Is it Time for A New Garage Door? Know The Signs

Your garage door is more than just a convenience – it's an essential component of your home's safety and security, efficiency, and curb appeal. However, even a solid garage door will have a lifespan. How do you know when it's time to stop servicing and start thinking about replacing it? In this article, we outline the signs that your residential garage door may need replacement, the risks of delaying a new door, and the major advantages of getting a new, modern door.

Signs your garage door needs to be replaced

Even a strong garage door will eventually show its age. Watch for these signals that it's time for a new door:

Excessive Noise: If your garage door has an loud grinding or screeching noise every time it opens and closes, this could indicate a problem. Unusual sounds likely mean worn componentry or an aging opener, and if simple repairs don't quiet things down, consistent noise generally means you've outlasted the current garage door system you've been using, and you will probably need to replace it with a more quiet and reliable system.

Sagging Parts / Uneven Door: When your garage door is in however open, does it appear crooked? Floor sagging or an out of balance door is generally wanting to indicate structural issues, or tired springs which are now bowing, which could lead to your uneven garage door slipping off its tracks. If a simple adjustment doesn't correct the sagging parts, then in all likelihood you need to go ahead and replace it for safety's sake.

Frequent Breakdowns: Are you on the phone with the repair technician every couple of months? Getting thirty, or more, calls in a short span for three, four, or more issues it will indicate that you have done all of the things you can to maintain the garage door, but the door is worn and is reaching the end of its lifespan. Instead of continuing to pay for repairs, it's probably cheaper to get a new door now!

Damaged or dented sections: On occasion, there could be a single cracked or bent section that may be repairable, however, if you have more than one damaged or warped section, the integrity of your garage door is at risk. If that's the case, replacing the door is safer and usually less expensive than replacing multiple sections.

Old safety systems: As it relates to modern types of safety features to avoid garage door related injuries, if you do not have a system that has photo-eye sensors and auto-reverse, you've got yourself a safety problem. For example, older garage door openers could have been designed with a manual stop feature, causing them to not stop anywhere near the object in its way if it doesnt stop before the 2nd to last second. Buying a new door with a new garage door opener will ensure you have following safety systems that can help protect your family.

Old colours: A faded garage door or one with a disadvantage in appearance due to a prior dent or ding sticker is not helping your curb appeal. Period. There is not a better way to instantly impact curb appeal than a new modern garage door. Think of it this way: it makes your home more attractive and opulent.

Higher utility bill: Speaking of insulation, if you have an uninsulated garage door, and your garage feels like an oven in the summer and an ice box in the winter, you could be making your utility bills higher than necessary. Older thin garage doors made of steel allow outside air to fill the garage, which rods your HVAC system the opportunity to work properly and conserve energy. A new better insulated garage doorway along with insulation can enhance the relation of your garage's temperature with the atmosphere and helping lessen your heating and cooling bills.

Risks of Delaying Garage Door Replacement

While postponing your garage door replacement could possibly save you a few bucks at the moment, you could end up facing more serious problems down the line. Here are some risks to consider with procrastination:

Safety Issues: Having a malfunctioning garage door is a safety risk. If a spring snaps or a cable or track is damaged, the heavy door could end up crashing down. This could lead to serious injury or damage. If your door is showing signs of significant trouble, don’t delay on a replacement.

Security Issues: A weakened garage door can be a simple target for intruders. If the door does not close completely or there is a space at the bottom, someone could easily pry it open. By replacing a malfunctioning door, you can increase security and protect your garage, and ultimately your home.

Cost and Convenience Issues: Trying to keep going with an old, worn out door may end up costing you more than simply replacing it. For example, a bent track can lead to the burning out of your opener motor. Once that occurs, instead of spending a small amount for a routine service, you could end up paying a large sum to replace the motor. Additionally, you could end up with the inconvenience of the door jamming on the way to work or any other critical time when you are ready to leave. By choosing to have a new garage door installed, you can schedule it to your timetable rather than facing a hefty bill, and/or an unexpected door breakdown.

Benefits of Upgrading to a Modern Garage Door

While avoiding a problem or issue is one approach to a new garage door, there are also a number of ways that a modern garage door could positively impact your home | its performance | its safety | its value.Advantages of modern garage doors include:

Better Performance & Reliability

Modern garage doors are produced for smooth and quiet operation. With improved springs, better roller quality, and belt-driven openers, garage doors operate more smoothly, quietly, and with less wear. All of this combines to mean your door will open and close reliably without the bumps and jars of an older system.

Improved Safety Features

A new door incorporates the latest safety technologies. These technologies typically come with standard features that will ensure, if something is in the way of your door, it will stop and reverse; protecting you against injury or damage. Many new garage doors also use pinch-resistant panel designs which further protect you from injury if a finger is caught. You can be assured that your garage door is now fitted with the latest safety features with a modern door.

Better Insulation

Many new garage doors come with improved, multi-layer insulation, which prevents hot air entering the garage in the summer and cold air entering the garage in the winter. An insulated door maintains a more consistent temperature, reduces strain on the HVAC system, and contribute's to a more comfortable living space in any adjacent rooms. In hot climates, insulated doors keep the garage cooler by blocking outside heat, which can adversely affect the remainder of the house.

Increased Curb Appeal & Home Value

The right new garage door can change the appearance of the entire house to the good. You can select the best style and finish for your house, and in doing so not only make your house look better, but potentially increase your homes property value, often with a high return on investment at the time of sale.

Time to Upgrade – Trust the Experts

If any of these signs have shown, גon't let it go until it's too late.

OC Garage Door Guys are trusted experts in residential garage door replacement and installation. We can help you select a new garage door that best suits your needs and install it correctly and professionally. Don't wait until it's an emergency – let us deliver the garage door upgrade you've been dreaming of. In due time you will have a smooth, safe, and high-performance garage door that you will enjoy for years.