Do you need overhead door repair or replacement? Keep in mind that overhead doors are an investment in your property. In today’s suburbs, many have attached garages. A detached garage without electricity or a garage converted to storage may go unnoticed in older homes in metropolitan areas. Whether your door needs some repair or a replacement, there are some aspects to consider before making a decision.
Narrowing The Decision
How long does an overhead garage door usually last? With proper care, an overhead door can last up to 30 years. Depending on the situation, a rookie driver may have mistakenly backed into the overhead door, or a windstorm may have smashed some panels. Most overhead garage doors have numerous panel layers pressed together to have an even surface. Leaving a minor crack on the overhead door panel neglected might lead to bigger problems.
Is it time for an overhead door replacement? Should you only fix it? The solution may depend on these several variables:
Age Of Your Overhead Door
If your overhead door has little damage but is 15- 20 years old for example, you may consider replacing it. An old worn-out door will need to be replaced sooner or later. So, it may not be worth repairing a door that has a limited lifespan. Consider replacing your old door, even if the damage is minor, for a more modern look or one that better boosts your home’s curb appeal.
Also, the older overhead door has few security features. Their set codes make them an easy entryway for robbers utilizing radio frequency identification devices.
Nowadays, there are a better variety of overhead doors. Modern models have advanced technology with rolling codes. The code varies every time the door is opened. Therefore, the code can’t be stolen. The outcome is better security. If you still have an older model, check its security features to ensure your property is properly protected.
Type Of Damage
Your decision should also be based on the type of problem your overhead door has. Your overhead garage door may be aesthetically damaged or functionally compromised.
- It means that the damage doesn’t compromise its structural integrity or performance. It might have a major crack or chipped paint. If your door is only cosmetically damaged, it is usually cheaper to repair than replace.
However, minor surface damage can impact your door’s lifting mechanism; it may be causing more serious issues. If one side of your overhead door looks lower than the other while half-closed, it’s uneven. It could mean that your door is adding to the lifting mechanism’s wear and tear. A door’s efficiency depends on balance, and if one side sags, one of your springs has worn out faster. This imbalance will strain your door’s lift motor. Another simple fix is the repair. An expert may replace your door’s springs and rehang them to restore balance. Remember to call the experts for your repairs. While a basic garage door fix may seem to be a straightforward remedy, attempting to repair it yourself puts your safety, home security, and investment in danger.
- Sometimes the problem isn’t simply aesthetic – it’s structural. A corroded or warped door, for example, won’t work as well. It also won’t keep out the elements or keep out burglars and other attackers.
- If your door no longer opens and closes properly, gets stuck, squeaks, or won’t open at all, it’s time for a new one. But first, make sure it’s not a simple battery or spring issue.
Cost
It all depends on your budget. Which improvements are you willing to make for your overhead door? Is the new door currently within your budget? Is repairing it better? Depending on the door model, some repairs may be more difficult and costly. Single roll-up and tile-up doors are the cheapest. Custom roll-up doors cost more, as do custom solid wood doors. Commonly, repairing an overhead door is cheaper than replacing it. But if the breaks are severe or regular, the cost can double or triple.
Regardless, if the cost of repairs exceeds a new door, it is better to replace it. Even if the repairs cost less than a new door, the benefits of replacing it could outweigh the costs of repairs.
Conclusion
The overhead door is critical to your security. Additionally, you should avoid tampering with safety security concerns. Whether to repair or replace your overhead door, call the professionals who can complete the task promptly and efficiently for you. Additionally, they’ll be able to evaluate the scale of the situation and offer the best solution.
