Are you thinking it’s time to replace your garage door because it’s constantly giving you issues? Do you find yourself repairing the garage door far too frequently? If so, there’s a chance that you need to install a new garage door. Your garage door is the largest entrance to your home. It provides safety and security while also being one of the most noticeable parts of the street-facing view of the home. Your garage door should be in great shape. If things look out of order, motivated individuals can take advantage of your weakened garage door. A working garage door is not only a matter of security, but also safety, aesthetics and even property value.
If you’re thinking about replacing your garage door, that’s a sign you probably should, at least eventually. Homeowners can be stubborn when it comes to installing new fixtures. However, getting ahead of future repairs and installations can save you tons of money, time, and headaches. If your door has the following issues, it’s time to consult a garage door installation service to replace your old door.
Sagging Wooden Doors
If you have a sagging wooden door, you’ll probably want to replace it. Wooden garage doors sag overtime due to weather conditions. While wood is fantastic to look at, it can easily be exposed to elements that can make maintaining it a hassle. Rain, snow, and even sunlight can affect the wood.
Take a look at your wooden door and see if only a panel or 2 have sagged. If that’s the case, you might get away with only replacing those panels. But if the entire door is sagging or warped, you’re better off replacing the entire door. Don’t put this off. A warped door can also ruin your track and be hard on your opener, costing you more in the long run. Not to mention, a sagging wooden door doesn’t look as appealing as it once did in its prime. If you want to boost your home’s curbside appeal, consult an overhead door installation company to get some ideas.
Your Garage Door is Slow
How long does it take to open or close your garage door? One sign you need to replace your garage door is if it starts to run slow. Garage doors are designed to open at a certain speed due to safety reasons. Nevertheless, if your door runs noticeably slower than usual, that’s a good sign you may need a new one soon. It doesn’t have to be stutter or seizing to be a sign of trouble. Your overhead door could be running slower because of a lack of lubrication. Consider greasing up the tracks and hinges yourself. Is it still taking too long to open? It might be time to call a technician for a more thorough inspection. They’ll either point out ways to repair the door or advise you the perks of a new installation.
You should also check the garage door opener’s functionality. A sluggish door can result from issues like worn-out motor components or improper settings. Ensuring that the opener is working correctly can help diagnose the problem and avoid a new garage door installation. It could just be a quick and easy electrical issue. If you’re unsure, consulting a professional installer is advisable for a thorough assessment. It’s much cheaper to install a new opener than it is to put in a new garage door.
A Loud Door
A loud door is extremely annoying, both to you and your neighbors. If the noises persist, it’s because there’s something wrong with your door. Don’t ignore the noise – it’ll just get louder and potentially cost you far more than you expect. For a loud door, you should first try oiling down all the components with a garage door lubricant. Don’t use WD-40 as it will cause your door to rust. WD-40 alternatives can be found online or at hardware stores. Consider purchasing lubricants specifically made for garage doors to make the process smoother.
After you’ve properly and thoroughly lubricated your garage door, you should also tighten down any bolts, fasteners or other components. This will go a long way towards quieting your garage door. Small maintenance tips like these can prolong your garage door’s lifespan. At times, however, DIY maintenance isn’t enough. If your door is still loud, it may be time to consider a new one. Contact a company that specializes in garage door replacements for more advice.
It’s Having Difficulty Opening or Closing
Difficulty opening or closing your garage door can be a sign of several issues. The most common cause of difficulty opening or closing is a problem with the door’s springs. Garage door springs are responsible for lifting the weight of the door, and over time, they can wear out or break. If the springs are damaged, it can make it difficult or impossible to open or close the door.
Another possible cause of difficulty opening or closing is a problem with the garage door opener. The opener or door may need to be repaired or replaced if it is malfunctioning. A faulty opener can cause the door to move slowly, jerk or stop moving altogether.
A third possible cause of difficulty opening or closing is damage to the door’s tracks or rollers. If the tracks or rollers are damaged or worn, they can cause the door to bind, making it difficult to move. Now independently any of these are just repairable problems, but if left for long, problems will fester. It’s possible that when the problem occurred initially there was even some damage to the door forcing an early replacement.
Your Garage Door Is Old
The average garage door will last anywhere between 20 to 30 years, which makes them a fantastic fixture in the home. As homes switch hands, new owners rarely upgrade or replace their overhead door, instead choosing to shell out for costly repairs. If repairs are becoming all too frequent, it’s time to upgrade to a brand new door.
New garage doors boast impressive safety features and competent levels of insulation which could save you plenty of money on your air conditioning bill. Investing in a new garage door installation offers an impressive return on investment. New overhead door installations boast a staggering 93% return. This upgrade serves as a surefire way to augment your home’s resale value, essentially translating into a monetary asset. Beyond the monetary benefits, an outdated or deteriorated garage door might inadvertently convey a lack of dedication to property upkeep. This ends up signaling vulnerability to potential security threats.
Your Garage Door Just Looks Terrible or Isn’t Secure
Have you truly taken a close look at your garage door lately? It doesn’t have to be old to be in poor condition. Often overlooked, this substantial entryway might not be as pristine as presumed. Yet, its appearance plays a pivotal role. As the prominent facade of your home, the garage door significantly influences your home’s curb appeal. Every garage door affects the attached home’s resale value. If your door exhibits signs of wear and age, contemplating a garage door replacement can be a transformative investment.
Modern overhead doors boast advanced security attributes. Upgrading to a newer door not only elevates aesthetics but also uses new technologies that improve your home security. Embracing technological advancements can significantly reinforce your garage’s defense against potential intrusions. A newly installed overhead door can offer peace of mind and protect your belongings.
Replacing a garage door can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time replacing one. When it comes time to fix a new door, research which materials suit your house’s needs and looks. While you’re getting a new door, consider replacing your home’s garage door opener as well. Older garage door openers can cause a variety of issues as time goes on and you might as well start fresh if you’re installing a new garage door. Your local garage door repair and installation company will be happy to install both at the same time.