Garage doors are one of the most neglected features of a home. Most homeowners forget about them until they stop working properly.
Over time, even the best garage doors suffer from wear and tear that naturally occurs due to frequent use. It can cause problems or even break suddenly, which can be annoying or downright dangerous.
If your garage door is not operating as it should be, you have two options— repair it or replace it. Which option is best will depend on several factors. Here are a few key tips in determining what you should do:
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1) Ask A Professional
The most important thing you can do is consult a professional, regardless of which direction you choose to go.
Even if you’re installing garage doors for the first time, professionals can help you choose the right one. For instance, if you can’t decide which door is perfect for your concrete garage, professionals can enumerate your options to fit your need. You can also read more on how to choose a suitable door for your concrete garage on the internet.
A professional can inspect your garage door and give you recommendations on what to do based on his findings. Whether you choose to repair or replace your garage door, it is recommended that you let the professionals handle the inspection.
Garage doors are complicated, especially the automated ones with delicate electrical systems and motors. Remember that your garage door is only as useful as it is reliable. You can repair or replace it on your own, but if done improperly, the system may not work properly and result in costly replacement or repairs in the future.
If you live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and need a reliable garage door provider to inspect and repair or replace your garage doors, then visit queencitygaragedoors.com. The company is locally owned and operated with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
2) Determine Fixable Issues
A garage door is not a cheap investment. So, if it starts acting strange, your first option is to have it repaired. What issues are repairable, though?
Sagging Doors
When your garage door only closes halfway, does it look like one side is lower? This is a sign of an imbalanced garage door, which can increase wear and tear on the lifting mechanism.
If one side is sagging, only one spring has likely started to wear, putting uneven stress on your lift motor.
In such cases, it’s essential to consider seeking Emergency Garage Door Repair services. Fortunately, skilled experts can address this issue by replacing the springs and rehanging the door or implementing any other necessary steps.
Damaged Panels
Dents and dings are common. They can easily be repaired and is a cost-effective option than replacing the entire door. However, this is best if the damage is limited to a single panel. Most garage door manufacturers supply individual replacement panels for this purpose.
Stopped Working
Most homeowners think of replacement when their garage doors suddenly stop working. Still, sudden breakdowns of garage doors are pretty common and easy to fix.
Most people forget to replace the batteries of their garage door remote control. If it’s not your batteries, it’s probably something isolated and more of a component replacement than an entire garage door replacement.
Lifting Struggles
Garage doors are heavy, so the lift motor that closes and raises your door can experience a lot of wear and tear. If your garage door seems to struggle, the springs may be starting to wear and lose their strength. Simply replacing the springs should make the door work good as new.
3. Understand Signs To Replace
While minor repairs can help save you some money, if you often experience issues and troubles with your garage door, then you might want to dig deeper and understand the signs that say it needs replacement.
Severe Damage
Not to be confused with minor dents and damages, if your garage door is damaged due to inclement weather or an accident, you should consider replacing it entirely. If several door panels have been damaged, make sure to have them fixed to avoid further issues with the motor and tracking mechanism and eliminate possible dangers.
Old Doors
If maintained properly, garage doors can last up to 30 years. If your garage door has not hit that age yet but is prone to more repairs or malfunctioning due to its old parts, then it may be better to upgrade to a brand-new garage door.
Poor Energy Efficiency
Energy inefficiency is another sign to replace your garage door. Because garage doors are big, open doors can allow indoor air to escape and let the outside air in.
Even with good garage insulation, the difference in temperature between your home and garage will affect your energy bill. Installing a new garage door can offer better energy efficiency, lowering your energy cost and saving you money.
Conclusion
Whether you need a brand-new garage door or it simply needs minor repairs, a properly working one affects more than the aesthetics of your home. If you’re unsure of what you should do, you can always consult a reliable professional to inspect your garage door and determine the possible option for your case.
