How Do You Know You Need To Replace Your Garage Door?

Wear and Tear Damage to the Door or Its Moving Parts

If your garage door is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time for a replacement. Look for dents or scratches in the door itself, as well as cracks in the weather-stripping. Also, check to see how smoothly the door opens and closes. If it's starting to stick or squeak, that's a sign that the door is starting to wear out.

Damaged or Broken Panels

If you have a wood garage door, check the panels to see if any are cracked, warped, or otherwise damaged. If so, they will need to be replaced. With a steel door, look for any that are bent or dented. Also, check to see if the panels are starting to rust.

Your Door is No Longer Insulated Properly

If you live in a climate where it gets cold in the winter, you'll want to make sure your garage door is properly insulated. Otherwise, all that heat from your home will escape through the door, making your energy bills go up. To check if your door needs to be replaced, put your hand near the edge of the door. If you feel a draft, that's a sign that the insulation has worn out and needs to be replaced.

Your Door is No Longer Opening or Closing Properly

If your garage door isn't opening or closing the way it used to, it's time for a replacement. This is usually due to wear and tear on the door's moving parts, like the springs, tracks, and rollers. Over time, these parts can start to break down, making it harder for the door to open and close properly. If you notice your door is having trouble, call a professional to take a look before it gets worse.

Your Door is More than 20 Years Old

Even if your garage door is still functioning properly, it may be time for a replacement if it's more than 20 years old. That's because advances in technology and manufacturing mean that newer doors are more energy-efficient and durable than older ones. So if your door is starting to show its age, it's probably time for an upgrade.

Your Door is Not Energy-Efficient

If your energy bills have been going up, even though you haven't been using your garage door more, it may be time for a replacement. That's because an old or inefficient garage door can let a lot of heat escape, making your home less energy-efficient. Look for a door that has an R-value of at least 7, which is the industry standard for energy efficiency.

Your Door is Not Secure

If your garage door is not secure, it may be time for a replacement. That's because a new door will have better security features, like stronger locks and automatic locking mechanisms. If your door is not secure, it could be an easy target for burglars. So if you're concerned about the security of your garage, it's time to upgrade to a new door.

Your Door Opens or Closes on Its Own

If your garage door starts opening or closing on its own, that's a sign that the springs or other moving parts are starting to wear out. This can be dangerous, as it could cause the door to come crashing down. If you notice your door opening or closing on its own, call a professional to take a look before it gets worse.

Your Door is Making Strange Noises

If your garage door starts making strange noises, like creaking, grinding, or screeching, it's time for a replacement. These noises are usually caused by wear and tear on the door's moving parts. Over time, these parts can start to break down, which will cause the door to make noise. If you notice your door is making noise, call a professional to take a look before it gets worse.

You Want to Upgrade Your Door for Aesthetic Reasons

If you're simply tired of the way your garage door looks, it may be time for a replacement. There are many different styles and colors of garage doors to choose from, so you can find one that fits your home's style. If you're looking for a more modern look, there are also many different materials to choose from, like steel, wood, and aluminum. So if you're ready for a change, it's time to upgrade your garage door.

These are just a few signs that it may be time to replace your garage door. If you're not sure, it's always best to call a professional for an inspection. They can help you determine if your door needs to be replaced or if it can be repaired.