Is It Better to Repair or Replace Your Garage Door? What Experts Say

When your garage door is malfunctioning or starting to look rough, you may be faced with a serious decision: is it worth it to repair the door? Or do you want to outright replace it? This is an important decision affecting your budget to your family’s safety, how people see it from the street and possibly even how much resale value it may have. In this detailed guide, we will show you those critical signs to look for, things to think about (like cost, safety, appearance, age, energy efficiency, potential home value), and examples of what can be salvaged by simply fixing it or replaced and if that's the way to go. At the end of this informative guide, you will be prepared to make a confident, informed decision and also understand why we at OC Garage Door Guys believe in partnerships geared towards helping you every step of the way.

Signs Your Garage Door Can Be Fixed

Not every garage door issue means it needs to be replaced. More times than not a simple fix from a skilled technician is all it takes to get your garage door working safely and correctly. Below are common fixable garage door problems that homeowners frequently face:

• Worn rollers or hardware issues: Has your garage door been noisy or been jerky when opening or closing? It may be worn rollers, hinges, or other small hardware parts. Replacing these parts and applying lubrication to the moving parts is a simple way to repair the components that will have your garage door working like new again.

• Minor dents or cosmetic issues on panels: Did you bump the door with the car or notice a minor dent?Minor dents, scratches, or dings on one or two panels can often be repaired or replaced separately and a complete door replacement might not be necessary. As long as the damage is not structural, a technician can dispose of damaged panels or repair dents with straightening and paint, which can save you the cost of a new door.

• Problems with sensors or glitches in openers: If your door simply won’t close and keeps reversing, or it won’t respond to the remote, your possible issue is either a misaligned safety sensor or problem with the opener itself. Garage doors have photo-eye sensors at the bottom of each track for detecting obstacles; these sensors become misaligned or dirty, causing the door to not close properly. The easy fix is to re-align or clean the sensors. Similarly, if the automatic opener motor (or circuit) is malfunctioning, apart from needing a new door altogether, you can usually just repair or replace the opener unit.

• Broken springs or cables: If you hear a loud bang sound and are then sitting next to a garage door that will not lift, you may have a spring that has snapped. Broken torsion springs or cables are serious issues that should only be repaired professionally, however, they do not always mean that you will need a whole new door. Skilled technicians will replace your springs or cables and have you back to operating your door safely.(Never repair high-tension springs yourself - it's dangerous and it's a repair a pro does routinely.)

Broken Spring

• Track misalignment or door off-track: When a garage door is off its tracks or looking crooked, it can be caused by either a bent track or a roller that has fallen out. This often occurs when it is hit by something or a cable breaks. A technician can safely reset the door and straighten or replace the track, reinstall the roller, and align it all properly. Unless the door panels are broken, an off-track door can be repaired and you won't be required to replace the whole system.

In most of these cases, repairs are typically quicker and more cost-effective than a full replacement. An excellent garage door repair company will have the right inventory of products (springs, rollers, cables, sensors etc.) and can fix these types of problems typically in the same day. If your door is relatively new (younger than 10-15 years old) and the damage or wear is limited to one area or component, repair is typically the first diagnosis to explore.

When a Full Replacement is recommended

While many issues can be repaired, there are times when a new garage door is a safer and more economical choice.Here are some important indications and situations to consider when it comes to replacement instead of repair:

• Considerable structural damage: If your garage door is damaged extensively- for example, several panels bent, cracked, or warped due to extended use or an impact -then repairing the smaller component of the door would not work. A door that has a lot of structural damage may not be safe as it would likely fail. Engaging a replacement ensures that the new door will have the same structural integrity and safe operation as the garage opening.

• Repeated breakdowns and constant repairs: Does your garage door seem to fall apart every couple of months? Consistent breakdowns within short period of time is often an indicator that the door (or its mechanism of opening) is reaching its useful life span. In most cases, you could continue to fix parts of the door, but costs add up quickly. Instead of constantly paying for repairs on an old door and broken parts, it may be more practical to invest in a new door that would be safer to operate.

