Knowing when to replace your garage door can ensure it’s safe, functional and complements your home. In addition to improving energy efficiency and reliable operation, a well-maintained garage door improves the beauty of your home. Understanding the best course of action for your property by being aware of the warning signs that you need garage door replacement is important.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to replace residential garage doors will vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. That said, there are some general guidelines that can help you decide when it might be time to switch out your old garage door for a new one.
How Do I Know If My Garage Door Needs To Be Replaced?
If you’re wondering when to replace your garage door, signs it might be the right time include strange noises, repeated breakdowns, or trouble opening and closing your door. Damages like corrosion, warping, cracks, or rust might have harmed the door’s insulation and make it structurally unsound. You should upgrade your garage door if it’s over 10 years old, especially if it doesn’t have modern safety features like auto-reverse or proper security equipment. A more energy-efficient door might be better if your energy costs are rising and you’re facing expensive
residential garage door repair. Investing in a new garage door can guarantee you have more reliable performance, and increase your property value.
What Are The Benefits Of Replacing An Old Garage Door?
A new garage door ensures uninterrupted function and lessens the need for expensive repairs. Updated safety measures are typically included in modern garage doors to keep your family and property safe. New garage doors have better insulation, which lowers energy expenses and helps control the temperature of your house. An attractive new door can increase the curb appeal and resale value of your house. You can improve your property’s overall appearance, efficiency, and security when you replace your old garage door.
When Is A Repair Not Enough, And Replacement Becomes Necessary?
Garage door repair might be insufficient when damages or wear affect safety, functionality, or cost-effectiveness. If the door has significant structural issues, like extensive warping, sagging, or rust, repairs may only be a temporary solution. Frequent breakdowns or expensive repairs over time can make replacement necessary. When your garage door lacks modern safety features or proper insulation, upgrading to a new door is often the better choice. If the garage door doesn’t provide adequate security, you’ll need a new one to ensure your family’s safety.
How Often Should A Garage Door Be Replaced?
The average lifespan of a garage door is about 10 years, depending on the material it’s made of, the amount of usage, and how it’s maintained. While wooden doors may need replacement sooner due to weathering, steel and aluminum doors can last longer. A garage door’s lifespan can increase with routine maintenance, which includes replacing worn-out parts, lubricating moving parts, and testing balance. Even if the door hasn’t reached its anticipated lifespan, it could be time to think about replacing it if it has serious damage, frequent mechanical problems, or lacks contemporary safety and energy-efficiency features. A professional garage door technician can assess your door to see if you need a replacement soon.
What Factors Should I Consider Before Replacing A Garage Door?
- Material: Pick steel, wood, or aluminum based on the need for durability and your aesthetic preferences.
- Insulation: To control temperature and save costs on energy bills, consider energy-efficient solutions.
- Style: Choose a design that matches the architecture of your house.
- Safety Features: Select contemporary safety features like pinch-resistant panels and auto-reverse.
- Cost: Consider the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance while evaluating the door.
- Durability: Select a door that is resilient to severe weather and frequent use.
- Age: If your garage door is more than 10 years old, it might be time for a replacement. Garage doors typically have a lifespan of around 10 years, so if yours is approaching or has passed this mark, it’s probably time for a new one. This average lifespan is continually increasing, but it all really depends on the quality of the door you buy, the area you live in, the frequency of use, and how well you maintain it.
- Condition: Additionally, if your garage door is showing any signs of wear and tear – such as rusting, cracking, or warping – it’s likely that it’s time for a replacement.
You can delay replacing your garage door by performing garage door services as needed, like getting new weather stripping, new hardware, new garage door springs, a new garage door opener, etc. These periodic garage door repair services can help mend the garage door along the way. Eventually, you may need a new one, especially if you live in a harsher environment or one that sees all four seasons very drastically.
Can A Damaged Garage Door Affect The Safety Of My Home?
Your home’s safety may be jeopardized by a faulty garage door. Dents, warping, or damaged panels are examples of structural problems that can weaken a door and make it easier for burglars to enter your home. Faulty springs or tracks can cause the door to fall suddenly, endangering people or your property. Misalignments can let cold air, water, or pests in, making your house less secure. To guarantee your garage door functions well and keeps your house safe, routine maintenance is important.
How Does Replacing A Garage Door Impact Energy Efficiency?
Replacing a garage door can improve energy efficiency by lowering heat loss and preserving insulation. Weatherstripping and energy-efficient materials are common features of modern garage doors, to reduce drafts and improve the comfort of your garage. Your energy bills will drop due to these improvements. An insulated garage door is especially advantageous because it can improve comfort and energy efficiency.
Should I Replace My Garage Door If It No Longer Matches My Home’s Design?
If your garage door no longer blends in with the style of your house, replacing it can be the best solution. A garage door has a big impact on curb appeal, and an old or mismatched door can make your house look dated. Selecting a new garage door that complements your color scheme and architectural design can improve its appeal and raise its value. Modern garage doors come in a range of styles, materials, and finishes to create an appealing look. Upgrading is also a good opportunity to increase the functionality of your door and ensure safety.
What Are The Costs Associated With Replacing A Garage Door?
The cost of custom wooden or insulated doors is more than that of basic steel or aluminum doors. Professional installation usually costs between $200 and $600 in labor. Adding features like windows, insulation, or smart technology, replacing the old door, or improving the opener system could all result in additional costs. Typical garage door replacement can cost between $700 and $2,500. Garage door repair costs can sometimes add up to more money if they need extensive repairs or maintenance over a year. Getting a professional estimate will help you figure exact costs and make a wise decision.
Can Replacing A Garage Door Increase My Home’s Resale Value?
A new garage door will give your home an updated appearance. Modern doors with features like insulation, smart technology, or energy efficiency also add functional value. According to industry reports, garage door replacements often offer one of the highest returns on investment among home improvement projects, making it a smart upgrade that will increase your home’s value.
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Garage Door
If you’re not quite ready to replace your garage door just yet, there are a few things you can do to help increase its lifespan. Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential, as is ensuring that all the parts are in good condition and properly lubricated. You should also avoid slamming or forcing the door open, as this can cause damage. When your garage door openers stop working, always check to see if they need new batteries before scheduling a garage door service company to come out. Additionally, scheduling routine inspections with a professional garage door company can give your garage door the facelift it needs to keep working for many years.
When it does come time to replace your garage door, be sure to choose a high-quality model from a reputable manufacturer. This will ensure that your new garage door lasts for many years to come.
Contact a Professional Garage Door Company Today
If you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace your garage door, contact a professional garage door installer for advice. They can assess the condition of your garage door and provide recommendations on whether a replacement is necessary.
If you’re in the Puget Sound Area, Overhead Door Company is a great professional garage door sales and service provider. With over 100 years of experience, they’ll be able to assess your door right away and find the proper solution for you, whether that means repairing and doing some touchups or getting a brand new door. Call today for an inspection or an estimate.
Do You Need a New Garage Door?
Overhead Door technicians can repair or replace your garage door for you. Ensuring our customers are satisfied is our number one priority. Our garage door technicians provide proper garage door installation and replacement services to ensure your new garage door meets all of your expectations. It will increase your home’s property value and the safety of your home, as well as your curb appeal.
Replacing your old garage door with a new garage door can improve the functionality and security of your home garage. If you’re considering replacing your garage door, be sure to consult with the experienced garage door specialists at Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound to get the best advice on choosing the perfect garage door for your home. They offer top-notch garage door installation and garage door repair services for both commercial and residential garage doors. Visit our website or call us us today for a free estimate for a new garage door at (253) 478-8446, today.
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