Repairing vs Replacing Your Garage Door: When is it Time?

Deciding whether to repair or replace your ageing garage door can be a tough call for homeowners. With frequent daily use and exposure to the elements, garage doors inevitably show signs of wear. Determining if repairs are sufficient or if it’s time for a full replacement isn’t always straightforward. But considering a few key factors can help you make the right choice for your home and budget.

Assessing the Condition of Your Current Garage Door

The first step in deciding whether to repair your existing door or invest in a new residential garage door installation is doing a thorough assessment of its current condition. Some key things to check:

• Door balance and alignment: Does the door open and close smoothly without veering off track, or does it feel heavy, stick, or move unevenly? Problems here can indicate worn springs, rollers or cables.
• Noise and vibrations: Listen and feel for any grinding, squeaking, rattling or shaking as the door operates. These noises signify a need for lubrication or new hardware.
• Rust and dents: Inspect the door panels and tracks for any signs of rust corrosion or dents. Rust can weaken integrity, while dents may obstruct proper movement.
• Cracks or rotting: Examine the door panels, especially wooden doors, for any cracking, splintering or rotting wood. Damage will require replacement of that specific section.
• Hardware condition: Check pulleys, rollers, cables, springs and hinges. Signs of significant wear like broken or sagging parts will require repair or replacement.
• Door seal: Ensure the bottom weatherstripping seals tightly against the floor with no gaps or cracks. Faulty sealing impacts insulation and energy efficiency.

Conducting a hands-on inspection helps you determine whether issues can be remedied with basic repairs and maintenance or if the door is beyond fixing. If repairs seem extensive, replacement may be the wiser option.

When is it Time to Replace Your Garage Door?

There are a few clear signs that indicate it is time to replace rather than repair your garage door. First, if the total cost of repairs exceeds around 60-70% of the cost of a new door, replacement is likely the better value – it doesn’t make financial sense to pour money into repairs that approach the expense of a whole new system.

It’s also worth checking the age of your current door. If it’s over 10-15 years old, the end of its lifespan is nearing. All of the opening and closing over the years causes wear and tear, so upgrading it to a new model may be worth the investment. You may also want to check if parts for your specific garage door model are still being manufactured if you have an older door. Replacement may be your only option otherwise to ensure it remains in working order.

What to Look for in a New Garage Door

If you determine it’s time to replace your garage door, there are several important factors to consider when selecting a new one. Look at the available materials and how they work for your climate.

Steel, aluminium, fibreglass and wood each have their own pros and cons – for example, steel is typically affordable and durable but can dent, while wood has an aesthetically pleasing look but requires heavy maintenance. Also consider the door’s insulation value or R-value, as higher values provide increased insulation from heat and cold for improved energy efficiency and comfort inside your garage.

The inclusion of automation features like keypads, motion sensors and automatic openers can significantly boost convenience and security, so factor those desired elements into your decision. You’ll also want to decide on the overall appearance – maybe you want a modern style, something more traditional or a door with decorative features such as windows or panels.

Finally, read reviews and ratings of specific brands and models to gain helpful insight on real-world quality and durability. Taking the time upfront to properly understand all of these aspects will help you select the best new garage door for your needs in terms of functionality, aesthetics, safety and long-term value.

Booking a Professional Replacement

Hiring a professional installer is highly recommended to ensure proper operation, safety and code compliance. With our professional team’s expertise handling all aspects from start to finish, you can feel confident your new garage door will protect your home and vehicles for over a decade to come. Get in touch with us today to arrange a free, no obligation quote and find out more about our repair and installation services.