As homeowners, it can be difficult to know when it’s time to replace a garage door. Some issues are minor and can be an easy fix with lubrication or a part replacement by a professional, but some signs may indicate that a new garage door is the best solution. We understand that a garage door is a significant investment and want to help point out clues that may lead to garage door replacement or repair in the future.
1. Increase in Noise
Garage doors aren’t always going to be the quietest part of your house, but don’t get used to a loud screeching, banging, or rattling. Most modern garage doors are designed to operate quietly, and a loud garage door is an easy way to tell something is not quite right. A garage door is made up of many moving parts, and making sure they are all maintained is important. Oftentimes, a noisy garage door is the result of parts that need to be lubricated. We carry a Multi-Purpose Spray Lube that can be sprayed onto rollers, springs, and other moving parts once cleaned from grime and dirt.
If the problem persists after parts are lubricated, then a bigger issue may be at play. Reach out to a garage door professional for an inspection to see if the noise is something that can be quickly repaired, or if a new garage door is recommended. A new model will help eliminate noise both inside and outside your home.
2. Repairs are Frequent
With as long of a lifespan as a garage door has, some repairs over 30 years time are normal. However, if you’ve noticed that garage door repairs have become more frequent in the last couple of years, then a garage door replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run. Money spent on service calls, parts, and labor can begin to rack up over time, and it might make more sense to start putting that money towards a new door instead.
3. Garage Door is Moving Slowly
Garage doors aren’t supposed to open immediately, but if your door hesitates to open or shut after pressing your opener, then this could be a sign of a problem with your garage door or opener. A garage door opener is doing heavy lifting multiple times every day, and due to this, the garage door motor can begin to suffer from wear and tear. Older wooden garage doors can become heavy due to moisture over time, which also puts more strain on your opener. If you are having speed issues or have an older wooden garage door, then we recommend reaching out to a garage door professional for an inspection.
4. Security Issues
We often forget that a garage door is a very important security piece of our home. We use our garage to store expensive items like cars, bikes, yard equipment, etc. as well as sentimental items. It’s also an easy way for intruders to gain access to your home. Modern garage doors and openers have a variety of security measures that old garage doors do not, providing safer options for you and your family.
5. Broken Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are responsible for controlling the weight of your door and making sure it opens and closes properly. On average, springs last for about 10,000 cycles (once up and once down). Your garage door failing to open and close properly most likely is a result of a broken spring, and when one spring breaks, the other is close behind. Frequent maintenance and lubrication are necessary to increase the lifespan of your springs, but please, if you think you have a broken spring do not attempt to repair it on your own. Serious injury and death have resulted from untrained homeowners attempting to fix their springs. Contact a professional to help solve your problem.
6. Not Energy Efficient
Garage doors with proper insulation help protect your home from outdoor elements that may cause an irregular spike in energy bills. An old garage door may have faulty bottom seals, sealing joints, weather strips, etc. that allow wind and water in. Modern garage doors can keep unwanted temperatures out and maintain the temperature of your home.
7. Need an Updated Curb Appeal
A garage door is hard to miss and can become an eyesore if it doesn’t compliment your home the way you want it to. Not only will a new garage door help increase curb appeal, but it will also increase the value of your home should you choose to sell it in the future. Garage doors now are manufactured in a variety of styles, colors, and materials. This gives homeowners a chance to customize their garage doors in a manner that will give that eye-catching curb appeal.
8. Old Age
How old is your garage door? Even if your garage door has received proper maintenance and lubrication over the years, there will eventually come a time when your garage door reaches the end of its life. You may be able to get by with a few part replacements, but it’s only a matter of time before your garage door won’t be able to function anymore. If you recognize that your door is older and problems begin to arise, then you should start taking a garage door replacement into consideration.
Call Amega for a Free Estimate On a Garage Door Replacement
If you are thinking about replacing your garage door, contact us to set up an appointment! We offer free estimates on garage door replacements and carry a variety of garage door options from CHI with a warranty. We also have an interactive online tool that allows you to customize your own garage door. Once your garage door is picked, our trained professionals will work to remove your old door and install your new one. View our garage door gallery and contact us to get started!