Garage doors last a long time due to their robust construction. With proper care and maintenance, they can last well over a decade. Like most mechanical systems, garage doors experience wear and tear with every cycle. Eventually, you’ll need to go beyond performing repairs and upgrade your door.
So, how do you know if you need a new garage door? This guide takes you through key considerations for updating your garage door system.
How Often Should a Garage Door Be Replaced?
How often you’ll need a complete garage door replacement depends on various factors, such as:
- Door quality: Garage doors with high-quality construction and top-of-the-line technologies are designed to be more durable and are less likely to break down prematurely than lower-quality options.
- Materials: Garage doors can be made from wood, fiberglass or metal. Each of these materials wears out differently.
- Frequency of use: How often you use a garage door determines how long it will last. If you operate it frequently, its parts will likely wear faster.
- Maintenance: Garage doors without proper routine maintenance may break down sooner than those regularly cleaned, inspected and repaired by a professional.
- Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions can shorten garage door life spans.
When to Replace Your Garage Door
So, should you replace or repair your garage door? Several factors determine repairs and replacements. Usually, when the door is relatively new, doesn’t have major issues and is in fairly good condition, all it needs are repairs, like damaged garage door springs or tracks.
The following factors indicate that repairs are not enough and that it’s time to replace your garage door.
Expired Service Life
What is the average life span of a garage door? Most garage doors last 15 to 30 years when properly cared for.
As your door experiences wear and tear, it becomes more vulnerable and costly to repair over time. If the door is nearing or past its service life, repairs won’t restore optimal performance. It’s time for a replacement. Look out for serious signs of wear and tear consistent with age, such as corrosion, decay, warping and multiple worn parts.
Extensive Damage
Usually, professional service and repairs take care of issues associated with regular use and exposure to the elements unless the extent of damage is beyond repair. Severe damage that weakens the door’s structure makes a replacement more ideal.
It’s also best to replace the door if it has suffered deterioration to multiple key components, such as panels, tracks and springs. Since severe structural damage and multiple failures tend to be costly to fix, installing a new garage door can be a more reliable and cost-effective solution.
Frequent Malfunctions
If your garage door continuously breaks down, it’s time to consider a replacement. Having to frequently fix broken parts is not reliable or cost-effective in the long run. Keep in mind that with each malfunction, the door may weaken and reduce efficiency. Investing in a new system is probably best for your household and wallet.
Poor Performance
Your garage door may appear fine but with a noticeable difference in performance. While you may still operate the door, performance issues like difficulty opening and closing can be a sign of significant wear and tear. You may also notice that your garage door produces excessive noises like grinding, knocking and squealing during operation.
If the unusual noises are accompanied by other issues, such as shaking or dragging, it’s likely to be a serious mechanical failure. A total upgrade is your best option here.
Outdated Style and Technology
A garage door that’s more than a decade old is likely to be out of style. Even with a timeless design that matches your home’s aesthetics, after many years of use, your door may show obvious signs of age that a paint job alone won’t conceal.
Due to frequent advancements in the garage door industry, older models are likely to possess outdated technologies that impact performance, safety and security. A replacement is the best way to enjoy the latest garage door features, like multi-layer construction, that enhance durability and noise reduction for quiet operation.
High Energy Bills
Are you noticing higher utility bills? Is your garage especially hot and humid in the summer or cold in the winter? Older garage doors may lack quality insulation and seals to keep conditioned air in and outside air out — that translates to high costs and wasted energy. If your garage door is not energy-efficient, it’s best to replace it with a top-performing insulated garage door to save on energy costs.
Why Is a Garage Door Replacement Important?
It’s tempting to prioritize repairs over a replacement if your garage door looks like it can serve you a little longer. So why opt for a new garage door? Here are some of the benefits of a garage door replacement:
- Improved performance: A garage door that’s at the end of its working life reaches a point when no amount of maintenance will restore its previous functioning. Installing a new door comes with more advanced features that improve overall performance, efficiency and convenience.
- Better insulation: Garage doors today have better design and insulation. By upgrading to a model with advanced insulation technology, you enjoy better temperature regulation throughout the hot and cold months, translating to reduced energy bills.
- Improved appearance: Over time, your garage door will show signs of wear due to years of use and exposure to the elements. A new door has a fresh and updated look, enhancing your home’s overall appearance.
- Increased home value: Since a garage door takes up a significant portion of your home’s exterior, its appearance contributes to your home’s overall curb appeal. Replacing your garage door increases your property value, offering almost double the return on investment. As a result, a garage door replacement is the most profitable remodeling project for homeowners.
- Reduced maintenance: New doors run for a long time without much maintenance because they have parts that are not yet worn. Compared to an older garage door that is more susceptible to maintenance issues, a new unit saves you the costs and time you invest in frequent breakdowns.
Contact Southeastern Garage Doors for Your Garage Door Needs
Garage doors thrive with proper maintenance, which includes basic upkeep and professional servicing. However, excessive damage, wear and tear, and other inconveniences like frequent repairs indicate it is time for a new garage door installation. For residents of the Charleston Trident area, Southeastern Garage Doors offers top-of-the-line garage doors and expert-driven same-day service.
With 100 years of combined experience under our belt, you can count on our ability to match you with a product that complements your home in addition to reliable services. Fill out our contact form to request an estimate for a new garage door or a service!