When is it time to replace a garage door? There’s no single answer to that question. Sometimes damage to a door can be fixed with a simple panel replacement. You can also stave off repairs on your garage door by practicing smart preventative techniques, such as cleaning and inspecting the door yearly.
Things to Know in This Article:
But not everything is solved this easily. Most people know it’s time to replace their garage doors when they face a series of problems — often recurring issues. Learn more about the right time to replace a garage door below.
Do I Need a New Garage Door?
If your garage door breaks down frequently and you’re on a first-name basis with the garage repair person, it’s time to consider buying a new door. You don’t want to put more money into a door than it’s worth. By getting the door repaired over and over, you’re regularly prolonging its life by just a few months. You’re better off investing in a new door that will last for years to come rather than funneling it into temporary repairs.
You may not need a replacement yet if the repairs your door requires are limited to a single panel. You can get a single panel repaired if it has a dent or damage contained to a small section. Getting a panel replaced is less expensive than buying new garage doors, though it does require expert installation.
When to Replace a Garage Door
Should you replace your garage doors, or will a less expensive repair do the trick? Looking at the overall health of your doors can provide the right answer. Garage door warning signs may include:
- Higher energy bills, which indicate that you’re losing heat or cold air through the garage due to poor door insulation or sealing
- Sagging or bent sections of the door, which become more pronounced over time and can interfere with garage door operation
- Loud noise when the door opens or closes, indicating that the door keeps going off track or the springs are failing
- Deteriorating appearance, such as chipping or peeling paint or insect infestations that cause noticeable damage
- Broken handles or other hardware that inhibit the function of the door, like fraying wires or loose hinges
Missing safety features may be the most significant warning sign that you need a new garage door. You never want to compromise the health of your family. If you notice that the door doesn’t close all the way anymore, you could leave your home vulnerable to intruders, who can take advantage of the slightest gap to try to break into your home.
If you decide to purchase new garage doors, check out our selection of high-quality Clopay® residential options. Each one is backed by the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, and we offer the right price guarantee on all our doors. If you show us a written estimate from a competitor, we’ll beat it by five percent. Get in touch to schedule a free new installation estimate.