• Just old otherwise know as outdated: Garage doors last for only so long. If your door is well past the fifteen or 20 year old mark, your door is outdated when its design, safety, and efficiency is considered. Older garage doors can begin to become wobbly and do not have safety features. An older garage door opener also, especially one manufactured before the early 1990's, does not provide the auto-reverse safety sensors. For a garage door that has given you years of service, a complete replacement will give you an opportunity to start fresh with new contemporary hardware.You’ll enjoy upgraded safety features, a quieter motor, and a beautiful new style to improve your home’s curb appeal.

• Unsafe or out of compliance: If your garage door is unsafe, there is no choice but to replace it. For example, if the door doesn’t reverse when someone's child or pet is under it, or if the panels are so weak that they might collapse, repairs could be dangerous. Many newer garage doors and openers come with safe features (like photo-eye sensors and auto-stop features) that are mandated to prevent accidents. Upgrading to a new compliant system takes care of the safety problems and allows you to just enjoy your garage door with less stress.

• Energy efficiency: If your garage is attached to your home, that garage will often have a big influence over the heating and cooling of your home. If you currently have an uninsulated-door (thin metal) or a door where the weather stripping is worn down and there are gaps, your garage and the rooms adjacent the garage can be roasting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. This is especially true if a garage door is not insulated and you have a garage door leading into the house. Newer garage doors often have insulated options with proper weather seal strip protecting your garage from the outside temperature. If you notice drafts in your garage or high utility bills or your garage feels more like an oven or freezer, you need to consider replacing the door with an energy efficient insulated door option. Over time, you would see the benefits of saving your utility bills and your comfort have immense value over a nice new door.

• A great new style: Sometimes the door isn’t unsafe and simply needs to be replaced to improve your home’s curb appeal.Because the garage door is such a large, prominent part of your home's exterior, an old or dirty door can detract from the entire appearance of the house. Replacing an old style (say, a flat panel door that is 20-30 years old) for a new style (like a modern carriage-house style, or a sleek contemporary design) can really enhance your home's appeal. This is especially true if you are updating the exterior of your home, or listing the house for sale. A new garage door will add visual appeal and will help your home stand out in the neighborhood. More importantly, it could attract buyers when trying to sell the property.

If you have identified with any of these situations above, you are ready to start looking for options to buy a new garage door. You may contact a reputable garage door company who can evaluate your current garage door and determine if you need to replace it. When assessing the garage door, please keep in mind that your safety and long term costs should always be the main priority. You may find that you are spending more to keep repairing a door instead of just buying a new one...

Factors to Consider: Cost, Safety, Aesthetics, Age, Energy, and Home Value

Ability to Save.... Every homeowner's situation is slightly different. And in addition to the obvious repair issues, there are several important factors to consider when making the decision to repair or replace your garage door. Take some time to consider how each of the following factors applies to your garage door:

• Cost (Repair vs. Replacement): You should start by figuring out the cost. What is going to be the cost of the repairs versus the cost of a new door?Generally speaking, the price of doing minor repairs (such as replacing rollers, sensors, springs, etc.) is much less expensive than buying a new door, thus making minor repairs a good option for small items. If your door requires more than one repair at a time, the cost of repairs may approach (or possibly exceed) the price for a new door. Many industry professionals, adhere to the “50% rule”: if you are quoted repairs that are near or above half the cost of obtaining a new door, then it may make more financial sense to replace. Others may also take into account the chance of repairs in the future - if it is a one-time repair and relatively inexpensive now, will you be spending more money on the door in a couple of months? In some situations having a new door might be cheaper in the long run.

