Being stuck outside with your car in the garage never fails to wreak havoc on your day. Whether it was a snapped torsion spring or a long-suffering system finally giving up after decades of service, time is of the essence when restoring security to your home and its possessions. Homeowners wondering just how long it will take to get their garage door repaired or replaced can feel reassured knowing the average amount of time it takes to tackle their specific issue.

Knowing the repair and replacement time frames, as well as when to call in professionals to the scene, is essential in getting you back to normal in the shortest possible time frame.

Common Repair Time Frames

Your garage door repair typically takes only a small fraction of the time it would to do on your own.

Because licensed technicians fix doors every day, most minor garage door repairs are completed within one to two hours.

The following time frame estimates apply to single-car garage doors unless otherwise stated:

• Torsion Spring Repair or Replacement (30 – 60 minutes): A snapped torsion spring is the most common reason for garage door malfunction. A qualified technician can typically replace a broken spring within an hour, as he or she is already equipped with the proper winding bars and knows the appropriate tension for the garage door size and weight.
• Cable Replacement or Realignment (30 – 45 minutes): Lift cables run parallel to the torsion springs and are responsible for bearing the majority of a door’s weight. If a cable snaps or comes loose, the door will either be stuck or crooked and unable to open and close properly. Single cable replacement or reattachment to the drum usually takes under an hour to complete if no structural damage to the track is apparent.
• Roller and Hinge Replacement (1 – 2 hours): When rollers begin to squeal or stick due to age, they can be replaced relatively quickly. The time it takes to replace rollers depends on whether the technician is taking out and replacing only the worn ones or replacing the whole roller assembly on a double-car garage door. Roller replacement commonly takes between one and two hours to complete.
• Garage Door Opener Repair/Sensor Realignment (30 – 60 minutes): If a garage door opener fails to reverse course after sensing an obstruction, it is a simple matter of realigning the safety sensors. More involved opener repairs, like replacing a faulty drive gear or circuit board, take approximately an hour to complete.

Garage Door Replacement Time Frames

While most repair services can be completed the same day, a full garage door replacement can take quite some time. If a door has been totaled in a vehicular collision, rotted due to years of exposure, or simply seen too many cycles to last another year, it may be time to invest in a replacement door.

1. Selection and Ordering (1 – 3 weeks): Technically, the clock begins ticking as soon as a homeowner selects the style, material, insulation, color, windows, and other features for the new garage door. Most standard styles purchased from a local supplier take about a week or two to arrive, while custom designer doors can take up to three weeks or more to reach the job site.
2. Removal of the Old Door (1 – 2 hours): On the day of the scheduled replacement, the technicians’ first order of business is to remove and discard the old door. Because the torsion springs remain under high tension even when disconnected, the removal and disposal of a door typically takes one to two hours.
3. Installing the New Tracks and Panels (2 – 4 hours): The tracks must be attached and leveled before the new door panels can be installed. This task takes two to four hours per door for larger double-car doors. While it may seem an unnecessary luxury, keeping tracks precisely level is vital to a garage door’s smooth operation.
4. Spring Calibration and Opener Installation (1 – 2 hours): With the tracks installed, the technician can mount and tension the torsion springs and install the garage door opener. The entire process for balancing a door and installing an opener should take at most two hours. After testing the safety sensors, the opener’s remote controls are programmed, and the auto-reverse settings are adjusted to keep the door running smoothly and quietly.

Other Considerations

Though the outlined durations offer a helpful baseline, a number of circumstances can prolong or decrease the time estimate:

• Custom Sizes: Non-standard garage doors opening sizes require special order replacement door panels, adding weeks to the total project length.
• Structural Damage: If the framing around the garage has been compromised in a collision or storm, carpenters must make repairs before any new door can be mounted.
• Clearance: Doors must be mounted in a garage with enough clearance in order to be opened and closed safely. Some garage installations require additional space due to the layout of the structure. Shelves and other furnishings should be removed or rearranged in anticipation of service.

Why Let Professionals Handle Your Request?

Aspiring DIYers who try and repair or replace garage doors themselves are certain to spend longer on the project than expected. In addition to the dangers posed by damaged torsion springs, most homeowners underestimate the time and effort that goes into track leveling and tension balancing. By calling Garage Door Repair VIP and working with qualified technicians, you can be confident that your garage door will be returned to functional condition safely and efficiently. Knowing exactly what to expect in terms of time frames also allows you to prepare your schedule accordingly.

After all, no one wants to spend an entire weekend on a job that should only take an hour.

Final Notes

By knowing what to expect in terms of timing, you will be able to return to your regularly scheduled life with minimal disruption. Whether it’s calling in a 45-minute spring replacement to get your car unstuck from the garage or scheduling a more involved half-day replacement to improve your home’s curb appeal, Garage Door Repair VIP looks forward to helping you achieve your goals!