Garage doors are an integral part of the home. For some homes, the door takes up a sizable portion of one part of the home’s exterior side. And even though garage door maintenance and repair can extend the life of your garage door, there will come a time when you ask yourself how do I know if I need a new garage door?
Average Lifespan of a Garage Door
The average lifespan of a garage door can vary greatly but usually fall between 15-30 years. Well-maintained aluminum garage doors can have lifespans of up to 30 years. Steel garage doors that are well maintained can also last 30 years. If you find yourself considering a new garage door, one of the first things to look at is age. If it’s over 30 years and has other issues, it’s probably best to replace the garage door.
Reasons You Should Consider a New Garage Door
Safety Concerns
Garage doors are heavy and operate under high tension, making safety a top priority. Older doors may lack the latest safety features, such as photo-eye sensors or auto-reverse mechanisms. These features prevent the door from closing on objects or people in its path, reducing the risk of accidents. If your current door lacks these safety measures, it’s crucial to consider upgrading to a new one to ensure the safety of your family and pets.
Dents
Your garage door panels can be dented from all sorts of impacts, from a vehicle bumping the door to a tree limb to a basketball. There are two kinds of panel dents, cosmetic and structural. If your dent is more in the middle of the panel, way from the edges of each panel touch, then it is a cosmetic dent and it’s possible to fix that on your own. If the panel dent Is near the edge of the panel, that is a structural dent. Those can affect the way your garage door opens and closes. If you have one panel that is dented, you might be able to just replace that panel instead of the whole garage door. However, if two or more panels are damaged structurally, it might make sense just to replace the whole garage door. If you have had several cosmetic dents, these over the years can add up, weakening your garage door and dropping your home’s value at the same time.
Noisy Operation
Garage doors that produce excessive noise during operation can be a nuisance for you and your neighbors. While some noise is normal, if your door has become unusually loud, it may be an indication of underlying problems. Worn-out rollers, loose hardware, or damaged springs can contribute to the noise. A new garage door equipped with modern technology and quieter components can significantly reduce noise levels. For example, switching out old rusted metal rollers for newer more quiet nylon rollers would reduce the noise greatly. The same could be said for the hinges on the door itself. Old rusted hinges can make the door incredibly noisy. Changing out the door would also come with new hinges that would make the garage door that much quieter.
Broken Garage Door Parts
There are times that parts on your garage door are going to break, that includes rollers, hinges, handles and cables. This again kind of goes back to the age of your garage door. If it’s a newer installation, you probably should just replace the parts and you should be fine. However, older doors may have repeated parts breaking or being damaged. That is probably a sign you need a new garage door.
Security
If you have an older garage door or a lightweight one where you are worried about someone breaking into your garage, it might be time to think of a new garage door. Older garage doors don’t have the high level of security that we see on new models today. Construction methods, materials, and features have evolved over time resulting in garage doors that have more security.
Energy Efficiency
An outdated or poorly insulated garage door can lead to significant energy loss, impacting your home’s energy efficiency and increasing utility bills. If you notice drafts, cold air seepage, or excessive heat transfer through your garage, it’s time to consider a replacement. Modern garage doors are designed with energy-efficient materials, insulation, and weatherstripping, allowing you to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your garage while reducing energy consumption.
Change in Home Design Or Updating Curb Appel
If you are looking to remodel your home to update the look or drive up its curb appeal, a new garage door can go a long way in helping you with that. Your garage door plays a crucial role in your home’s overall curb appeal. If it’s worn, outdated, or clashes with the architectural style of your property, it can diminish the overall aesthetics. Upgrading to a new garage door can instantly transform the look of your home, enhancing its curb appeal and increasing its value. With a wide range of designs, materials, and finishes available, you can choose a door that complements your home’s style and makes a lasting impression.
Conclusion
Sometimes the answer the question of getting a new garage door is a simple one to answer, and sometimes it is not. If you live in the Houston area, Spectrum Overhead Door LLC has been installing new garage doors since 2006. We have won multiple awards in service because we believe every customer should be treated with dignity and respect. If you are on the fence about either getting a new garage door or repairing your garage door, contact us and we can set you up with a free consultation.