• Safety/Security: Your garage door is the largest moving part of your house and a malfunctioning door can be dangerous. Repairs should always leave the door in a safe condition. If you have any questions or doubts about the door being safe (for example, if it falls to the ground when it is closed, or if it does not function properly when using the automatic reverse), do not delay, obtain a professional assessment immediately. Older doors and openers may not comply with safety measures that are available today to protect your family and pets at home. Furthermore, think about security; a weak or damaged door might pose an easier point of access for burglars. Ask yourself when determining if you should repair your garage door or replace it: will that repair sufficiently address the concern of safety, or does a new door address the safety and security risks better? The safety of your family is priceless.

• Aesthetic Value (Curb Appeal): A garage door does not simply serve a functional purpose; it is a large part of the overall facade of your home. If the door is discoloured, dented, or with a look from yesteryear, the overall appearance of your property suffers. Small cosmetic blemishes can be repaired and refinished, but even that only goes so far if there is an instance of a very old or unfashionable style. An upgraded garage door can dramatically enhance your home's curb appeal. Ask yourself - how well does the garage door go with the style of your house? If a few repairs are not enough to resolve the eyesore, it may be best to replace the garage door and generate a renewed attractive appearance for your home.

• Age of the Door: How old is your garage door? The age of the door will certainly have an impact on all of the other factors. Most residential garage doors last between 15 to 20 years (some doors can last longer if they are exceptionally maintained). If your door is relatively new, and is otherwise in good shape, then it is likely, that repairing various issues is the right choice. However, if the garage door is nearing the end of its life expectancy (or is already past it), you should be preparing for additional issues just around the corner. If so, spending money on a new garage door can save you from dealing with multiple problem with your old garage door. Plus, the new door comes with a new warranty -- an old door likely lost whatever emergency service coverage protected your failures.

• Energy Efficiency: For many home owners, particularly home owners with attached garages, insulation and efficiency of the garage door can be a main priority.If you are using a free-standing garage, and if your current door does not have insulation or has poorly maintained seals, there’s a chance that your garage is affecting your home’s energy consumption. While fixing things like replacing weather stripping is helpful, an old door will never be as good as a newer door with insulation. If you replace your door with a well-insulated door, the air temperature inside the garage and connected spaces should improve. This will lead to improved comfort for those spaces, as well as less overall heating and cooling costs. When looking at door replacement options, consider the climate and how you are using your garage (workspace, laundry area, etc.). Of course, an insulated replacement door may be a viable step up if efficiency is important to you.

•Home Value and Long-term Investment: Your decision about a garage door can vary the value of your home. In a real estate context, a new garage door is considered one of the best home improvement investments for return on investment (ROI). New garage doors immediately lift visual effort, and signify and reassure buyers that the home is maintained. You usually will not recoup money in the home value for a simple repair, like a broken garage door, but a new garage door will likely add to the resale value. Even if you’re not selling straight away, think about the longer term. Fixing a broken door a few times to keep it functioning is good, but it doesn’t add value. A new garage door is an investment in the overall look and usability of your home which will be economically built in over time.It can also come with modern technology (smart garage door openers, advanced safety) that today’s buyers and homeowners are looking for.

Taking all of these elements into consideration, the notion of weighing the short-term gain of repairing against the long-term payout of replacing comes down to the individual. Some homeowners consider financial factors only, whereas other homeowners may replace based on the value of a quieter, safer, more efficient door. Answers will differ from case-to-case; however, considering your elements will help you decide the best for you.

Long-Term Value and Maintenance: Expert Insights

While there are multiple factors to consider, many garage door professionals emphasize taking a big picture view when looking at long-term value and ongoing maintenance costs. Here are a few things to consider based on industry professional feedback regarding long-term value and maintenance:

• Don't fall into the "money pit" trap: If you are finding yourself calling a garage door repairman multiple times a year, then consider yourself warned—your door (or opener) is on its last legs. It can become a money pit if you continue to make repairs on an older door—you will have to replace that door in a couple of years after you have purchased part-after-part or paying somebody else to replace every part. Experts concur that if you are constantly needing repairs or you make large repairs, then you should think seriously about replacing your garage door (or opener). Realistically the upfront cost of a new door can be more economical than looking at past incremental repairs when you haven't resolved prior repairs with replacements of small parts.• The 50% rule - One common guideline many technicians share is the cost factor. If a repair is going to cost more than half the cost of the replacement door, you should only consider replacement. This is a rule of thumb, but it reflects diminishing returns. Why pour good money into a door for a few parts when that same money could buy you a new door with a full warranty? On top of that, a new garage door is typically going to require very little maintenance (except basic maintenance) for the first few years. An old door could break again in another week when another part fails.

