Replace Your Garage Door or Repair It?

Ask any homeowner, and they will tell you that maintaining a garage door can be challenging. But like any other part of your home with regular maintenance, your garage door ends up functioning correctly, which helps keep your home safe. However, at one point in time, you may have to decide whether or not you require garage door repair. 

On the one hand, repairing your garage door might help it function better. On the other hand, improving it may see you part with thousands of dollars more than replacing it. So, how do you decide when to repair or replace your garage door? Let's find out!

When Should You Repair Your Garage Door?

Your garage door plays a significant role in the functionality and appearance of your home. Considering you use the garage door multiple times, it may need repair now and then. Here are some instances when you should call a garage door repair technician.

The Door Won’t Budge

You must check if you wake up one day and the garage door won't open or close. However, before you call a technician, check if the remote batteries need changing. 

If the batteries are okay, the technician can come in to check what the issue is. It could be a simple alignment issue, or a motor issue, which is easy and quick to fix. If the problem is severe, the technician will pick up the case and set it up as fast as possible.

The Door Makes Strange Movements and Noises

If the garage door is opening and closing but making strange movements like shaking or shuddering as it opens or unpleasant and weird sounds, it needs a check-up. You need to call a repair specialist as soon as possible. Immediate repair lets you avoid the issue getting worse and causing more damage that might lead to a door replacement.

The Garage Door Sags

Sagging of the garage door could mean it has no balance and manifests as one side lower than the other when the door is half closed. A garage door has balanced springs that minimize the energy they need to lift them. 

When the garage door has no balance, the lifting mechanism or lift motor has to work extra hard to open and close the door. This exertion causes the springs to wear out or break and the entrance to sag. If one side sags, it means one spring has worn out, and one side of the door is heavier than the other. Rebalancing the door is a quick fix that the technician will handle without hiccups.

The Garage Door Feels Heavy

If your garage door feels extra heavy, it could mean the door springs may be worn out and need to bear the weight of the door as they should. A worn spring is affordable and quick to repair, and a technician will replace the worn-out springs. Ensure you replace both springs to maintain balance.

When Should You Replace Your Garage Door?

Your garage door may have given you excellent service over the years, but you may need to replace it in the following instances.

The Door is Damaged

Over time, the elements, such as snow, rain, wind, or the sun, can take a toll on your garage door. It's time to replace the door if the damage, such as rust, discoloration, or warping, is extensive. Falling tree limbs may damage the panels, while leaves, dirt, or other debris may get stuck in the door's tracks, causing misalignment and eventual damage. Damage to multiple panels means uneven weight distribution, and you may need to replace them.

Reduced Energy Costs

The garage door might be the culprit if your energy bills are higher than usual. A correctly insulated and sealed garage door maintains your internal temperature and reduces energy bills. When your weather stripping comes off and lets in cold air, you can have a technician reseal the door to maintain the previous energy efficiency. However, older garage doors may not have proper insulation, and you need to replace your door with a modern and energy-efficient model.

The Door is Old

A top-quality, adequately installed garage door should give you at least thirty years of service. The door may be your treasured vintage door, but when its lifespan expires, it has to go. Replacing the door saves you time and money spent on constant repairs. If you want to sell, a new door can improve your home's curb appeal. 

A fresh coat of paint may enhance the look of your garage door, but a new door can go a long way in adding value to your home. New doors align with the latest trends, but the sizes are also in line with today's cars. Modern doors also have improved security and safety features that deter break-ins.

The cost of Repair is too High

You can do some repairs to keep the door operating while you plan for a new one. If the cost of repairing is more than the cost of replacement, the latter becomes the best option. If you are constantly repairing the door, your expenses might be equal to a new door.

You Experience a Break-in

Thieves have become more ingenious and can bypass some security features on modern garage doors. If you experience a break-in, the burglar could have guessed the pin code or disengaged the door's motor. Whichever way a thief gets in, a break-in says it's time to replace the door, and the best way to thwart more break-ins is by replacing it.

Lack of Safety Features for Children and Pets

Sensors on some garage doors sense when a child or a pet enters the garage, and the door immediately comes to a halt. Some doors also sense when the door presses on an object and stops instantly. While you can retrofit your old door to include some of these features, it may not be cost-effective. The best way to ensure your door's operating system has the latest safety features is to replace it and avoid common garage door injuries.

Wood Rot

Moist environments do not favor wooden garage doors and cause them to warp. If your wooden garage doors start rotting, it's time for you to replace them with a modern version made from weather-resistant materials, unlike the older versions.

The decision whether to repair or replace depends on various factors. Before you decide which route to take, consult a qualified technician or garage repair company to inspect the door and let you know the best course of action. 

But if you are still trying to decide whether to repair or replace your garage door, Chicago Garage Door is here to help. We handle garage door maintenance, repairs, and replacement. For more information, you can visit our website: https://www.chicagogaragedoor.com/

Name, Address, and Phone

Chicago Garage Door, 

501 West Golf Rd Arlington Heights IL 60005, 

+17739743434

3 Social Account URLs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoGarageDoorArlingtonHeights

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbskhfqi4PlgfC8/_Dtwq3pw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicago/_garage/_door/