When Should I Replace My Garage Door?

An average garage door gets used about 1,500 times a year. That’s a lot of use, which could mean wear and tear for the opening and closing mechanisms. In addition, garage doors may be on the receiving end of accident damages like chips, cracks, etc.

When damaged, your garage door loses some value, quality, appeal, and functionality. Restoring your garage door to its pristine condition requires you to call garage door repair experts to assess the damage and recommend the right solution. However, repairs may not always solve the problem. Deciding on whether to repair or replace your garage door can be tricky as there are many factors to consider.

This article walks you through some important considerations to help you decide when it’s best to save money and replace your garage door.

Repair or Replace?

The average garage door has a 30-year lifespan. However, this lifespan may be affected by several factors, including the garage door material, maintenance, and inclement weather. With a properly maintained garage, you may not need to consider a replacement for a long time, however, if damaged, below are important considerations before replacing.

The Type Of Damage

The type of garage door damage can help narrow down your decision. Some of the common damages include;

Minor damages: Minor garage door damages like scratches and dents occasionally happen. These damages do not compromise the door’s structural integrity or operability and may not require immediate action. For this, you can consider repairs.

Moderate damages: Moderate damages can sometimes run deeper than expected. Common damages in this class include warped or rusted doors. These damages often compromise the door’s structural integrity and may sometimes affect its operability. Replacements are recommended.

Serious damages: Serious garage door damages require attention and, in most cases, should be replaced. Common serious problems include stuck or squealing garage doors, doors hit by cars, garage doors falling too fast when closing, etc. It is always a good idea to contact a professional to check the problem and make recommendations.

Cost Implication 

Cost is important when deciding between repairing and replacing your garage door. It may be best to replace your garage door if the repair cost exceeds half of the replacement cost. It is, however, cost-effective to repair when the cost is lower.

You may need to contact a garage door repair professional to get a quote for both services and then compare the prices to decide your next move.

The Age Of The Door

As stated earlier, an average garage door has a lifespan of about 30 years. Older garage doors damaged in an accident can easily be replaced, especially if their best years are behind them. However, newer garage doors may be better off repaired.

It is important to note that age and the extent of the damage are correlated. For example, minor damage to an older garage door doesn’t require you to replace it, but serious damage to a newer door can leave you comparing the repair and replacement costs.

When To Repair Your Garage Door

Repairs are a cost-effective solution to restore functionality to your garage door. You can generally consider repairing your garage door if;

Your garage door has suddenly stopped working. Contact a repair technician to take a look at the problem. More often than not, it’s a part that needs to be changed or a mechanism that needs to be repaired.

Your garage door has a damaged panel. Damaged panels can be due to the force of impact. The panels can be removed and repaired if not badly damaged.

Your garage door is sagging or crooked. Crooked or saggy garage doors are a safety hazard waiting to happen. Contact your repair professional to have a look at it.

Your garage door sensor has failed. Failed sensors may be due to wear and tear or other electrical problems. They can easily be repaired or replaced to restore functionality.

Your garage door feels heavy. Heavier garage doors may signal a problem with the springs. Springs can easily be replaced to address this problem.

When To Replace Your Garage Door

Consider replacing your garage door when the following happens.

If multiple panels are damaged. The cost of replacing multiple panels can sometimes be high, thus making garage door replacement an economical choice.

Garage door has become noisy or vibrates excessively. Excessive vibrations or noisy operations can mean many things, including deep wear and tear, age-related problems, etc. Replace your garage door when these symptoms surface.

Structural damage. A structurally damaged garage door will most likely cost a lot to fix. It is best to replace such doors to ensure peace of mind, safety, and full functionality.

Upgrading home appearance. You can consider replacing your existing garage door if you’re interested in upgrading your home and its appearance.

Improve energy use efficiency. Newer garage doors have better R-ratings and are great insulators. You can improve your property’s energy-use efficiency by replacing older garage doors.  

You can save money and get the best out of your garage door by following the recommendations above. If unsure, contact your garage door repair professional.