A garage door is not only an instrumental part of any home but also a great investment. However, when it gets older or occasionally begins malfunctioning, it can become a major headache. At this point, it may be time to replace your garage door.
However, such instances may not exactly require a full replacement. The best course of action may be a simple repair. But the biggest challenge for a homeowner can be determining just when to repair or replace your garage door.
We’ve asked Garage Doors Repaired Ltd, garage door specialists based in Bridgend. for their expert advice on the subject. With their help, you will discover some vital guidance to help you decide whether to repair or replace your garage door.
How to decide on whether to replace or repair
A garage door has a lifespan of approximately 30 years, provided that you carry out proper repairs and maintenance. Here are some ways to tell whether you need to repair or replace your garage door.
Type of damage
- Minor: The damage to the door might be visible but has no significant effect on how your garage door functions. For instance, the door might have some fading paint or a crack, which is entirely cosmetic. If the damage is cosmetic, then you will only need to repair the door.
- Moderate: The damage to the garage door might not be cosmetic. The functioning of the door might be affected, as well. For instance, a rusted door will not work as effectively as it did before. This will also mean that the safety of your garage is at risk too. If the garage door has functional damage, then the ideal choice is to replace it.
- Serious: If the damage to the door is quite severe and isn’t operating much like it used to, then you will have to replace it with a better functional one. If the door gets stuck or makes squealing noise, then you will have to replace it as well.
Damage extent
If the door has a minor issue such as peeling paint, then all you need to do is a repair job. If it has several issues such as squealing noise, cracked panels and jerky operation, then you will probably need to go for an upgrade.
Cost
Deciding whether to do a repair or replacement also depends entirely on the cost factor. For instance, if the repair cost is more than that of replacement, replacing the door will be your best option.
Age of the garage door
If the garage door only has minor damages, but it has lasted for several years, say about 20 years, you might consider replacing it. It will prove worth to invest in a new door instead of carrying out repairs on a door that has significantly less life left.
Automated garage door repairs
If the garage door has minor damages, consider doing repairs instead of buying a new one. The following circumstances might need you to repair your door:
- If it has stopped working: If the batteries are not faulty, you might have to repair them. The issue might be the mechanism of one of the door’s components, such as a faulty motor. This will require the services of a technician to repair it.
- Damaged panel: You can always sort out damaged by repairing them. Damaged panels are not that serious, but it would be best to replace them quickly to prevent cracks from spreading.
- Crooked or sagging garage door: If the garage door is crooked or sagging, that would mean the main problem is in the torsion springs, which mainly do the heavy lifting when the door is operational. You can replace the springs instead of buying a new door.
- Sensor failure: If the door doesn’t automatically open when it senses an obstacle, it may be a sign for repair.
Automatic garage door replacement
You should consider replacing your door in these scenarios:
- Multiple damaged panels: In this case, you will have to consider replacing your door. If multiple panels are cracked, it will be easy to replace them than fix the structural damage. igThis can result in uneven weight distribution that will end up stressing the motor. Therefore you might consider replacing the door.
- Excessively noisy garage door: If the door makes excessive squealing noise, you might need a new one. The door might be having broken hinges, springs or worn-out bearings. This might be an indication it has exhausted its lifespan.
- To reduce energy consumption: If you are looking to reduce energy consumption, you might want to replace the door if it has no damages. Most old garage doors are not well insulated. Therefore they let in a lot of heat. You might want to replace it with one with tighter seals and insulating polyurethane panels.
Conclusion
If your garage door starts making weird noises or occasionally stops working, it would be best not to ignore it. Always make a point of repairing it as soon as possible, or you will end up bearing the full replacement costs. However, if you aren’t entirely sure of what to do, always consult a professional to help you figure it out.
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