If your garage door is showing its age, it can be hard to know when minor repairs no longer cut it and a full replacement is needed. As garage doors take a lot of abuse from weather, usage and time, eventually even the toughest models need retirement. Here are some telltale signs it may be time to call in the professionals to install a new door.
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Difficult Operation
A well-built door should glide up and down smoothly on its tracks. If your door is sticking, binding or making excess noise and squealing, the rollers, hinges and opener may be wearing out. Over time, alignments get thrown off and moving parts deteriorate, resulting in sluggish operation that will only continue to get worse.
Loose Panels or Visible Damage
Over decades of sun exposure, temperature extremes and usage, the wooden panels on older doors often start to crack, warp, or even pull away from the frame. Fiberglass panels can also delaminate or develop small fractures. Any visible damage symptoms indicate reduced effectiveness and the need for a replacement with sturdier modern materials.
Inefficient Seal
As weatherstripping dries out and compress over time, older garage doors often fail to form a tight seal when closed. This leads to higher heating and cooling costs as drafts penetrate into the garage. New replacement doors feature vastly improved insulation values to save energy and protect your vehicles and stored items.
Security Concerns
The locking mechanism on aging doors may become unreliable due to wear. Panels that are loose, damaged or gapped introduce security risks too as they become easier to breach. Replacement doors feature reinforced frames and secure locks for improved safety and peace of mind.
Outdated Appearance
While functionality should be the top priority, an old garage door can negatively impact your home’s curb appeal. Woodgrain panel styles from the 80s or aluminum doors now have a dated look that newer designs upgrade seamlessly. A fresh new door perks up a home’s exterior.
Safety Issues
Over decades, springs and cables supporting heavy garage doors weaken from fatigue. They become more prone to snapping or breaking, posing serious injury risks if the door falls or can’t be easily controlled. New torsion systems are designed and tested with enhanced safety in mind.
Failing Parts Don’t Justify Cost
Once repairs for rollers, springs, tracks and other components surpass 50% of the cost of a new unit, it’s usually more cost effective to fully replace the door system. Continual repair costs will surpass a new door’s price tag in the long run. With insulated steel doors offering multi-decade lifespans, new models prove a worthwhile investment.
When Does It Make Financial Sense?
If 3 or more of these signs apply to your current door, chances are replacement is justified. Getting quotes from companies like Garage Door Replacement in Chesapeake will help you determine if now is the right financial time and identify models fitting your needs and budget. A new door can boost curb appeal, security, functionality and efficiency for many years ahead.
