The average American opens and closes their garage door around four times a day. With such frequent use, it’s no surprise that your garage door wears down over time.
Most people notice their garage door when it begins to malfunction. Thankfully, not every issue signifies that you must replace your door. Check out this guide to learn when to replace your garage door instead of repairing it and vice versa.
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Repairing vs. Replacing Your Garage Door: What to Consider
Homeowners frequently wonder how often they should replace their garage doors. Most garage doors last 15 to 30 years with routine maintenance. But different factors can influence your decision to replace it sooner, including:
- Type of damage: Sometimes the damage is cosmetic, but other times it’s serious. Minor damage, like chips, scratches and fading paint, is aesthetic — it doesn’t impact your door’s functionality or structural integrity. The damage becomes moderate when it affects your door’s structural integrity. Structural damage, like rust, dents and warping, prevents your garage door from keeping out outside elements, intruders and pests. Major damage is when your door stops functioning correctly.
- The extent of the damage: Assess whether your door has multiple issues or one. Then, determine whether the problem is minor, moderate or significant. Minor issues usually require repairs, while moderate and major issues might warrant a replacement.
- Cost: The determining factor for you may be cost. A new garage door adds value to your home and offers a 97.5% return on investment. Many homeowners choose to replace their doors if the repairs are costly.
- Age: If your door is older, you don’t want to invest in repairs only to purchase a new door in a few years.
Signs You Should Repair Your Garage Door
Professionals can repair garage door damage. As long as the damage doesn’t impact your door’s functionality, these fixes might be your best option. Here are scenarios where you can try to fix your garage door:
- It suddenly stops working: The batteries in your opener remote may be dead if your garage door suddenly stops working. If it isn’t the batteries, the problem might be with a component of the door’s mechanism, like the belt, motor or spring. A technician can diagnose the problem and discuss the next steps with you.
- Your door is off-balance: An off-balanced door may sag or bend, straining the lift mechanism. Often, the problem is with the springs. A garage door services expert can replace your springs and rehang your door.
- You hear a rattling noise: Rattling can indicate that your hinges need tightening or a part in your opener needs replacing.
- You have one damaged panel: A professional can replace a singular broken panel. However, you’ll want to replace the panel before the damage gets worse.
- The sensors fail: The safety sensors stop a garage door from closing if it detects people, pets or objects in its path. If these sensors fail, you need to schedule repairs right away.
- Your door is heavy: If your door feels heavy when you manually lift it, there could be a problem with the springs.
Signs You Should Replace Your Garage Door
When your garage door has significant damage, replacing it might be more cost-effective. Here are some scenarios where you should consider replacing your garage door:
- Your door is old: If your door is old, consider replacing it because it will experience issues until it reaches the end of its life span.
- There are multiple damaged panels: Multiple damaged panels are easier to replace than repair. Trying to repair extensive structural door damage often takes more time and money.
- You constantly schedule repairs: Repeated overhead door problems are safety hazards, so replacing an older, worn door is best.
- Your door is noisy or vibrates: When your garage door is noisy or vibrates, it can indicate broken parts or the end of your door’s life.
- There’s long-term damage: An issue that has been ongoing for months or years is likely to warrant a replacement. Long-term issues put additional strain on your garage door system, which is why it’s important to repair your garage door as soon as possible.
- Your door opens slowly: Your door isn’t functioning properly if it opens slowly or has delayed reactions.
- You want to lower your energy bills: A new door can decrease energy bills with better insulation and tighter seals.
- Someone broke into your garage: If a thief enters your home through your garage, you should consider replacing the door. A new door can offer you enhanced security and safety features.
- You want to increase your property’s curb appeal: One of the benefits of a new garage door is that it can make your home more appealing and inviting.
- You want additional safety features: If your door is missing sensors and other safety features, it’s best to replace it. While professionals can install these features on older doors, upgrading your door may be more cost-effective.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Repairing and Replacing Your Door
If you still need to decide if you should repair or replace your door, consider the benefits and possible drawbacks of each option.
The advantages of repairing your garage door include:
- Cost-effectiveness: Minor repairs cost less than replacing your door.
- Fast fix: Repairs can take less time than a door replacement.
- Improved home safety: A broken door can provide people and pests with access to your home. Fixing it reenforces this barrier.
The potential disadvantages of repairing your garage door include:
- Shorter life span: A new garage door will last longer.
- More maintenance: An older garage door requires more frequent maintenance as it ages.
The advantages of replacing your garage door include:
- Less maintenance: A newer garage door will require less maintenance than an older one.
- Increased home value: Your property’s value increases when you replace your garage door.
The potential disadvantages of replacing your garage door include:
- Higher cost: Replacing your door may cost more than repairing it.
- Unnecessary expense: Depending on the severity of your door’s damage, replacing it may be unnecessary.
Schedule Garage Door Maintenance, Repairs and Replacements With Easy Open Door
When your garage door has issues, Easy Open Door can address them all. With over 39 years of experience, Easy Open Door is your go-to garage repair services expert in San Diego County. Our reliable, friendly and professional technicians can quickly diagnose and resolve your garage door problem. They can repair or replace your garage door so your system can operate smoothly and efficiently once again. We also offer routine maintenance to help keep your door in top shape.
Request a free estimate or schedule service today to address your maintenance and repair needs.
