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Is it Time for A New Garage Door?

Know The Signs

garage door courtyard model 163t

The Importance of Your Garage Door 

For a lot of people, the garage door serves as the main entry into the home, typically more than the front door. The average lifespan of a garage door is 15 to 30 years, depending on material and usage. While proper care and maintenance can prolong the life of your garage door, recognizing when it is time to replace your aging door will allow you to budget, shop, and select a reputable installer before a major repair.   

 

What to Watch Out For: 

It seems obvious to replace your garage door when sudden, catastrophic damage occurs from a storm or a car. However, knowing when minor damage, standard wear, or other issues may affect the safety or security of your garage door and operator may not always be as clear.

It is important to do a visual inspection of your garage door every six months. Having a trusted professional perform yearly maintenance can help keep your garage door and operator functioning at its best and alert you to any issues developing. Here are 5 key areas to look out for as your door ages. 

 

1. Materials and Location: 

Doors of any material are prone to exposure and aging. A doors’ age is only a small factor in its wear and tear; harsh climates of extreme heat, cold, or frequent storms can wear your garage door out faster than a temperate climate. Some manufacturers, like Overhead Door™ Brand, have developed patented technology to reduce the effects and prolong the life of your materials. 

  • Steel doors are durable but can rust when exposed to moisture or salt, particularly around the edges and hinges. They are also prone to dents from impacts, and fading or chipping paint can lead to rust if left untreated. 
  • Wood doors are vulnerable to warping, cracking, and rotting due to weather and moisture, especially if not properly sealed, and require regular maintenance to prevent peeling paint or stain. 
  • Aluminum doors resist rust but may corrode in harsh weather and are prone to dents, though easier to repair than steel. 
  • Fiberglass doors may fade under sunlight, become brittle in colder climates, and discolor without proper sealing. 
  • Vinyl doors are tough but can crack in extreme cold or from impacts and may fade over time due to sunlight exposure.


2. Visible Damage: 

Even minor damage can compromise the integrity of your garage door or operator. Can you see damage to any of the working elements, like the springs or pulleys? If the answer is yes, your garage door may be beyond repair. Key concerns such as broken springs, frayed or loose cables, significant panel damage (like dents, cracks, or rot), or noisy, malfunctioning operation often signal that a replacement is necessary. It can never hurt to get the opinion of a professional, but if your garage door is older and you are noticing these symptoms, it’s a safe bet a new garage door is in order soon.

Learn More on Common Garage Door Repairs

3. Opening and Shutting: 

If your garage door is struggling to consistently do its core job – opening and shutting smoothly- a replacement could be on the horizon. An expert will assess the problem and help you determine if a part repair, operator or door replacement is in order. 

 

4. Weird Noises: 

If your garage door makes loud or unusual noises every time it opens or closes, it’s a major red flag. A properly functioning garage door should operate quietly, so excessive noise likely means the parts are worn and may need replacement. Pay attention to any strange sounds from the garage door opener, as this could indicate problems with the motor or chain.

 

5. Energy Efficiency:

An improperly closing door could allow hot or cold air into your garage, reducing your home's energy efficiency. Unexpected increases in your energy bill may be a sign that your garage door needs attention. Check the weather stripping along the bottom and sides of the door for cracks, gaps, or deterioration, as damaged stripping can cause energy loss and potential water leaks. If repairs aren’t enough, it might be time to consider upgrading to a new door.

Lastly, although your garage door and operator may be functionally sound, it may simply no longer fit your lifestyle and warrants an upgrade. 

 

Smart Home:

With technology rapidly changing, it may be time to explore smart home options for your frequently used entry point. New operators, openers, and apps provide a range of conveniences such as remote open, close, and monitoring, sharing access for secure deliveries, and more! Smart doors and operators provide alerts to detected failures, maintenance reminders, and other important updates.

 

Style:

Your garage door plays a significant role in your home's overall appearance, covering nearly 30% of your facade. If you're looking to refresh your home’s curb appeal, a new garage door could be the perfect solution to give your house a modern, stylish upgrade. According to the Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine, replacing your garage door is one of the highest return-on-investment home improvements you can make. On average, homeowners recoup over 90% of the garage door replacement cost at resale, making it not only a visually impactful update but also a smart financial decision. Whether you're looking to sell or just enhance your home's look, a new garage door offers a style upgrade with substantial value.

 

Choosing a New Door:  

If your garage door needs replacing, let Overhead Door™ Brand help. With more than 100 years in the garage door industry and a garage door for every price point and architectural style, you can find the door that is best for your home. 

And installing a new garage door is consistently one of the best returns on investment for all home improvement projects. 

 

Check out DoorDreamer™ to quickly visualize what a new door could look like on your own home!

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