Like your front doors and fences, your garage door is crucial for your home’s security. It protects your vehicles and other valuable items from intruders and harsh weather. It can even increase your property value. In fact, a garage door replacement can give you a 93.8% ROI.
How long do garage doors typically last?
On average, garage doors can last for about 15 to 30 years as long as they’re properly maintained or their parts are checked regularly. However, several factors could affect their expected longevity, such as the materials used, regular cleaning, scheduled inspections, and amount of use (average number of times closed/opened in a day). Furthermore, identifying issues and addressing them immediately reduces the need for a garage door replacement.
When should you replace your garage door?
But like other things, your garage door will eventually require total replacement. Otherwise, failure to replace your garage door in time could result in garage door-related injuries or accidents to you and other household members. Over 2,500 people are crushed by faulty garage doors every year in the US, and another 7,500 people are injured from being pinched by their garage doors.
Thus, part of your responsibility is to perform regular inspections and request a total garage door replacement when necessary. But how can you tell whether it’s finally time to replace your garage doors? Keep reading to find out.
1. Your garage door is more than 15 to 20 years old
If your garage door still works fine but is already more than 15 to 20 years old, you need to replace it. Because it’s old, it will be prone to damage or may lead to accidents later on. In case you’re unsure how old your garage door is, you can check the ‘date of manufacture’ located on the back of the door.
When picking a new garage door for your home, consider the material, such as fiberglass. Fiberglass garage doors are known for their durability and increased door strength. This means that if your garage door is made of fiberglass, it can resist damage and deter intruders from breaking in. Furthermore, fiberglass garage doors are designed to have a wood-like appearance but without the warping, rotting, or cracking part, giving your garage a timeless and appealing look.
Overall, adding a brand-new garage door will not only promote safety but will also enhance your home’s visual appeal.
2. Your garage door shows visible signs of wear and tear
Considering that your garage door has been closed and opened a lot of times in the last few years, it’s no surprise if it starts to show visible signs of scrapes, bumps, knocks, or scratches. And while a quick repair may have sufficed the first few times, there could still be more serious signs of wear and tear on the door’s joints, hinges, or springs. Remember, a damaged garage door will not only look shabby and visually unattractive, but it could also pose a threat to you and your family.
So, when you see signs of wear and tear, call a professional garage door inspector or installer and let them assess your garage door. They’ll determine whether a complete garage door replacement is the best option.
A garage door isn’t something that must be considered a DIY project. All types of garage doors are heavy and operate with springs and hinges that only professionals know how to deal with.
3. Your garage door produces strange and persistent noises
Naturally, your garage door will make a noise when you close or open it. But if you hear weird noises like grinding or creaking every time you operate your garage door, then something’s wrong. Those odd and persistent noises often come from loose, broken, or worn-out parts that need to be replaced immediately.
Older garage doors tend to become louder or noisier as each year passes. While regular repair or maintenance can temporarily resolve the issue, noises still affect the overall efficiency of your garage door and could make it a safety hazard.
So, if you start noticing those strange and non-stop noises, have your garage door replaced before it’s too late.
4. Your garage door isn’t opening or closing properly
A functional garage door is supposed to open or close smoothly during operation. However, if it opens or closes too slowly or doesn’t work at all, then you need a new one. An issue like this usually signifies internal joint problems or mechanical failure, which a simple repair may not resolve.
In addition, a garage door that doesn’t close or open properly is a security threat since intruders could break in easily. Statistics show that 9% of burglars use garage doors as one of their main access points. Therefore, to maintain your property’s security and eliminate safety hazards, upgrade your garage door as soon as possible.
Key takeaway
A garage door replacement may seem like an expensive and tedious project, but it’s a beneficial and significant one that must be done to maintain the security and safety of your home. In short, a garage door replacement will be a worthwhile investment.
So, give your trusted garage door company a call today and discuss your options for your new garage door.
