Garage Door Installation Or A Repair? FAQs About Your Options
Should you replace your garage door? You're not sure if this upgrade is necessary right now. Your garage door still works—but it has seen better days. Before you decide to invest in a new door and schedule a garage door installation or put this project on hold, take a look at the top questions to ask.
Is There A Right Age To Replace A Garage Door?
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), a garage door's typical lifespan is between 20 and 25 years—and an automatic opener's ranges from 10 to 15 years. Even though these are the average expected ages of a garage door and its opener, your door may have a slightly lower or higher lifespan. This means age isn't always the top predictor of the need to replace a garage door.
If your garage door is at or nearing its upper age expectancy and it is worn, damaged, looks out of date, doesn't match your home's exterior decor, or you just want a change, now is the time for a replacement. A garage door that is a few decades old and in perfect working condition, coordinates with your home's exterior aesthetics, and looks new (or new-ish) can stay where it is right now.
What Types of Damage Require A Replacement?
Like the age issue, you won't find one universal answer to this question. Minor damage, such as a slight ding or dent, may not require a full replacement. If the damage is barely noticeable or a qualified contractor can easily repair it in a cost-effective way, you can wait to replace the entire door. But if the damage is obvious, interferes with the opener mechanism, poses a safety risk, could cause additional issues, extends through the entire door, or impacts the energy efficiency/insulation, it's time for a replacement.
What Types of Wear Require A Replacement?
You didn't drive through your garage door. But the exterior still has noticeable marks, imperfections, or other signs of wear. At what point does wear become an issue that requires a replacement?
Wear can warp a door, making it almost impossible to open and close correctly. This allows air to leak in and out of your garage, reducing it's energy efficiency. A worn, warped door can also put stress on the opener mechanism, leading to the premature failure of the motor, springs, cables, or other parts.
Along with warping, cracks can also warrant a replacement. Noticeable cracks in the exterior of a garage door reduce the home's curb appeal. This impacts your home's overall aesthetics and may decrease its value (if you plan to sell your property). Look into garage door installation services near you for more information.
