Garage door belt replacement costs $240 on average but ranges between $150 and $440, depending on the cost of labor and materials.
Garage door belt replacement costs $240, with prices commonly ranging from $150 to $440. A garage door opener belt is the crucial connection between the garage door and its opener. Garage door belts can wear, become loose, or break and create a situation where the garage door won't operate correctly or at all without manual intervention. In some cases, a broken garage door belt can create a dangerous situation.
Replacement is the only solution for a garage door with a broken belt. However, some warning signs of a broken garage door, such as hearing strange noises or incomplete opening or closing, may indicate that your garage door opener belt needs adjustment. Although replacement is often necessary in those situations, too. Here are the costs associated with replacing a garage door belt.
Garage door opener belts are all similar, regardless of brand. While some older belt-drive openers require opener-specific belts, most of those no longer exist. Belts for garage door openers are now standardized. However, some older models may still be around, and you can identify them by their teeth being farther apart than they are wide.
Garage door belts vary in price primarily by length and brand name. Generic garage door belts can cost as little as $50, while brand-name ones cost between $75 and $200, depending on the height of the door, which dictates the belt length necessary.
| 7- to 8-Foot Belt Cost | 9-Foot and Longer Belt Cost |
|---|---|
| $50–$150 | $75–$200 |
Hiring a person qualified to fix garage doors to replace a garage door belt is worth it. While the job can qualify as a DIY task for someone with prior experience, the work requires knowledge of the working garage door and opener parts. Hiring a qualified technician may also be necessary to not void existing warranties on the opener or the door.
Expect labor costs of between $75 and $150 per hour plus service call fees that range from $50 to $100. If the technician only replaces the belt and there's no other associated trouble, the job won't likely take more than an hour.
Location is often a factor in garage door repair costs. The hourly labor cost in metro areas is somewhat higher than in rural locations. The price difference isn't often a significant factor, but it can be the difference between paying on the high or low end of the averages.
A broken or worn belt sometimes indicates other problems with the garage door. A misaligned guide rail and trolley can cause early wear, and improper spring tension can cause belt wear and stretching. Garage door track problems and worn roller wheels can similarly affect garage door belts. It's a solid idea to have your technician inspect for the cause of the failure when replacing the belt.
| Garage Door Component | Average Repair or Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Rollers | $90–$200 |
| Track | $125–$400 |
| Trolley/Carriage Assembly | $40–$125 |
| Guide Rail | $50–$250 |
| Drive Gear and Sprocket | $75–$150 |
| Spring | $150–$350 |
Assuming the garage door is balanced with proper spring tension, a broken or worn garage door belt won't create a dangerous situation if the door is in its down position. However, if the belt breaks due to a broken spring, cable, or other malfunction, a garage door in its up position can pose a safety threat. If you're uncertain or unable to open or close the garage door manually, it's best to leave it alone and avoid trying to operate it.
However, being unable to open or close the door can create an emergency situation that requires fast repair. In these cases, a garage door repair company or technicians may charge up to $300 for emergency or after-hours service, which can substantially increase the cost of the job.
Garage doors and garage door openers are mechanical devices that require regular maintenance and care. While even the most diligent maintenance won't avoid all garage door and opener repair work, it can reduce the frequency and maximize the life span of each component.
Annual or biannual maintenance is necessary for garage doors and openers. Professional maintenance costs between $100 and $400 per service and includes lubrication, cleaning, tightening, adjusting, and general inspection. Maintenance tasks such as cleaning and lubricating are okay as DIY tasks. However, a professional should perform the more intricate jobs.
Worn and damaged garage door parts, including rollers, tracks, springs, sprockets, gears, and hinges, can cause early and excessive belt wear. Malfunctioning parts such as these can also pose a safety threat. These repairs are crucial and cost between $50 and $450 per part.
Replacing your garage door belt as a DIY project is possible. However, the job requires significant knowledge of how the opener and door function. If the garage door has other problems as a result or cause of the belt's failure, the job can be dangerous.
When it's time to replace the garage door belt, the best action is to hire a nearby garage door opener repair company to perform the task. Doing so will keep you, and possibly the warranty, safe and free up your weekend so you can enjoy more leisurely activities.
You can consider a few other garage-related projects while you've got your pro handy. Here are common add-ons and their associated costs.
Spring replacement cost: $150–$350
General garage door repair cost: $150–$365
Garage door weatherstripping cost: $170–$490
Garage door opener replacement or installation cost: $215–$540
Garage door replacement cost: $900–$2,000
The best way to save money on garage door belt replacement is to have a professional inspect your door and opener each or every other year to ensure all of its parts last as long as possible. The inspection will reveal the occurrence of situations and conditions that can shorten the life of your garage door belt.
Doing the work of garage door belt replacement yourself can also save money over hiring a professional. However, the work demands specialized knowledge, and performing DIY work on your garage door opener can void the warranty.
Remember that other garage door repairs, including working on the springs, cables, or any other part under tension, are extremely hazardous and unacceptable for DIY work.
Simply measuring the height of your garage door will tell you what size replacement belt you need. While the precise measurement of the belt doesn't necessarily equal the door's height, the products are available in sizes that indicate the same. For example, an eight-foot-tall door requires a belt to fit that door's height.
Most garage door opener belts have the same profile and interchangeable carriage assembly connection points. Some older garage door openers have brand-specific belts. However, they are rare, and most belts are now standardized. It's advisable to purchase a garage door opener belt that matches the brand of opener you have to keep from voiding any warranties.
