Guide
Repair or replace a garage door
Most door troubles can be repaired. Here's how to spot the ones that can't.
Say the town and what the door is doing.
Usually worth repairing
A broken spring on a door that's otherwise sound. A slipped cable. A worn roller or loose hinge. A failed opener on a good door. In each case the problem is one part.
Signs the door itself is the problem
Several cracked panels, rust through at the bottom, a door bent out of true, or a track that has been repaired more than once.
- An uninsulated door is also worth rethinking if the garage is attached and cold.
What moves the price
The size of the opening, the material, insulation, windows, track type and hardware, whether the opener is replaced, and whether the old equipment is hauled away.
Ask for the full scope in writing, so you can compare two offers line by line.
Questions that sort it out
Is the damage limited to one part? Will new parts fit the old door? Will the door be balanced after the repair? What's warranted on each option?
Read the contractor's reviews on a public site before you choose.
For a replacement, read new door installation.
Call about your door
Say the town and what the door is doing. You will be connected with an independent garage door contractor.