Before spending money on a major repair, it’s worth stepping back to compare options. Some doors are excellent candidates for repair, while others have reached the end of their safe or economical lifespan.
Here are three important questions to ask before deciding whether it’s better to repair or replace a garage door.
How Close Is the Repair to a New Door?
If the total repair cost approaches about 70 percent of a replacement and the door is 15 to 20 years old, it’s usually time to replace. A new door includes updated hardware, improved safety features, and a full warranty. It also eliminates the pattern of piecemeal repairs that often follow once springs, rollers, and sections start aging together. Once one major part wears out, the rest are usually close behind, so repairs can start to stack up quickly.
How Much Does Appearance Matter?
If curb appeal or resale value is part of the goal, a new steel three-layer or custom design door is a smart investment. Modern insulated doors run quieter, look sharper, and perform better in heat and humidity.
If looks aren’t the concern and the panels are solid, a repair can be the right move. Replacing springs, cables, and bearings restores reliable function without the expense of a full replacement.
What System Do You Have?
Your spring and lift system often determine whether a repair or conversion makes sense.
- Extension or TorqueMaster systems: These older or proprietary setups are harder to service and more prone to uneven lift. Converting to torsion costs about $1,200 dollars for a single door and $1,500 for a double, and it’s a long-term upgrade that adds safety and smoother operation.
- Existing torsion systems: A standard spring replacement usually keeps everything running safely. Expect roughly $500 dollars for a single and $700 for a double, and consider adding a top strut or full-length operator bracket to reinforce the upper panel.
Don’t Forget the Opener
A properly balanced door protects the opener and reduces wear on its drive components. Most standard openers are more than capable of lifting typical steel residential doors. For heavier custom or oversized doors, a side-mount jackshaft opener may be required because it connects directly to the torsion tube and handles weight more efficiently.
The Takeaway
If your door is relatively new, structurally sound, and just needs new springs or a tune-up, repair is the sensible route. Once costs climb, the system ages out, or appearance becomes a priority, replacement offers better value and peace of mind.
