Garage doors have become a part and parcel of people’s daily lives worldwide. These doors not only protect your cars but your homes as well. Over the years, the types of garage doors have evolved a lot. But no matter what type of garage doors use, or how high-end doors you have in your home, they are bound to get damaged, needing replacement. But when it is time to replace your garage door?
The first thing you should take a look at is how damaged your garage door is. If the panels of your doors are beyond repair, then you should think about replacing your garage doors. Also, if you feel that the door is not operating smoothly no matter what you do, replacing should be an option. Finally, if your door becomes too old, you have to replace it.
Here is a list of reasons why you should replace your garage door.
How do I know if I need a new garage door?
Since garage doors have a lot of moving parts, they will inevitably get damaged at some point or other. When that happens, your priority should be repairing it. But repairing the garage doors will not be sufficient in some cases, which is when you should replace the door.
But when should you do it? We have prepared a list of scenarios for when to replace garage doors with new ones.
1. If the panels are irreparably damaged
The most prominent part of your garage door is its panels. These are the main part of your door, and provide the most protection to the car, the items inside the garage, and the house in general. The panels of garage doors get damaged due to a lot of reasons, such as rust, corrosion, cars backing into them or children barging into them while playing, etc.
A lot of these damages can be repaired quite easily. But some damages can not be repaired, no matter what you do. For example, metal garage door panels might be so corroded due to rust, that they are not usable anymore, or the panels of a wooden garage door might be too rotten to be repaired. This is when you should replace your garage door.
2. If the door can not be operated smoothly
Another big sign that you need to change a garage door is when it is not operating smoothly. There are quite a few ways you can identify this. For instance, whenever you open or close the door, you might hear a loud, banging or screeching noise. This is a telltale sign that there is something wrong with the door.
Also, the door will get stuck when you want to close or open it, which is another indicator that there is something wrong with it. A lot of these issues can be solved by repairing, but if your garage door is too old, or the parts are falling apart despite how many times you fix them, maybe it is time you look for a new garage door.
3. If the door has been neglected for a long time
One of the most common reasons for garage doors being damaged is a lack of maintenance. A lot of garage door issues can be resolved without replacing the door if homeowners maintain their doors properly. If the door and its issues are not taken care of promptly, it only adds to the damage.
With each use, the damage keeps building, and after a certain period, the door becomes so damaged that it can no longer be repaired. This is when you have to change the door..
4. If the owners are looking to change the aesthetics of their homes
It is not always necessary that you can only replace your garage door when it is damaged. There are times when a homeowner might want to change how the exterior of his house looks. Sometimes the garage door’s style, type, or even its color might not go well with the new aesthetic the owner has in mind. This is when they should look for a new garage door.
5. If the door is not energy efficient
Garage doors have a lot of other functions other than to provide security to the garage and the house. One such function is to make the house energy efficient. Insulated garage doors are the best in this regard. So, if you have uninsulated garage doors in your home and want to make your home and the garage energy efficient, you should replace them with an insulated garage door.
6. If the safety of the house is at risk
Damaged garage doors are not only an eyesore, but they are quite risky to have in homes as well. Some doors are too flimsy and fragile even when undamaged, making it very easy for people to break into the garages. On the other hand, some doors are too damaged to provide any kind of security to the house. In both of these cases, you need to change the doors.
7. If the door is very old
Last, but not least, garage doors being too old is a big reason for replacing them. On average, a garage door’s lifespan is between 10 to 15 years, based on the type of door. If the door you have is around this age, it will not be cost-effective to repair it again and again. In this case, replacing it is the best way to go.
FAQ
Can I repair my garage door instead of replacing it?
Yes, you can repair your garage door instead of replacing it if the damages aren’t too severe. Some cases don’t require you to replace your doors, so assess your garage door’s condition before you decide what to do with it.
How much does it cost to replace a garage door?
The cost to replace garage doors depends on the type, size, and material of the garage door and the labor costs. For example, the cost to replace single garage doors is lower than that of double garage doors.
Should I hire a professional to replace my garage door?
Yes, it is recommended to hire a professional to replace your garage door. Professionals have the tools, skills, and experience necessary to replace your garage doors safely, which you might not have.
Final Words
One of the questions we face most often when installing garage doors is ‘When it is time to replace a garage door?’. Depending on the garage door’s type, condition, and age of it, you should replace your garage door accordingly. If you need your garage door replaced, call us today to book our garage door installation service.
