Garage Door: Repair or Replace?

Is your garage door showing its age? Or has it just seen better days? Sometimes it can be hard to determine if your garage door (or any part of the system) only needs to be repaired, or if you’re due for a replacement.

Depending on your garage door system, there are a number of components that can be replaced when worn or damaged in order to extend the life of the garage door. But when major repairs, new features, or a renovation are required, door replacement is the way to go.

Individual panels

Did someone park a little too close to the door (or fail to stop in time), and a single panel is damaged? Or did that budding athlete down the street hit a line drive through the garage door window? If your door model is still in production, replacing the panel is a cost-effective alternative to a new door.

If multiple panels are damaged, or there are no parts available, replacing the garage door may be your only option. Wood doors can be especially susceptible to irreparable damage from water (look for swelling and issues with binding when raising and lowering the door), pests (like termites), and impact. When replacing, it’s a good time to evaluate your needs and how you use your garage to choose the right door. Consider:

• Weather and exposure: make sure your new garage door is up to code for hurricane-resistance. If your previous door was more than a decade old, it may have not met current requirements, so this is another important reason to replace.
• Energy efficiency: do you use your garage only for storing your car, or is it an extension of your living space? If you host get-togethers, spend lots of time in the workshop, or otherwise use your garage year-round as habitable space, an insulated garage door will keep the space more comfortable and save on energy bills (to prevent air conditioned or heated air from leaking out through an uninsulated door).
• Design: looking to increase curb appeal? If your new garage door is part of a larger renovation project (or is inspiring one), choose a door that will increase the attractiveness and value of your home—it’ll be worth the investment!

Torsion spring

This powerful spring makes it possible for you (or your electric garage door opener) to lift the door without taking on the full burden of, perhaps, 200 lbs! With all that heavy lifting, torsion springs usually last 6-10 years, but your door can keep on going. Expect to replace the torsion spring multiple times before replacing the door.

Tracks and rollers

Tracks and rollers keep the garage door moving up and down smoothly, but they can be subject to wear and damage. High quality rollers with ball bearings can enjoy a long life, but many entry-level garage doors are installed with plastic rollers that can wear down. Swapping these out for better ball-bearing rollers will improve performance and longevity.

Tracks can be damaged by impact, misaligned rollers, a snapped cable, or even the door itself. A minor misalignment could be repairable, while more significant damage may require replacement.

Garage door opener

Automatic garage door openers can last a couple decades, but parts can go bad before the unit needs complete replacement. If your opener starts acting up and is 10+ years old, you might get a few more years with some repair, but if the estimate is costly, it’s worth considering a replacement. When replacing, it’s a great time to consider new features, like wifi cameras and remote access so you can control your garage door opener from your smartphone—even when you’re not home!

Call the pros

Many garage door repairs are best left to the professionals primarily because of the danger involved. Doors are heavy, torsion springs are under very high pressure, and most of us have no need to keep specialty garage door repair tools on hand. Call a trusted garage door service and repair professional to evaluate your door system, or who can recommend the right new door for your application.