Garage doors are integral to your home, offering vehicle entrance and security. They can last 15 to 30 years, but wear and tear can lead to repairs and the eventual need for replacement. Depending on the garage door’s age and degree of damage, deciding between repair and replacement can be challenging.
Signs That Your Garage Door Needs Repair
Pay attention to your garage door so that you can notice when changes occur. Changes in function can alert you to issues that need professional intervention. If you notice any of the following signs, call for professional repairs to restore your door’s function.
Unusual Noises During Operation
Pay attention to the normal sounds of your garage door. If your door begins making strange noises like squeaks and grinding, it can indicate problems with components like the springs, rollers, or track. A misaligned door will cause scraping, grinding, or thumping noises. Technicians can often repair the individual parts causing the noises or realign the door without replacing it.
Sluggish Door Movement
Garage door should move smoothly. If it becomes sluggish and hesitates, the problem could lie within the tracks or the motor. Sometimes, the door tracks may need lubrication, which is an easy fix. Technicians can also replace a failing motor without replacing the door.
Panel Damage
Technicians can often repair minor dings, dents, and scratches because these do not compromise the door’s structural stability. Cosmetic repairs will make your garage door look more attractive and improve your home’s curb appeal.
Broken Springs or Cables
Garage door cables and springs typically last several years but can become worn over time and need replacing, especially when they break. The torsion springs or cables are essential components for weight distribution. Technicians can replace the springs or cables and extend the garage door’s lifespan.
Is Replacement the Best Choice?
While malfunctioning garage doors can often be repaired, some issues point to replacement. The following scenarios may result in garage door replacement.
Extensive Structural Damage
Extensive damage to the garage door’s structural components can weaken them and make operation dangerous. Severe warping is particularly troublesome because the door can fall without warning, causing serious injuries.
Broken or severely damaged panels compromise the door’s integrity. The International Door Association (IDA) recommends immediate garage door replacement when severe structural damage occurs. You should not continue to operate your existing garage door while you await the replacement.
Energy Efficiency Issues
Older doors often lack insulation, which can cause significant energy loss. According to the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association, thermal performance measures a garage door’s ability to resist heat transfer. A high “R” value indicates better insulation levels. A good rating falls between R-12 and R-16. Professional technicians can help homeowners select the best “R” rating to improve their garage doors’ energy efficiency.
Frequent Repairs
Repeated breakdowns and repairs may indicate that your garage doors are nearing the end of their lifespan. The IDA recommends replacing a garage door if the repair costs exceed 50% of the door replacement cost. Seeking professional advice can help you determine which option will be most cost-effective.
Outdated Design and Safety Features
Older garage doors, especially those aged 15 years or older, may lack key safety features, such as auto-reverse mechanisms. Auto-reverse automatically reverses the garage door’s direction if it encounters an obstruction, preventing injuries and property damage.
Photoelectric safety sensors detect objects within the garage door’s path and alert the auto-reverse mechanism to engage. New garage doors also offer features like pinch-resistant panels and manual release mechanisms.
Advantages of Replacing Garage Doors
Replacing your garage door offers multiple benefits, including enhanced curb appeal and home value. Modern garage doors offer better performance and enhanced features that older doors do not have. Replacing your garage doors can also lead to increased energy efficiency. Other advantages include:
- Improved security features
- Quieter operation
- More reliable operation
- Improved durability
- Easier maintenance
Professional Garage Door Testing
A professional inspection plays a vital role in helping you decide whether you need garage door repair or replacement. Experienced technicians use a systematic approach to determining the best course of action for your garage door. They begin with a complete inspection that includes checking for signs of damage to the doors, springs, or cables. They also perform garage door testing.
Performance Testing
Technicians open and close the garage door multiple times, evaluating its movements. They will look for sluggish operation, jerking motions, and unusual noises.
Balance Testing
A garage door cannot operate safely and efficiently without proper balance. Testing involves disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the garage doors to ensure they stay positioned at various heights. If the door hangs unevenly or suddenly falls, there are issues with the springs or cables.
Motor and Opener Testing
Technicians test the opener to ensure consistent performance. They examine the motor, sensors, and remote control to check for issues. They also test safety features, such as the auto-reverse mechanism.
Spring and Cable Load Testing
The springs and cables bear the weight of the door. Technicians use specialized tools to check the tension in the springs and the cable strength.
Energy Efficiency Review
Technicians also check the garage door for any air leaks around it. They will assess whether the door is contributing to energy loss and may recommend upgrades to help you prevent energy waste and save money on electricity bills.
Complete Diagnosis
After performing the steps above, professional technicians will provide owners with a highly detailed diagnosis. They will determine if repairs will restore safe operation or if a replacement is a safer and more cost-effective option. Their expertise and knowledge ensure you receive accurate recommendations for your home’s needs and budget.
New Garage Doors Come With Warranties
Garage door replacement offers the often-overlooked benefit of warranty coverage. Modern garage doors from reputable manufacturers frequently offer comprehensive warranties that may cover materials and mechanical components.
New garage doors may come with one of two warranty options: limited and lifetime. Limited warranties cover specific parts, such as the panels or hardware, for a period, usually five to 10 years.
Lifetime warranties may cover structural components, such as the tracks, for as long as you own the garage door. A solid warranty offers homeowners great peace of mind and can also reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses.
Repair or Replacement?
Whether to repair or replace your garage door is a significant decision that impacts your home’s safety. Every situation is unique, which is why the evaluation requires professional intervention. If you notice problems, seek professional testing. An expert can help you understand the degree of damage and offer cost-effective solutions.
Halls Garage Doors offers residential and commercial garage door services in Christiansburg and surrounding areas, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. We have been providing garage door services since the 1980s. We offer free estimates on garage door replacements and no-hassle financing on approved credit.
Call our expert technicians at Halls Garage Doors when you need garage door repair or replacement in Christiansburg.
