How do I know whether to repair or replace my boiler?

If your boiler is over 10-12 years old and the repair costs more than a third of a new boiler (£2,000-£3,500), replacement is usually the better option. Newer boilers are also significantly more energy efficient, saving £200-£400 per year on gas bills.

Is it worth repairing a washing machine?

Generally yes, if the washing machine is under 6 years old and the repair costs less than 50% of a new one. Common repairs like replacing a door seal (£65-£120) or pump (£80-£150) are usually worth doing. Beyond 8 years, replacement often makes more sense.

How does the Mend or End calculator work?

You answer 5-7 quick questions about your broken item — its age, the fault, previous repairs, warranty status, and urgency. Our algorithm weighs these factors against real UK repair and replacement costs to give you a personalised REPAIR, REPLACE, or BORDERLINE verdict with a confidence score.

Where do the repair and replacement costs come from?

Our costs are researched from trusted UK sources including Checkatrade, Which?, MyBuilder, Energy Saving Trust, and manufacturer pricing. All prices are UK averages for 2025/2026 and include typical labour costs.

Is the tool free to use?

Yes, Mend or End is completely free to use with no sign-up required. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser — we don't store any personal data.

Repair or Replace My Garage Door? UK Calculator

Should I Repair or Replace My Garage Door?

Garage door faults are more common than people realise — and more fixable. Broken springs, snapped cables, jammed openers, and stripped gear boxes are all repairable at a fraction of replacement cost. A new garage door costs £600–£2,500 fitted depending on type and size; most repairs run £100–£400. The repair case is usually strong.

Typical UK Garage Door Repair Costs

Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.

Fault / Repair	Typical UK Cost
Spring replacement (torsion)	£150 – £300
Cable replacement	£100 – £200
Automatic opener repair	£80 – £200
Gear box / motor replacement	£150 – £350
Panel replacement (section damage)	£200 – £400
Remote / sensor replacement	£30 – £80

How Long Should a Garage Door Last?

A garage door should last 15–30 years depending on material and usage. Torsion springs (the most commonly replaced component) are rated for 10,000–20,000 cycles — roughly 7–14 years at 2 operations per day. Automatic openers last 10–15 years. Timber doors need periodic painting to prevent rot.

When Is It Worth Repairing?

Garage door repairs are almost always worth doing. Spring and cable replacements (£100–£300) are common maintenance items and well worth the cost. Opener and motor repairs (£150–£350) are similarly reasonable. Only consider full replacement if the door panels are severely damaged, the frame is rotted, or the whole system is 25+ years old and multiple components are failing simultaneously.

Not sure what to do? Use the free calculator above — answer a few quick questions about your garage door and get a personalised repair vs replace verdict in under a minute.

Up-and-Over, Roller, and Sectional Garage Doors Compared

The three main types of garage door in UK homes each have different repair profiles. Up-and-over (canopy or retractable) doors are the most common and affordable, using torsion springs and a simple lifting mechanism — repairs are generally straightforward and inexpensive. Roller doors coil into a compact drum above the opening and are ideal where space is tight; their main failure points are the motor unit and the curtain guides. Sectional doors are made of horizontal panels that slide up into the ceiling of the garage — they offer excellent insulation and weatherproofing but individual panel replacements can be pricier. All three types can be manual or automated. When it comes to repair costs, up-and-over doors are the cheapest to fix, while sectional doors tend to cost more due to panel sourcing. Roller door motor replacements sit in the middle.

Signs Your Garage Door Needs Replacing

Severe rust or corrosion on metal panels — surface rust can be treated, but if panels are rusted through or structurally weakened, replacement is the only safe option.
Timber rot in the door frame or panel — extensive rot at the base of a wooden garage door often spreads further than it appears and can compromise the whole structure.
Door off its tracks or guides — if the door has come completely off its track or the tracks themselves are bent or warped, realignment may be temporary and replacement is often more reliable.
Noticeable gap at the bottom when closed — a large gap under the door means it's no longer sealing properly, letting in rain, draughts, and potentially compromising home security.
Multiple component failures simultaneously — if the springs, cables, and opener are all failing at the same time on a door that's 20+ years old, full replacement is usually more economical.

Maintenance Costs and Long-Term Value

Regular maintenance keeps garage door repair costs to a minimum. Lubricating springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks twice a year with silicone-based spray takes just ten minutes and prevents the most common failures. Timber doors should be sanded and repainted every 3–5 years (£80–£200 depending on size) to prevent moisture damage. Steel and GRP doors need only occasional washing. An insulated garage door can noticeably reduce heat loss if your garage is attached to the house or has a room above it — this is increasingly relevant as UK homeowners look to reduce energy bills. If you're replacing, look for a door with good thermal performance (a U-value of 1.0 or lower is ideal) and consider whether adding automation (£250–£500 for a retrofit motor) is worthwhile for convenience and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth repairing a garage door?

Yes, in most cases. Spring, cable, and opener repairs cost £100–£350 — a fraction of a new door at £600–£2,500. Garage door repairs are routine maintenance and almost always better value than replacement.

How much does garage door repair cost in the UK?

Garage door repairs typically cost £80–£400. Broken spring replacement runs £150–£300. Cable repairs £100–£200. Automatic opener faults £80–£200. Always use a specialist garage door company for spring repairs — torsion springs are under significant tension and can be dangerous.

How long should a garage door last?

Garage doors last 15–30 years depending on material. Torsion springs need replacing every 7–14 years. Automatic openers last 10–15 years. Regular lubrication of springs, hinges, and tracks dramatically extends the life of all components.

My garage door won't open — what's wrong?

A garage door that won't open is usually a broken spring, snapped cable, or failed opener. Check if the door moves manually (disengage the opener) — if it moves by hand, the issue is the opener. If it won't move at all, it's likely a spring or cable.

Repair cost estimates are UK averages sourced from Checkatrade, Which?, and MyBuilder. Prices include labour and VAT. Always get at least two quotes from qualified tradespeople before proceeding with any repair.

Repair or Replace My Garage Door? UK Calculator?