A garage door does more than open and close. It is also a big part of how your home looks and its energy-saving features. However, when your garage door looks worn out or stops working, you might wonder what the best move is. Should you go for a brand new door or fix the one you have? At this point, deciding whether to invest in new garage doors or repair your existing ones is a big choice for homeowners.
This blog is here to guide you through that decision. Whether you want to replace or improve your garage doors, this guide aims to help you make smart, cost-effective choices.
When Do You Need a Garage Door Repair?
In most cases, homeowners schedule repairs when certain parts of their garage door system break or start to look worn. Discover the most common problems below:
- Broken Garage Door Springs: Wear and tear can cause torsion springs, which support most of the door’s weight, to fail.
- Malfunctioning Opener: In some cases, the problem is not with the door but with the garage door opener. These issues can be anything from electricity problems to mechanical failures.
- Wear and Tear on Hardware: Over time, parts like cables, rollers, and hinges can wear out, which can affect how the garage door works.
The expected lifespan of a garage door and its parts vary. For example, spring ratings are based on the number of cycles they can handle. One cycle is one opening and closing of the door. With normal use, torsion springs last between 10,000 and 15,000 cycles, which is about 7 to 14 years. With regular checks and maintenance, you can extend the life of your garage door. However, like any gadget or device in your home, you will need to fix or replace it at some point.
When Should You Get a New Garage Door?
A homeowner might think about a garage door replacement for several reasons, such as:
- Outdated Technology: New garage doors have better safety features and can also work with smart home systems.
- Energy Efficiency: New garage doors are better insulated and sealed, so your garage and home will stay at a more comfortable temperature. It can save you a lot of money on your energy bills.
- Aesthetic Upgrade: Replace any old, worn-out doors to make your house look better and increase its value.
There are features on new garage doors that make them safer, more efficient, and easier to use. For example, pinch-resistant panels keep fingers from injury, and wireless connectivity makes them easy to access with your smartphones.
Key Questions to Guide Your Garage Door Decision
Are you not sure whether to fix or replace your garage door? Here are key questions to ask yourself:
How old is my garage door?
Is your garage door old and nearing the end of its expected lifespan? If yes, a replacement might be a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
What is the extent of the damage or wear?
Minor problems, like scratches on the surface or a single broken panel, might be simple to repair. But if there are problems with the structure or a lot of wear, it might be time for a replacement.
Are replacement parts available and affordable?
For older garage doors, new parts might be hard to find or no longer made. If parts are hard to find or expensive, it might be smarter to replace and invest in new garage doors.
Does my current garage door meet my needs?
Think about whether the door you have now gives you the safety, protection, and functionality you need. If not, it might be better to buy a new garage door.
How much will garage door repair or replacement cost?
Look at both the short-term and long-term costs. Sometimes, repeated repairs can be more expensive than a one-time replacement.
Does my garage door fit my home’s aesthetic?
Aesthetics are a big part of curb appeal. If your door is old or does not match the style of your house, getting a new one could make it look better.
Are there newer technologies or features I am missing out on?
New garage doors are safer, better insulated, and easier to use. If these things are important to you, then this might be the best time to replace them.
Am I planning to sell my home soon?
People who want to buy a house might be more interested in one with new garage doors. If you are thinking about selling, a replacement could give you a good return on your investment.
How much maintenance does my current door require?
If your current door requires frequent maintenance, a new door with a longer lifespan and less upkeep could be more convenient and cost-effective.
How quickly do I need a solution?
It is usually easy to get repairs done fast, but it might take longer to order and install a new garage door. If you need to use it right away, repair might be your best short-term choice.
Tips for Choosing the Best Garage Door Service
It is very important to choose the right garage door company, whether you need to fix or replace your garage door. Here are useful tips to help you pick a trustworthy, experienced contractor who can do good work within your budget:
What to Look For in a Garage Door Service Provider
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a company that has an excellent history of working on garage doors like the one you have. If a provider has a lot of experience in the field, it means they can accurately diagnose problems and give proper solutions.
- Licenses and Insurance: Make sure the garage door service provider has the right insurance and a license to work in your area.
- Quality of Products: If you decide to get a replacement, ask the service provider about the brands and materials they use. Most of the time, better warranties come with high-quality items that last longer.
- Transparency and Communication: A trustworthy service provider should be clear about prices, schedules, and the services they offer.
Get Multiple Quotes
To get the best value for your money, get quotes from more than one garage door company. When doing this, think about the scope of the work, the quality of the materials, and the warranty. In some cases, higher quotes may offer better long-term value.
Check Reviews and References
The Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google, and social media sites can tell you a lot about a business’s image and how happy its customers are. Using testimonials, recommendations, and reviews can give you a full picture of how reliable and good a garage door service provider is.
Garage Door Installation Near Me
Got a problem with your garage door? Do not worry. At Titan Garage Doors Quad Cities, we are ready to help you figure out if your home needs a garage door repair or if your business is ready for new garage doors. Our licensed team is well-trained to do a full inspection of your garage door, giving you advice on what to do next. We offer reliable garage door services in Moline, including garage door maintenance and installation. So why wait? Call us today to learn more about your options in our products and service warranties.
