Garage Doors

Garage door repairs, safely and for less

A garage door is the largest moving object in most homes. Simple monthly checks can catch problems early, but some repairs, especially springs and cables, are dangerous and belong to a trained technician.

Free to use. MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you. Payments don’t change the tips on this page, and you’re never obligated to hire anyone. How we make money.

Get a free garage door quote

Door stuck, noisy or off its track? Call a local garage door company to ask about a repair.

Call for a free quote

[CALL: Garage door (CallScaler application pending) — CallScaler tracking number] — replace the button href “#CALL-garage-door-top” with tel:+1XXXXXXXXXX, put the formatted number in the button text, then remove “ms-placeholder” from this group’s Additional CSS class(es) to show it. Do not publish a number until CallScaler approves the offer.

MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you.

5 ways to save on garage door repairs

Test the safety reverse monthly

With the door open, lay a 2×4 flat in the door’s path and close it. The door should stop when it touches the board and reverse. If it doesn’t, call a trained technician.

Source: DASMA

Test the photo eyes

Wave an object in front of a sensor while the door is closing. The door shouldn’t close unless you hold the wall button. The sensors should be no higher than 6 inches off the floor.

Source: DASMA

Check the balance

Disconnect the opener with the door closed, then lift the door by hand. It should move freely and stay put about 3 to 4 feet above the floor. If it doesn’t, the springs may need adjusting by a pro.

Source: DASMA

Look and lubricate

Check hinges, rollers and springs for wear or damage. Some parts need periodic lubrication; your owner’s manual tells you which ones and with what.

Source: DASMA

Don’t touch the springs

Springs are under high tension. The industry safety guide warns not to loosen or adjust bottom brackets, red fasteners, cables or supports yourself.

Source: DASMA

Simple fixes before you call

A door that won’t open with the remote isn’t always a repair job. Check these first:

  • Replace the batteries in the remote and the wall keypad.
  • Make sure the opener is plugged in and the outlet has power. Check the breaker or GFCI outlet.
  • Clean the photo eye lenses and make sure the sensors are lined up. A misaligned or dirty sensor is a common reason a door reverses or won’t close.
  • Check whether the lock button on the wall control was pressed by accident, which can block the remotes on many openers.
  • Clear anything from the tracks, and look for a manual lock bar that’s been engaged.

If you don’t have the owner’s manual, the opener’s model number is usually on the back of the motor unit, and the manufacturer may offer the manual online.

Repair or replace?

Most broken springs, worn rollers and bent track sections can be repaired without replacing the whole door. If a technician recommends a new door or opener, ask exactly what failed and get the repair price in writing so you can compare. A new opener may make sense if your current one doesn’t pass the reverse and photo-eye tests, since these safety features protect kids, pets and cars.

Getting a fair quote

  • Ask about the service call or trip fee up front, and whether it’s applied to the repair.
  • Ask what parts are being replaced and why. For springs, ask whether they recommend replacing both at once and the reason.
  • Ask about the warranty on parts and labor, and get it in writing.
  • Check reviews and make sure the business has a real local address, not just a phone number.

Be cautious about very low advertised prices that turn into much larger bills once the technician arrives. Ask for a written price before work begins. In Illinois, jobs over $1,000 require a written contract or work order with the total cost.

Keep it running

Make a monthly check part of your routine, keep remotes away from children, and mount the wall button at least 5 feet off the floor where you can see the door close. Stay out of the door’s path while it’s moving.

Door still not working?

If the quick fixes didn’t help, or a spring or cable is broken, call a local garage door technician for a free quote.

Call for a free quote

[CALL: Garage door (CallScaler application pending) — CallScaler tracking number] — replace the button href “#CALL-garage-door-bottom” with tel:+1XXXXXXXXXX, put the formatted number in the button text, then remove “ms-placeholder” from this group’s Additional CSS class(es) to show it. Do not publish a number until CallScaler approves the offer.

MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you.

Common questions

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

It’s not recommended. The garage door industry’s safety guide says springs are under high tension and only trained technicians should adjust springs, cables, brackets and supports.

Why does my garage door go back up when it closes?

Often the photo eyes are dirty, blocked or out of alignment. Clean and line them up first. If the door still reverses, or doesn’t reverse when it should, have a technician check it.

How often should I test my garage door?

Once a month. Test the auto-reverse with a 2×4 board, test the photo eyes, and check that the door is balanced.

Is a broken spring an emergency?

Don’t try to use the door if a spring or cable is broken. The door can be very heavy and may fall. Leave it closed if you can and call a technician.

Does MegaSavings get paid if I call?

MegaSavings may be paid when you call a provider through this page, at no cost to you. The payment doesn’t change the price you’re quoted or the tips on this page.

Sources

More guides: Home Repair Savings · Home & Renters Insurance

Related: Garage door opener cost

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026