If your garage door has seen better days, you may be thinking about whether or not you should repair or replace it. However, there is a time and a place for everything, including repairs and replacements. There are several factors to consider to help you make the final decision to fix it or switch it out for a new one.
Refer to this helpful guide to help you decide if replacement or repair is the right option for you.
The Lifespan of a Garage Door
The average lifespan for a garage door is between 15-30 years. However, usage, weather conditions, regular maintenance and the overall quality of installation can impact the lifespan of your garage door. Keeping your garage door well-maintained over the years will help you extend its life. It’s recommended to schedule an annual garage door inspection once a year to keep your garage door running smoothly and extend its lifespan.
When To Replace a Garage Door
Generally, a good garage door can last for many years. However, simple aging and wood rot are just a couple of things that can make replacing a garage door the better option than trying to make repairs. If you notice any of the following signs, it could indicate it is time for a garage door replacement:
1. It Lacks Child Safety Features
Older garage doors do not have the safety features that newer garage doors now offer. One of the ideal features of newer garage doors is that they include safety sensors that stop the door from moving if it detects pets, children or objects under the door. This prevents serious injury and may also prevent costly damages to your belongings. While aftermarket add-ons are available for older garage doors, they are not the most cost-effective route to take.
2. The Door Is Old
Sometimes, a garage door can outlive its days of beauty. A nice garage door provides curb appeal and adds value to any home. While you may feel that some fresh paint could help bring it back to life, a newer garage door can offer much more. Today’s garage doors are more modern and visually appealing, and more suitable for the size of modern vehicles. Additionally, newer garage doors provide higher levels of security than their predecessors, making the debate of painting vs. replacing the garage door an easy one to solve.
3. There Is Weather Damage
Wind, rain, snow and even the sun’s UV rays can cause a lot of wear and tear on garage doors. If there is a considerable amount of weather damage on your garage door, including rusting, warping or discoloration, it is time for a new one. Dirt, leaves and other debris can also become lodged inside the garage door’s tracks over time, causing friction and resulting in issues with track misalignment.
4. Energy Costs Are Increasing
If your utility bill has seen a recent spike, it could be a good reason to replace your garage door. Garage doors are rather large and can let in a lot of outside air. Even with insulation, a difference in temperature between your home and the garage can still have a pricey impact on your energy costs.
Newer garage doors are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Built with materials and insulation that prove to be more effective at reducing energy costs, a garage door replacement can save you money and greatly increase your home’s value.
5. The Wood Is Rotted
Wooden garage doors can be prone to warping in moist environments. If your garage door has shown signs of wood rot, it is best to replace it with a newer version. Newer garage doors are made of more durable and weather-resistant materials than their older, wooden versions.
When to Repair a Garage Door
There are some instances in which a garage door does not need to be replaced. Minor issues can be repaired, which can save you in expenses. Learn about some of the most common garage door issues that can likely be solved through repairs.
1. The Garage Door Is Sagging
If your garage door appears to be sagging, the chances are that the balance is off. Garage doors operate on balanced springs that reduce the energy needed to lift them off the ground. When the door is out of balance, the lifting mechanism is forced to work harder than normal to raise and lower the door. This wear and tear can ultimately lead to broken or worn springs and sagging doors.
An experienced technician can generally fix this issue.
2. It Suddenly Breaks Down
Although it can be frustrating when a garage door breaks down, the good news is that it can likely be repaired. It could be as simple as replacing dead batteries in the remote. However, if that does not seem to be the issue, calling in a professional technician for a diagnostic is always a good idea. They can troubleshoot the issue faster and help you save a lot of time when it comes to getting the issue fixed quickly and correctly.
3. Your Budget Doesn’t Offer the Flexibility to Buy a Replacement
Exactly how much does it cost to fix a garage door? Repairs are considerably cheaper than buying a replacement, but the specific cost varies depending on factors like the door type, size, damage and company you work with. If you are having issues with your garage door but cannot afford to spring for a brand new one, repairing it is a good option to explore. A qualified technician will be able to help you determine if a repair is the best solution for your budget.
4. Your Garage Door Has Damage Or Dents
Physical damage and dents are common garage door problems, and can often be repaired. However, the extent of the damage determines if it is better to repair or replace your garage door. Most garage doors have panels that can be replaced. If the damage or dents only affect one or two panels, they can easily be replaced. If three or more panels are damaged or dented, it is often more cost-effective to replace the garage door entirely. Damaged garage doors that are made of metal are often easier to fix and less expensive, but wood or composite garage doors are harder to repair and are typically more expensive to fix.
Common Garage Door Problems That Can Be Fixed
Here are some of the most common issues garage doors can have that are easily repaired:
- A single panel is damaged: Damage done to a single panel is no reason to be alarmed. Garage doors are made up of several panels, and it is generally a simple fix to replace damaged ones. However, ignoring a single damaged panel can lead to costly expenses in the future, so it’s better to repair it as soon as possible.
- The door is discolored: If your garage door does not show any other signs of damage aside from being discolored, this can be easily fixed. The process is as simple as washing the surface and carefully removing any paint that may be peeling. Applying a primer and then a coat of paint in your chosen color will have your garage door looking new again.
- A single panel is dented: Fixing a dented garage door costs less than replacing it. Repairing this as soon as you can is advised to prevent any damage to the rest of the garage door system and to keep your garage looking its best.
Garage Door Replacement vs. Repair Cost Comparison
The cost of a garage door replacement or repair depends on the type, material and size of the garage door. For repairs specifically, the cost depends on the extent of the damage or problem. For minor garage door problems, the average cost for repairs is $250 and typically ranges from $150 to $500. For more severe damage, the costs can range from $600 to $1,700. In comparison, the average replacement cost for basic garage doors hovers around $700 while higher-end garage doors can cost up to $4,500.
For the most accurate cost comparison, it’s best to ask for a repair quote and a garage door replacement quote from your local garage door technician. That will also help you take other cost factors into consideration, such as labor for garage door repairs or any special features you would like for your replacement door.
Contact the Experts at Cornwell Door
If you are unsure whether your garage door needs to be repaired or replaced, we can help. Our professional team can inspect your door to help you make the final decision. Contact Cornwell Door Service today for more information, or call us at 717-273-9841!