Your garage door isn’t acting right. It could be making its usual loud grinding noise without apparent cause, or perhaps one panel took damage in recent weather. As a homeowner, you are presented with an old dilemma: should you repair the existing door or replace it with an entirely new one?
It’s a decision that impacts more than your finances. The right choice will make your home secure, save energy, and enhance the appearance of your home. When you make this decision, you should be aware of the primary factors that drive it.
Common Garage Door Problems
Garage doors are utilized extensively and are subjected to various weather conditions, thus resulting in some frequent issues. Broken or damaged springs are one of the most frequent issues, since the springs carry the weight of the door while opening and closing. Panels can develop dents, break, or become misaligned due to weather, accidents, or routine usage.
Most garage door openers experience issues. Some examples are garage doors that fail to operate because of electrical, broken gear, or non-operational remote issues. The door could operate improperly or jam if the tracks get broken.
Weather damage also affects things. It brings cold winters, windy and wet locations, which results in rust, warping, and breaking of various components over time.
Age of the Door
Let’s talk about some things to keep in mind when deciding whether you should repair your garage door or replace it. If your garage door is under 10 years old, you should probably repair it, as long as the issue involves parts such as springs, cables, or openers. Newer garage doors normally possess easy-to-change parts that are still functional.
Doors that are 15 to 20 years old may have to be replaced. Older doors usually require a lot of repairs since many parts of them wear out at the same time. Newer door sets come with more safety features, more insulation, and more security options than older sets.
Amount of Damage
Minor repairs such as replacing springs, repairing openers, or replacing a broken panel can constitute a cost savings. Such repairs can restore everything to working in great condition without replacing the entire system. If you need garage door repair in West Palm Beach, for example, specialists will quickly identify the issue and get to work.
Much damage indicates another scenario. If several panels should be replaced, if the track system has to be repaired, or if mechanical parts are not functional, replacement could be around the same price or possibly higher compared to repair. Frame damage or foundation issues typically mean that replacement is the better option.
Safety Concerns
New garage doors, unlike old garage doors, incorporate significant safety elements. The new garage doors embrace an automatic reversal mechanism, rolling code technology in the openers, and improved spring mechanisms with lower risks of injuries.
If your existing door lacks safety elements or components that might endanger your loved ones, it’s worth purchasing an entirely new door. It’s a safety investment, not an expense for replacement. Garage doors are among the largest moving objects within most homes, making safety extremely crucial.
Energy Saving
Older garage doors typically lack insulation. This allows hot and cold air to seep through cracks and vulnerable spots. This issue can increase the energy bill of your home, particularly if your garage adjoins areas where you spend time or store goods that require special temperatures.
New garage doors are constructed with improved insulation, improved sealants, and energy-saving materials. They are expensive when you replace them initially, but in the future, you pay less in energy bills.
Selecting the Strongest Option for Your Property
Repair or replacement relies upon the short-term cost vs. the longer term value. Typically, if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the cost of replacement, it’s better financially to replace it.
Consider your future plans for your property as well. If you are going to sell in a few years, replacing your garage door will be a wise investment and make your home more attractive from the street. However, if you’re not selling and the door operates safely, making smart repairs may be the better option.
If you are in doubt, consult with an expert garage door technician. The technician will examine your case and provide you with cost comparisons between both options.