Garage Lintel Repair Cost Ranges (Most Common Repairs)
| Repair Scenario | Typical Cost Range | What You’re Paying For |
|---|---|---|
| Minor lintel rust treatment and sealing | $300–$800 | Rust removal, coating, moisture protection |
| Re-secure or stabilize existing lintel | $500–$1,500 | Fastener repair, masonry stabilization |
| Partial brick or mortar repair above garage | $600–$2,000 | Repointing, brick reset, load correction |
| Steel garage lintel repair (moderate damage) | $800–$2,500 | Rust mitigation, reinforcement, masonry repair |
| Garage lintel replacement | $1,500–$5,000+ | Remove failed lintel, install new steel support |
| Structural repair with door realignment | $2,500–$7,500+ | Lintel replacement + masonry and door correction |
Typical total: $500–$2,500 for most garage lintel repairs. Replacement or structural work: $5,000+ is possible.
Cost by Severity (Fast Self-Assessment)
Minor
- What it looks like: surface rust, small cracks in mortar
- Expected cost: $300–$800
- Common repair: rust treatment and sealing
Moderate
- What it looks like: visible sagging, cracking brick above garage door
- Expected cost: $800–$2,500
- Common repair: lintel stabilization and masonry repair
Severe
- What it looks like: major sag, rusted-through steel, door binding
- Expected cost: $2,500–$7,500+
- Common repair: full lintel replacement and structural correction
Garage Lintel Repair Cost by Lintel Type
| Lintel Type | Typical Repair Range | Why It Costs More (or Less) |
|---|---|---|
| Steel angle lintel | $500–$3,000 | Common but prone to rust and corrosion |
| Galvanized or coated steel lintel | $800–$4,000 | More durable, higher material cost |
| Brick or masonry lintel | $600–$3,500 | Labor-heavy masonry repair |
| Reinforced concrete lintel | $1,500–$6,000+ | Structural support and demolition work |
What Increases Garage Lintel Repair Cost
- Rust severity: advanced corrosion weakens steel
- Masonry damage: cracked or displaced bricks add labor
- Load above opening: heavier walls increase structural scope
- Garage door alignment: door binding or sag requires adjustment
- Access and bracing: temporary supports during repair
When Repair Is Enough vs When Replacement Is Required
Repair is usually enough if:
- Rust is surface-level only
- The lintel is still structurally straight
- Brick movement is minor and stable
Replacement is usually required if:
- The lintel is visibly sagging or cracked
- Steel has rusted through or lost section strength
- Brickwork continues to shift after repair
Rule: If the lintel can no longer support the masonry load, replacement is the only safe fix.
Common Add-Ons During Garage Lintel Repair
| Add-On | Typical Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Brick repointing above garage | $300–$1,500 | Stabilizes masonry after repair |
| Garage door realignment | $150–$600 | Prevents binding after lintel work |
| Rust-resistant coating upgrade | $150–$500 | Extends lintel lifespan |
| Engineering inspection or report | $400–$1,500 | Severe or insurance-related damage |
What a Garage Lintel Repair Quote Should Include
- Lintel material and condition assessment
- Repair vs replacement recommendation
- Masonry repair scope
- Temporary bracing plan
- Door adjustment or alignment included
Insurance and Safety Considerations
Garage lintel repairs are sometimes covered when damage is caused by a sudden event such as impact or structural failure. Ongoing rust and settlement are typically considered maintenance issues. Delaying repair can lead to wall collapse.