Written by Admin and published on https://www.searshomeservices.com/.

When it comes to your garage door, there are a few things you should keep in mind in order to make sure it lasts for as long as possible. First, you should always make sure to regularly inspect your garage door for any damage or wear and tear. If you notice any issue, no matter how small, be sure to address it right away. By taking care of your garage door and addressing any issues early on, you can prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the road.

However, there will eventually come a time when your garage door will need to be replaced. Some signs that it may be time for a new garage door include extensive damage, warping, or rot. If your garage door is more than 20 years old, it’s also likely time for a replacement. When it’s time for a new garage door, be sure to consult with a professional to find one that best fits your needs.

When Should I Replace My Garage Door?

Garage doors typically last 15 to 20 years for most homes. In some areas where intense weather takes its toll on garage doors, you may need to replace the door when it’s only 10 years old.

It’s easy to spot an aged garage door – you’ll see faded paint, sagging panels, cracks and dents in panels and missing trim. From the inside of your garage, you’ll see rusty springs, hinges and rails. An aged garage door will make creaky sounds and grinding noises as you open and close the door.

You’ll need to replace your garage door when it’s damaged beyond repair. Closing the garage door on an item underneath the door can seriously damage door panels. Hitting the garage door with a vehicle can also cause extensive damage. When your garage door encounters these issues, it’s likely time to replace it.

Replacing your garage door can also update the look of your home. You may want to replace your garage door to improve curb appeal when selling your home.

When Should I Replace My Garage Door Instead of Repairing It?

Minor Repairs

Some garage door problems can be repaired so you don’t have to replace the entire door. Repair of common failures such as a broken spring, bad track roller or damaged track typically cost between $100 and $300. When your garage door is less than 15 years old and otherwise in good shape, it makes sense to repair the door when it suffers a minor failure that will cost less than $300 to repair.

Major Repairs

The repair/replace decision becomes more challenging when you need to replace door panels. A single door panel can cost up to $400 to replace on common garage doors. Panels on wood garage doors typically cost much more to replace. When multiple panels need replacement, the cost of repairing the door may approach the price of replacing the entire garage door. When you need to replace multiple panels, compare the price of the repair with the price of replacing the replacing the door. You’ll likely want to buy a new door when replacing panels isn’t much less than replacing the door. You may also want to replace your garage door when repair parts such as panels are back-ordered and not immediately available.

Older Garage Doors

Age of your garage door is also a factor to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace a broken door. When your door is over 15 years old, it’s nearing the end of its typical useful life. Repairing an older door often doesn’t make sense when you’ll likely need to replace the door within a few years. When your garage door is over 10 years old, you probably won’t want to spend more than ½ as much as the garage door’s replacement cost on a major repair.

Considering these factors will help you make a wise repair/replace decision for your garage door. Schedule an appointment to get an estimate for a new garage door when repairing the door isn’t a viable option.

Updating Your Home’s Look with a New Garage Door

You don’t always need to wait until your garage door is on its last leg to replace it. Replacing your garage door can give your home a vibrant, new look. Because a garage door covers a significant portion of your home’s exterior, a new door will immediately impact your home’s appearance.

Also, consider replacing your garage door when you complete home improvement projects such as:

  • Installing a new entry door.
  • Replacing windows.
  • Replacing siding or painting your home’s exterior.
  • Installing a new roof.

An old garage door will look out of place after you complete major upgrades to your home’s exterior.

Replacing your garage door is an especially good move when you’re selling your home. You can drastically improve the curb appeal of your home for potential buyers. As an added bonus, replacing your garage door increases the value of your home. Garage door replacement typically provides the highest return on investment of any home upgrades and improvements.

Saving Energy with a New Garage Door

Installing a new garage door won’t just upgrade your home’s look, it can also save you money on energy bills. An old door that doesn’t seal properly can cause your garage to be hotter in summer and colder in winter. If your garage door isn’t insulated, you’re likely wasting a significant amount of energy to heat or cool your home.

To save on energy bills, choose a new garage door with adequate insulation for the climate you live in. If you live in an area that experiences extremely hot conditions in summer or fiercely cold conditions in winter, then you’ll need a garage door with plenty of thermal insulation. Insulated garage doors use an R-Value to measure thermal resistance. A door with a high R-Value will efficiently insulate your garage from heat or cold and will help lower your energy bills.

Paying lower energy bills can help defray the cost of installing an insulated garage door.

Choosing to install a new garage door provides you with many advantages such as an upgraded home look and energy savings. Given the typical high rate of return on your investment in a new garage door, you can enjoy these benefits practically risk-free. If your garage door is aged or broken, schedule a consultation with an expert to discuss fixing or replacing your garage door today.

Original post here https://www.searshomeservices.com/blog/when-should-i-replace-my-garage-door.