A garage door opener will last 10 to 15 years. That is about the same lifespan as the garage door itself.
You may be able to go for several years without replacing your garage door. However, there usually comes a time when you will need to replace it.
It can sometimes be tempting to hang on to your old garage door and save money by repairing it. While this is sometimes a good solution, in many cases getting a new garage door is a better option.
Take a look at these major signs that you need a garage door replacement.
Age
If your garage door is more than ten years old and it stops working properly you likely need to get a new one.
Garage doors can withstand a lot of wear-and-tear. A garage door is likely to be open thousands of times by the end of the year.
This is a lot of movement. It is no surprise that after a decade, it is usually time for a garage door replacement.
Opening and Closing Issues
Problems opening and closing the door is one of the key signs that will tell you that getting a new garage door is probably necessary. If your garage door starts giving you trouble, then you need to perform an inspection.
A thorough inspection will often help you to locate the problem. Your garage door should open seamlessly to provide you with a smooth transition from your car to inside the garage.
If this transition becomes a chore because your garage door is not cooperating, then it may be time for a replacement.
Increase Energy Cost
The last thing you need is a garage door that is draining energy and increasing your utility bill. One of the major signs of an old door is losing insulation, is that your energy costs will go up.
If you start noticing that every month the costs of your energy bills keep increasing, it may be due to your old garage door losing its insulation. This means that your air conditioning and heating systems have to work overtime, and this increases your energy bill.
Obvious Damage
If your garage door is damaged, then it may need replacement. If it has been damaged by vandalism, an accident, or storms then, these are reasons to replace your door.
When a garage door is physically damaged, it may have broken springs. A broken tension string is particularly dangerous because broken springs can fly loose and hurt you.
It may also fly loose and damage your car or other items in the garage. You will know if your tension string is broken when your garage door refuses to open.
Garage Door Replacement
The signs that you need garage door replacement are usually very obvious. It is best to replace your garage door as soon as possible. An old or damaged garage door can present a hazard to your safety.
This is why it is best to do a replacement as soon as it becomes necessary. If you would like more home improvement tips, please visit the kitchen section of the website.
