Garage Door Questions and Answers
Costs
What is the average cost of repairing a garage door?
National cost surveys put the average near $265, with most repairs between about $155 and $379. Details by part in garage door repair cost in the RGV.
How much does it cost to fix a garage door spring?
About $180 to $350 in national cost surveys, depending on the type of spring and the door.
How much is a new garage door opener?
Installed, about $218 to $540 on average. The unit alone ranges from about $100 to $900 or more.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a garage door?
Repair is usually cheaper. A new door makes sense when the door is badly damaged, keeps breaking or has several worn-out parts. See repair or replace.
Springs and safety
Can I lift my garage door by hand if the spring is broken?
It's better not to. The springs carry most of the door's weight, and without them the door can be very heavy and can drop. Keep it still and call a pro. See broken garage door spring.
Can you replace just one spring?
Sometimes. If the door has two springs, the second one has done the same work. Ask the provider whether replacing both makes sense for your door.
Is it worth fixing a garage door spring?
In most cases, yes. A spring costs far less than a new door.
What is the most common problem with garage doors?
National cost guides list broken springs among the most common. Rollers, cables and opener sensors are other parts that wear out or fail.
How do I know my opener is safe?
Test the safety reverse once a month, as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends: lay a 2×4 flat on the floor under the door and close it. The door should go back up when it touches the wood. If it doesn't, stop using the opener and have it checked. See opener not working.
Insurance and the windstorm rules
Will homeowners insurance cover a broken garage door?
It depends on your policy and on what caused the damage. Wear and tear is treated differently from storm damage or a car hitting the door. Ask your insurance agent, and take photos of any damage before it's repaired.
Do I need a windstorm inspection for a new garage door in Cameron County?
If you have TWIA coverage, or want it, yes in most cases: a new garage door isn't on the Texas Department of Insurance's list of repairs that skip the windstorm inspection. Ask your agent and the provider before the job. See garage doors and hurricanes.
Do I need a permit to replace my garage door?
Your provider can tell you if your city needs a permit for the job.
Openers
Why does my garage door go back up when I try to close it?
Usually the safety sensors near the floor are blocked, dirty or out of line. Clear the path and wipe the lenses. If that doesn't help, call.
Why doesn't my remote work when the wall button does?
Try a new battery first. Also check whether the wall control has a "lock" or "vacation" button turned on. If the remote still doesn't work, it may need to be programmed again.
Using this service
Is calling free?
Yes. Calling the number on this site is free. You only pay the provider if you hire them for the job.
Do you do the repair?
No. Valley Garage Door Help is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent local garage door provider who gives you the price and does the work. See how it works.
What areas do you cover?
Brownsville, Harlingen and nearby towns in Cameron County, such as Olmito, Rancho Viejo, Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, San Benito, La Feria and Rio Hondo.
Still have a question?
Call and ask a local garage door pro.