expensive. A garage door system’s two main parts are the door itself and the garage door opener. The latter controls the movements of your garage door. Even if you are proficient in DIY, repairs to garage doors are generally best done by professionals. They will be able to make sure your door system runs efficiently and smoothly.
Here are four common garage door problems you are likely to experience at some point. Learn how the problems can be repaired and what the average cost is for each of them. Understanding what the repair entails ensures you are getting the best price, and repair, from your repairman.
Broken Springs
One of the most common garage door problems is a broken spring. Although garage doors themselves can remain intact for decades, springs do not. The springs can only handle your garage door going up and down so many thousands of times before they snap. This is because the springs act as a counterbalance to the weight of the door. Where your door is concerned the springs do all the heavy lifting work.
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The type of spring you have is relevant to the type of garage door you have. The sturdier the door, the more heavy-duty the springs are. Strong springs last longer, but every type of spring will snap and break at some point. Generally, garage door springs last between 5,000 and 10,000 cycles of the door being opened and closed. On average, you can expect garage door springs to last about 10 years.
Replacing a broken spring is best done by a professional. This is because the springs have to be wound with special tools. Garage door springs are under so much tension it can also be dangerous to attempt replacing them yourself if you are not a trained expert. There are two types of garage door springs including:
- Torsion springs.
- Extension springs.
To replace the former, the cost of a torsion spring is around $60 to $70. Additionally, the labor from a professional garage door company costs around $150. If you need an extension spring replaced, then the spring will cost approximately $30 and the professional installation will approximately cost between $100 and $120. Prices can vary from location to location, and prices given are averages.
Snapped Cables
If your garage door has torsion springs, then the door’s cables are attached to the bottom bracket of the garage door and coiled around a cable drum.
Garage doors with extension springs have cables that are also attached to the bottom bracket, but they then go up over a pulley and through a pulley on the spring. A cable goes through the middle of the extension spring as well. That cable keeps the springs from flying through the air when they break.
The purpose of the cables is to lift your garage door. Your garage door will be difficult to open if they break. Indeed, it may not open at all. Because the cables are under high tension, it is best to get a professional to repair broken cables. At around $30 for a pair of cables, it is inexpensive to replace them. However, the cost of professional installation is approximately an additional $60 to $85.
Malfunctioning Safety Sensors
If your garage door refuses to close without forcing it, then this could be due to malfunctioning safety sensors. The sensors’ indicator lights will flash if the sensors are the problem. If the lights are not flashing, then you probably have another problem. There are three main issues that can cause safety sensors to malfunction. These include:
- If your sensors are not aligned, then your garage door will either not function correctly or it will not work at all. To fix the problem, the sensors must be adjusted until they are aligned. When working properly, the lights’ flashing will be solid. This you can fix yourself by continuing to adjust the sensors until the beams align.
- Your door may not operate if something obstructs a sensor’s beam. Things like leaves can be an obstruction. Clear any debris and obstructions from the door’s pathway and try operating the door again. If that does not do the trick, there probably is not an obstruction problem.
- If dirt gets onto a sensor, then the system may be fooled into thinking there is an obstruction when there is not one. Clean sensors so they are clear and then try operating your garage door again. Use compressed air canisters, like you use when cleaning a computer, to clean the sensors.
If you still have a problem after clearing obstructions and trying to realign the sensors yourself, then you need to call a professional to identify and fix the problem. Typically, the cost is around $50 to $85. Replacement sensors will cost around $85 to $95. To have new sensors installed by a professional, the total cost will be approximately $170.
Malfunctioning Remote Control
Home automation makes life easier. However, another common reason for garage doors not working correctly is a faulty door remote. If your remote is not working, then the first thing to do is replace the batteries. If that does not solve the problem, then it could be a programming issue that needs fixing or you may have to replace the remote.
Professionals can identify the problem and they may be able to repair programming problems. However, it may be simpler and less expensive to just replace your remote. Depending on the type of garage door remote you have, the cost will be around $30 to $50. You can often find your remote’s manual online with helpful troubleshooting actions to take.
The opener probably needs a new circuit board if the whole garage door opener device is not working. Hire a professional to repair this problem. Altogether, the cost of a new circuit board and the installation fee will be around $170.
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