If your garage door is decades old, it's probably time to replace it. Here are four other signs that indicate it's time for a new garage. Your garage door is one of the most important components of your home. It's what keeps your car safe from the elements and intruders. But like all things, it has a lifespan. And when that lifespan comes to an end, it's time to replace your garage door with a new one. Not sure if it's time for a replacement? Here are three signs:
Your Garage Door Is Noisy
When your garage door starts making strange noises, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the springs or tracks. If you ignore the problem, it could get worse and eventually lead to a complete breakdown of the system. So if you notice any unusual noises coming from your garage door, have a professional service — such as Affordable Garage Door Services, LLC — take a look at it.
It Takes Forever to Open or Close
If opening and closing the door feels like it's taking forever, or if it's moving slower than usual, this can be another sign that something isn't right. Again this could be related to an issue with either tracks or springs so best not to ignore this either.
You're Having Trouble Finding Parts for Repairs
If you're constantly having to repair your garage door because parts are constantly breaking, it might be less expensive in the long run to just replace the entire thing. In addition, if you can't find parts for repairs, that means they're no longer being manufactured, which likely means that the model of garage door will eventually be discontinued, at which point repairing it becomes even more difficult and expensive.
Your Home's Value Has Gone Up
If you've made significant improvements to your home or live in an area where property values have gone up significantly, it makes sense to replace your garage door with one that's nicer looking and of better quality since it contributes to your home's curb appeal.
You Can See Daylight Underneath It When Closed
A final telltale sign that you need replacing rather than repairing, is finding gaps in between where the bottom panel meets the floor. When closed, the door should not allow any light to escape below it. Not only can this be an indication of worn or failing parts but can also signal that the door is not level or has been knocked out of alignment. If there's enough room for light underneath then definitely time for an upgrade.
These are just a few examples but hopefully, they help give some guidance on when the best time is to replace rather than repair your garage door. Whether it's noise, slow movement, trouble finding parts, or not being able to see daylight when it's closed, these are some signals that say it's time to invest in a new one. And if you think your garage door might be near the end of its lifespan, it's always a good idea to get a professional evaluation to make sure.
Do you remember the last time you really evaluated the structural integrity and security of your home? Although many people assume that their home is plenty safe, the fact of the matter is that creating a safe environment is about more than security systems and guard dogs. Since your garage door is a main entrance point into your home, it is important to think carefully about what you can do to make things right. On my blog, I discuss all of the different aspects of garage door maintenance and replacement, so that you can explore different ways to make your home even more beautiful.