• New door = new warranty and less maintenance: When you install a new garage door (and opener), you get a multi-year warranty on key components and probably labor, too. This means when something doesn't go exactly right in the install or you have a problem with one of the doors components, you're okay. Even more, everything is new, so a homeowner can routinely expect years of reliable service before having to worry about regular maintenance (annual tune-ups, lubrication, etc.). An older garage door may have springs that are aging, rollers that are aging or an aging motor, so it' good to service this one and hope that another part does not fail next. Replacing your door can put an end to this cycle for many years.

• Home value and return-on-investment: From a long-term investment perspective about home value, replacing your garage door often makes sense based upon resale value. There are real estate agents and remodeling experts that report garage door replacement often recovers a large portion of their cost on resale value. Often, installing a new garage door consistently ranks as one of the highest return-on-investment projects for a homeowner each year. Actual money aside, consider the peace of mind and enjoyment factor of having a door that looks great, works well and does not require constant care. That's value that's hard to quantify.

In conclusion, the experts say think more long-term and less about the immediate fix; will it last a long time in the big picture of home ownership? Investing money for a repair could cure the problem immediately, but will you be in the same place in a few months with a tired old door you are just patching up? In short, replacing your garage door is a higher investment up front, but it may pay you back with 20 years of hassle-free living. Be sure to always consider value long-term.

Trust OC Garage Door Guys to Get You Honest Advice and Quality Work

Whether you ultimately decide to repair your existing garage door, or take the plunge and replace it, one thing is certain - you will want the job done right by people you trust. This is where we come in. OC Garage Door Guys stands out in the industry. As a leading garage door supplier and service provider in the area, part of our reputation comes down to our honest assessments, quality technicians and dependable service that homeowners can rely upon.

Honest evaluations: Have you ever had a service provider attempt to upsell you on something you didn't need? That will not happen with OC Garage Door Guys. They will always put your best interests and your home first. If your garage door issue can be solved with a basic repair, they will be honest, and provide the repair promptly with quality parts. If their evaluation indicates serious issues with your door and it would be safer or a better value to replace your door instead, you will receive an honest recommendation and a fair estimate to replace the door. You can count on receiving an honest, expert evaluation even if that means they won't be selling you a new door.

Skilled service providers: Garage door systems can be complicated and potentially dangerous to work on, but the team at OC Garage Door Guys has seen it all. Their technicians are highly trained and experienced in every aspect of garage door repair and installation. Whether they are adjusting a sensor, replacing a broken spring, or installing a brand new door, they work safely and efficiently. The level of professionalism and knowledge of the OC Garage Door Guys team is consistently praised by the homeowners they work for - these are people that take pride in their craft and know garage doors inside and out.

Dependable service: When your garage door is stuck half open, a spring is broken, or your door is off its hinges, you need help quickly.OC Garage Door Guys provides reliable service, and they offer emergency repair 24/7 if you have an urgent issue. We show up on time, prepared with all the tools and parts to get the job done right the first time. It's this reliability, and willingness to do whatever is needed to satisfy the customer that has made OC Garage Door Guys a trusted name for homeowners. They also back up their work with warranties and great customer support, helping you feel even more secure.

In the end, the decision to repair or replace your garage door comes down to a careful evaluation of the condition of your door, how much the repairs would cost, and what the door can offer your home. As a homeowner, you will not have to make the decision alone. You can consult us to gain professional help in weighing all the pros and cons.

Make the right choice for your home. When a garage door is functioning well, it is a joy to have!