Knowing When It's Time For New Garage Doors
As the main access point for your home's garage, those weighty garage doors get a real workout daily. Experts like Steel-Line Gold Coast say that opening and closing them over and over inevitably leads to wear and tear.
But when exactly is the right time to invest in replacing tired, sagging doors with brand new ones? In this homeowner's guide, we cover the signs indicating your garage doors need an upgrade along with the benefits sparkling new garage doors can provide.
No. 1
How Long Do Garage Doors Last?
The average lifespan of garage doors is 15-30 years depending on the materials, installation quality, maintenance, and climate. Wood doors last 10-15 years before needing replacement. Steel or aluminum doors last 15-30 years.
Properly maintained garage doors can squeeze out the maximum lifespan. But if you notice any of the following, your doors may be signaling that it’s replacement time even if they're not quite worn yet.
No. 2
Clear Signs Your Garage Doors Need Replacing
Visible cracks, rotting wood, or rust: Anything that compromises the door's structural integrity means it's time. Deterioration can lead to everything from minor leaks to complete collapse. Don't risk it.
Failed insulation: If chilled air and drafts are seeping in from the garage, the insulation inside the door panels has likely broken down. New doors equal a cozier, more energy-efficient garage space.
Frequent repairs: Once you've had to repair a door more than once or twice, continuing to sink money into maintenance likely isn't worth it versus investing in new doors.
Noisy operation: Squeaking, creaking, and rattling sounds when opening or closing are red flags. It means worn-out springs and rollers that can fail without warning.
Sagging panels: If your door panels look droopy or misaligned, the cables keeping them taut are shot. Time to say bye-bye before they snap.
Rusted hardware: Check screws, bolts, hinges, handles, and tracks for rust. Rust leads to seizing, snapping, and breakdowns that can trap your car inside or compromise safety.
Dents or cracks: Large dents that warp door panels or cracks wider than a couple of inches point to material fatally weakened and prone to collapse.
If your doors are exhibiting any combination of these issues, it's likely time to call it and bring on the new doors.
No. 3
Benefits of New Garage Doors
"But my old garage doors are still functioning," you may say. Fair enough—if it ain't broke, why fix it? Here are worthwhile benefits to be gained from new garage doors that make it worth going for the upgrade:
Improved safety: New doors must comply with updated safety codes. They may have pinch-free designs, tamper-resistant bottom brackets, and other features to protect you and your family.
Increased energy efficiency: Modern door construction and insulation makes them up to 15 times more efficient at preventing heat or cooling loss than old doors. This impacts utility bills.
Reduced noise: Quiet new doors eliminate annoying squeaks and sounds thanks to tightly sealed weatherstripping and well-oiled, aligned moving parts.
Curb appeal: Dented or drab doors make a poor first impression. New doors in a stylish modern design can drastically improve your home's facade and value.
Smart features: Choose doors with convenient extras like built-in WiFi for controlling them via smartphone, motion-activated lighting, ceiling insulation, and more.
Take these benefits into account when weighing the costs. Over many years your new doors will be reliably serving you, they can provide a great return on investment in terms of savings, security, looks, and convenience.
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No. 4
Finding the Best Garage Door Replacement Company
Once you decide it's time to swap your worn-out garage doors for new ones, finding the right company for the job is key. Start by asking neighbors for referrals—firsthand recommendations are invaluable. Additionally, check for reviews on Google to gauge companies' reputations.
Look for licensed, insured, and experienced installers that have been around for many years. They should thoroughly explain all your available options—covering a variety of material types such as aluminum, steel, wood composite, and glass; detailing the different opener models, custom designs that cater to your unique needs, insulation choices for energy efficiency, warranties for peace of mind, and various pricing structures that fit within your budget.
Avoid any company that uses high-pressure sales tactics or pushes overpriced add-ons. Quality installers will help you choose doors within your budget that truly suit your needs. They'll handle permitting, old door removal, and full installation professionally.
Takeaways
Are your garage doors looking a bit droopy and worn out? Once those telltale signs of aging appear, it may be time to consider replacing them. Investing in new up-to-code doors made of durable modern materials can reward you with safety, efficiency, beauty, and convenience.
With the right doors expertly installed by a reputable company, you'll open your garage to a brighter, quieter, more attractive exterior for years to come. Here's to easy openers and smooth operation ahead!
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