Overhead garage doors are one of the most popular types of garage doors for both homes and businesses. They’re reliable, space-saving, and often look great. But when something goes wrong? It can be frustrating, inconvenient, and even unsafe. That’s why overhead garage door repair is so important.
If your door is stuck, noisy, or just not acting right, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common problems, when to call for help, and how you can keep your garage door in top shape.
Why Overhead Garage Doors Need Repairs
Like anything that moves and works hard, overhead garage doors wear down over time. They go up and down multiple times a day, face all types of weather, and rely on many moving parts to function smoothly. Here are the most common issues homeowners and businesses face:
1. Broken Springs
The springs do the heavy lifting. If one snaps, your door might stop working entirely. It might also slam shut or become hard to lift.
2. Worn Rollers
Rollers help your door glide along the tracks. When they get worn out, you might hear grinding, squeaking, or feel jerky movement.
3. Misaligned Tracks
If your garage door tracks are bent or misaligned, your door could come off track or jam up halfway. This makes the door unstable and dangerous.
4. Sensor Malfunctions
Garage door openers rely on sensors to make sure nothing is in the way. If your sensors are dirty or broken, the door might not close.
5. Snapped Cables
Cables are part of the door’s lifting system. When they break, your garage door may hang unevenly or refuse to open.
Signs You Need Garage Door Repair
Your garage door often shows warning signs before it stops working altogether. Here’s what to look out for:
- The door opens slowly or not at all
- Loud banging, squealing, or grinding noises
- A door that’s sagging or looks crooked
- The door closes and then reopens
- Remote or wall switch not responding
If you notice any of these, don’t wait. Waiting could make the problem worse—or even dangerous.
Can You Repair It Yourself?
Some small fixes—like cleaning your sensors or tightening a loose screw—can be DIY projects. But most overhead garage door repairs should be done by professionals. Why?
Garage doors are heavy. Many parts, like springs and cables, are under high tension. If they snap or move suddenly during a DIY attempt, serious injury can occur. Professional techs have the tools and training to handle the job safely.
What Happens During a Professional Repair?
Calling in a pro for overhead garage door repair is a smart move. Here’s what you can expect from a service visit:
- Inspection – They’ll check the entire door system, including the opener, springs, rollers, tracks, and cables.
- Diagnosis – The tech will tell you what’s wrong and what needs to be fixed.
- Estimate – You’ll get an upfront cost quote. No surprises.
- Repair – Once you approve the work, they’ll get to fixing. Most repairs take less than a couple of hours.
Reliable companies like Overhead Door Company of Bellingham ensure the job is done quickly, safely, and with quality parts.
Common Garage Door Repairs and What They Cost
We get it—cost matters. Here are some typical repairs and their average costs:
- Spring replacement: $200–$600 (depending on type and door size)
- Cable repair: $100–$200
- Roller replacement: $100–$180
- Track repair or replacement: $125–$500
- Sensor repair or alignment: $75–$150
- Opener repair: $100–$300
Prices can vary based on the complexity of the job, your location, and the brand or model of the garage door.
Preventing Future Repairs
No one wants to deal with garage door issues all the time. Luckily, a little care goes a long way. Here’s how to keep your door in good shape:
- Lubricate moving parts (rollers, hinges, springs) every few months
- Clear debris from tracks and around the door base
- Check door balance (disconnect opener and lift manually halfway—it should stay in place)
- Test auto-reverse sensors by placing an object in the door’s path
- Schedule yearly maintenance with a garage door professional
Keeping up with these steps can save you money and headaches down the line.
How Long Do Repairs Take?
Most garage door repairs can be done in one visit. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Spring or cable replacement: 1–2 hours
- Track realignment: 1 hour
- Roller or hinge replacement: 30–90 minutes
- Sensor adjustment: 15–30 minutes
Of course, if your door needs multiple repairs or part replacements, it may take a little longer. But pro techs aim to get your door working again the same day.
When Is It Time to Replace Instead of Repair?
Sometimes, repairs aren’t enough—especially if:
- Your door is over 20 years old
- It’s damaged from an accident or storm
- Repairs would cost more than a new door
- Parts are no longer available
If you’re unsure, a trusted technician can help you weigh your options. At Overhead Door Company of Bellingham, we’ll never recommend a full replacement unless it’s truly the best option.
Why Choose Overhead Door Company of Bellingham?
When it comes to overhead garage door repair, you want pros who know their stuff. That’s where we come in. With decades of experience, trained techs, and friendly service, we’re the go-to team in Bellingham and the surrounding areas.
Here’s what you get with us:
- Same-day service
- Clear, honest pricing
- Repairs for all makes and models
- Safety-focused repairs
- Fully stocked trucks to finish the job fast
How much does it cost to repair a garage door?
Garage door repair usually costs between $75 and $350. Bigger repairs like springs or openers are more expensive than minor fixes like sensor adjustments.
What is the common problem of a garage door?
The most common issue is broken springs. They’re under high tension and do a lot of the lifting, so they wear out over time.
How much to replace the springs on a garage door?
Expect to pay $150 to $600, depending on the spring type (torsion or extension) and door size.
What is the most common garage door repair?
Spring and cable replacements are the most common. They both affect how smoothly and safely your door moves.
Garage door issues don’t get better on their own. A worn spring can snap. A faulty opener can fail. And a misaligned door can do damage every time it moves.
Delaying a repair can make the problem worse—and more expensive. It can also put you and your family at risk. Keep your home safe and your door working with help from our trusted team.
Call Overhead Door Company of Bellingham at (360) 734-5960. We’re ready to help!