Should you repair or replace your garage door?
Updated July 2026 · 6 min read
Nine times out of ten, repair wins on price. But the tenth call — the one where a door has been "patched" three times already — repair is throwing good money after bad. Here are the five questions we walk every Denver homeowner through before quoting either option.
1. How old is the door?
Under 15 years old and structurally sound? Repair. Over 20 years? Start pricing replacement — even a full repair only buys you 2–3 more years before the next failure. Between 15–20 is the judgment zone; it comes down to the next four questions.
2. What's the repair cost as a % of a new door?
Rule of thumb: if the repair quote is more than 50–60% of what a new installed door costs (~$1,600 for a basic steel sectional in Denver), replace. A $900 repair on a $1,600 door rarely makes sense.
3. How many panels are damaged?
One dented panel? Replace just that panel ($285–$550). Two or more panels, or panels no longer manufactured for that model? Full replacement is almost always cheaper than sourcing discontinued sections.
4. Is the door insulated?
Denver winters and afternoon sun both punish uninsulated doors. If your garage is attached and you're already replacing panels or springs, upgrading to an insulated door (R-13 to R-18) pays back in energy savings and quieter operation.
5. Has it failed twice this year?
Repeat failures on an older door usually mean the whole system is at end of life — springs are worn, cables are frayed, rollers are shot, opener is straining. At that point you're paying for repairs on borrowed time.
The quick math
Add the estimated cost of the next 3 years of repairs. If that's within $400 of a new installed door, replace. Use our cost calculator to price the repair side, and our 2026 pricing guide for replacement ranges.