How much does garage door cable repair cost?
How much does garage door cable repair cost?
$150 – $350 average repair cost
Garage door cable repair cost
Garage door cable repair costs $150 to $350, depending on the specific type of service needed. Cable replacement costs $150 to $250 for the most common repair of replacing both garage door cables for proper balance. Emergency repairs cost more at $250 to $350+ for repairs requiring immediate attention.
| Repair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Standard cable replacement | $150 – $250 |
| Cable tensioning / realignment | $100 – $200 |
| Partial cable repair | $150 – $200 |
| Complete cable system overhaul | $200 – $400 |
| Emergency cable repair service | $250 – $350+ |
Standard cable replacement
Standard garage door cable replacement costs $150 to $250. This is the most common repair scenario, which involves replacing both garage door cables simultaneously to prevent imbalance issues. Professional technicians remove worn cables and install new ones with proper tension and alignment. The service includes basic component inspection and warranty coverage.
Cable tensioning / realignment
Cable tensioning and realignment services cost $100 to $200. This addresses loose or misaligned cables without full replacement. Technicians adjust tension and positioning to restore proper door operation for cables with minimal wear causing operational issues.
Partial cable repair
Partial cable repair costs $150 to $200. This option targets minor cable damage through splicing or component replacement rather than complete system replacement. This repair is best for localized damage and offers limited warranty coverage due to its temporary nature.
Complete cable system overhaul
The cost for a complete cable system overhaul ranges from $200 to $400. This comprehensive service replaces all cables while inspecting springs, drums, and pulleys. It addresses multiple system issues simultaneously and provides the most thorough solution for older doors with multiple component failures.
Emergency cable repair service
Emergency cable repair service costs $250 to $350. After-hours, weekend, and holiday repairs provide immediate resolution but command premium pricing. This service becomes necessary when cable failure creates security risks or blocks vehicle access, requiring immediate attention.
What affects the cost of garage door cable repair?
Several factors influence the final cost of garage door cable repair:
Door type and size: Single-car doors cost less to repair than double-wide or custom doors; heavier doors require stronger cables and more complex installation.
Cable quality and material: Standard galvanized steel cables are cheaper than aircraft-grade or heavy-duty options, which offer better durability and corrosion resistance.
Labor rates: Technician hourly rates vary significantly by location and experience, with urban areas and more reputable repair services commanding higher rates.
Additional component damage: Broken cables often indicate problems with springs, tracks, or rollers, potentially increasing total repair costs.
Service timing: Emergency repairs outside normal business hours incur premium charges above standard pricing.
System type: Torsion spring systems require more robust cables that cost more than those used in extension spring systems.
Garage door cable replacement
Garage door cables are steel wires that lift and lower your door. These braided cables work with springs to move doors weighing 150 to 400 pounds by winding around drums on the torsion shaft. Most residential garage doors use 1/8-inch or 3/32-inch galvanized aircraft cable.
Common causes of cable failure
These heavy-duty cables can fail for several reasons:
Normal wear and tear from thousands of opening and closing cycles causes individual wire strands to fray and eventually break.
Rust and corrosion weaken the cable structure over time, particularly in humid environments or coastal areas with salt exposure.
Improper spring tension puts excessive stress on cables, leading to premature failure.
When other components like springs break suddenly, the remaining cables must bear the door's full weight, often causing them to snap under the increased load.
Signs that garage door cables need replacement
Several warning signs indicate when garage door cables need replacement:
Visible wear and damage: Frayed wire strands, rust spots, or any visible damage on the cables
Poor door operation: Uneven, difficult, or erratic door movement
Unusual sounds: Squeaking or grinding noises during door operation
Door imbalance: Doors that won't stay in position when partially open
Unexpected door movement: Doors that fall suddenly or become hard to lift manually
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a garage door inspection service right away.
Garage door cable replacement process
Garage door cable replacement involves releasing spring tension, removing old cables, and installing new ones with proper tension. Technicians replace both cables at once to keep the system balanced, even when only one looks damaged. The job needs special tools and spring system knowledge, making professional service the safest choice.
Additional garage door repairs
Garage door repair costs vary widely, from affordable fixes like dent repairs or sensor adjustments to expensive major part replacements, including spring systems or complete opener units. Below is an average repair price list for common garage door repairs.
| Part | Average repair cost |
|---|---|
| Sensor | $85 – $100 |
| Opener repair | $75 – $300 |
| Garage door dent repair cost | $100 – $300 (minor dents) |
| Locks | $100 – $325 |
| Replacing tracks | $125 – $300 |
| Glass repair | $100 – $350 |
| Cable repair | $100 – $400 |
| Garage door spring replacement cost | $150 – $350 |
| Garage door painting cost | $100 – $500 |
| Garage door panel replacement cost | $300 – $900 per panel |
| Garage door opener replacement cost | $300 – $900 |
Sometimes replacing the entire garage door makes more financial sense than repairing cables and other components. A new garage door costs $700 to $3,500 installed, making replacement worthwhile when facing multiple expensive repairs or when the door is 15 to 20 years old with frequent breakdowns.
Garage door cable repair FAQs
How long do garage door cables last?
Garage door cables last 7 to 10 years with normal use, depending on environmental conditions and maintenance. Cables in humid or coastal areas may need replacement sooner due to corrosion.
How long does garage door cable replacement take?
Professional cable replacement takes 1 to 2 hours for most standard residential doors. Complex systems or additional repairs may require more time.
Can I repair garage door cables myself?
While cable parts only cost $20 to $50, DIY repair involves dangerous high-tension springs that can cause severe injury. Professional service is strongly recommended for safety and warranty coverage.
Should I replace both cables at once?
Yes, professionals recommend replacing both cables simultaneously even when only one fails. This prevents imbalance issues and ensures the door operates safely and smoothly.
Is it safe to use my garage door with broken cables?
No, never operate a garage door with broken or damaged cables as it poses serious safety risks. The door could fall unexpectedly, causing injury or property damage.
Getting estimates for garage door cable repairs
Follow these tips for getting accurate estimates from garage door cable repair services:
Contact at least three different repair companies to compare pricing and services offered.
Request written quotes that specify exactly what work they'll perform and at what cost.
Ask for detailed breakdowns that include separate costs for parts, labor, and any additional fees.
Confirm the quote covers cables, diagnostics, safety checks, and warranty coverage.
Ask about additional charges for after-hours, weekend, or holiday service calls.
Have technicians inspect springs, tracks, and other components that might need attention.
Verify that repair companies are properly licensed and insured before accepting estimates.
Research company reputation and customer satisfaction through online reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Questions to ask a garage door repair service
Ask your garage door repair service these questions to ensure you receive quality service at a fair price:
Are your technicians licensed and insured?
How much experience do your technicians have with garage door repairs?
Can you provide a detailed written estimate before starting work?
What do you include in your repair service and warranty coverage?
Will you call me before installing any additional parts or making extra repairs?
How long will the repair take to complete?
Do you offer emergency or after-hours service, and what are the additional costs?
Can you provide references from recent customers?
Do you perform a complete garage door inspection?
What brands of replacement parts do you use?
How long do you guarantee your repair work?
Will someone need to be present during the repair?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.