Are you considering whether to repair or replace your garage door? It’s not always easy to decide, but several factors help you make the right choice. Here is a helpful guide to determine whether repair or replacement is the best option.
When to Replace a Garage Door
Typically, garage doors can last for several decades, but wear and tear from age and weather can make replacement the best choice. Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your garage door:
- It lacks child safety features: Older garage doors do not have the safety features that newer garage doors offer, such as safety sensors that stop the door from moving if it detects pets, children, or objects under the door. Aftermarket add-ons can be expensive, so it may be more cost-effective to replace the door entirely.
- The door is old: An older garage door can detract from your home’s curb appeal and offer less security than newer models. Newer garage doors are more visually appealing, better suited for modern vehicles, and provide higher levels of security.
- There is weather damage: Weather damage, including rusting, warping, or discoloration, can result from exposure to wind, rain, snow, and UV rays. Dirt leaves and other debris can also become lodged inside the garage door’s tracks over time, causing friction and issues with track misalignment.
- Energy costs are increasing: Garage doors can let in much outside air, increasing energy costs. Newer garage doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind, with materials and insulation that reduce energy costs.
- The wood is rotted: Wooden garage doors can be prone to warping in moist environments. If your garage door has shown signs of wood rot, replacing it with a newer version is best.
When to Repair a Garage Door
Minor issues can often be repaired, which can save you on expenses. Here are some common garage door problems that can be fixed:
- The garage door is sagging: A garage door can indicate that the balance is off and the lifting mechanism works harder than it should. This can lead to broken or worn springs and sagging doors, but an experienced technician can generally fix this issue.
- It suddenly breaks down: While it can be frustrating when a garage door breaks down, it can likely be repaired. Call a technician to troubleshoot the issue and fix it quickly and correctly.
- Your budget doesn’t allow for a replacement: If you can’t afford a new garage door, repairing it is an excellent option to explore. A qualified technician can help determine if a repair is the best solution for your budget.
Standard Garage Door Problems That Can Be Fixed
Here are some of the most common issues that can be repaired:
- A single panel is damaged: Damage to a single panel is generally a simple fix, but ignoring it can lead to expensive repairs in the future.
- The door is discolored: If your garage door is discolored, washing the surface and carefully removing any peeling paint can restore its appearance.
- A single panel is dented: Repairing a dented garage door is less costly than replacing it and helps prevent damage to the rest of the garage door system.
If you’re unsure whether your garage door needs to be repaired or replaced, contact the experts at Precision Overhead Garage Door Service for an inspection and professional advice.