Last Updated on October 1, 2022 by Jason Nguyen
The garage door is one of the most important parts of your home – it protects your car, your belongings, and can even deter burglars.
Garage doors are frequently overlooked by homeowners. If something works, it isn’t always good. Your garage door can break down without your awareness, just like any other machine. And the worst part is that it might do so in an unexpected place and at an inconvenient time.
Experts from garage door repair Carol Stream recommend inspecting the garage door regularly to prevent such disasters. Your door might need spring repair, roller replacement, or garage door panel replacement. However, in some cases a repair won’t be enough, and you’ll need to replace the door entirely. Here are five signs that indicate it’s time for a new garage door:
1. Old Garage Door System
The average lifespan of a garage door is around 20-30 years. If your garage door is older than that, it’s definitely time to start thinking about replacement.
Older doors are made of inferior materials and are much less energy-efficient than newer models. They also tend to be much less reliable, and parts are harder to find.
2. High Energy Bills
If your energy bills have been steadily increasing, even though you haven’t been using your garage door more frequently, it’s time to get a new one.
Older doors are much less energy-efficient than newer models, so they’ll be costing you more money to operate. A new insulated garage door will save you money on your energy bills and also be more reliable.
R-value is a measure of thermal resistance. It indicates how well a material insulates. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. It is recommended to have an R-value of 14 or higher for your garage door.
3. Noisy Door & Unusual Vibrations
If your garage door is making more noise than usual, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Another sign might be if your garage door is vibrating excessively, it could be a sign that the system is under too much strain.
Try replacing the springs and lubricating the moving parts and hinges. If this does not solve the problem, it may be one of the signs that your garage door is failing. In any case, it’s best to get it checked out by a professional.
4. Low Security
Given that the main purpose of a garage door is to keep your car and other belongings in the garage safe, it would be best to replace any doors with low security. With a smart garage door opener, you can control and monitor your garage door through an application.
New LiftMaster garage door openers come with the MyQ technology that lets you do this. You can also get garage doors with fingerprint scanners and other high-tech security features.
5. Frequent Repairs
If your door needs repairs more than once a year, it’s time to start thinking about replacement. The repair bills will add up, and it’ll be more cost-effective in the long run to get a new door. A new garage door will also be more reliable and require less maintenance.
Upgrading Curb Appeal
A garage door is often seen as a status symbol and an important part of many peoples’ homes. But it’s not just for show- a new garage door has the highest recouped value among home renovation projects, meaning that it will increase your property value and curb appeal.
So, if you want to preserve a high return rate, you need to design your exterior garage door well. Furthermore, adding advanced features to your garage door – like a WiFi opener with a camera – can make it much more appealing and valuable. If you’re considering selling your home down the line, this would likely be beneficial for you.
These are just some of the signs that indicate you need to replace your garage door. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with a professional. They can help you assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
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FAQs
What is the lifespan of a garage door?
The typical garage door has a lifespan of about 15-20 years. However, with proper maintenance and care, your garage door can last much longer. By regularly inspecting and servicing your garage door, you can help to extend its lifespan.
How often should a garage door be repaired?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the type of garage door, the frequency of use, and the environment in which the door is located. For example, a garage door that is used daily in a humid climate is likely to need more frequent repairs than one that is used only occasionally in a dry climate. In general, however, most garage doors should be repaired at least once every two years.
Can you wear out a garage door?
Doors provide one of the most important functions in our homes – they keep us and our belongings safe from the elements and intruders. But, like all things, doors are not indestructible and will eventually wear out. So, how long does a garage door last? And can you wear it out?
The average garage door will last for around 10,000 cycles – that’s opening and shutting the door around 2,500 times. But, of course, this number will vary depending on the quality of the door, how often it’s used, and other factors.
Wearing out a garage door is possible but unlikely. If you use your door multiple times a day, every day, then it’s possible that you could reach the 10,000 cycle mark relatively quickly. But for most people, their garage door will last for years and years without any issue.
Of course, even if you can’t wear out your garage door, that doesn’t mean that it will last forever. Eventually, all doors will need to be replaced. But if you take good care of your door and keep up with regular maintenance, then you can extend its life significantly.
What maintenance should I do on my garage door?
The best way to keep your garage door in good working condition is to perform regular maintenance on it. At least once a year, you should check the door for any signs of wear and tear, and make sure that all the parts are properly lubricated.
You should also inspect the tracks and rollers for any damage or debris. If you find any problems, be sure to contact a professional garage door repair service to have the issue fixed.
In addition to annual maintenance, you should also perform a monthly visual inspection of your garage door. Check the door for any cracks or dents, and make sure that all the hardware is tight and secure. Also, take a look at the tracks and rollers to ensure that they are free of debris and damage. If you notice any problems, be sure to contact a professional garage door repair service as soon as possible.
What does a garage door tune up consist of?
A garage door tune up typically includes a safety check, adjustment of the door opener, lubrication of the door and opener parts, and a thorough inspection of the door.
Why does my garage door start down and then go back up?
There are several reasons why your garage door may start going down and then back up again. One possibility is that the door sensors are misaligned or dirty, causing the door to think something is in the way and triggering the reversal mechanism.
Another possibility is that the springs or cables that lift the door are damaged or broken, causing the door to fall back down after starting to open. If you suspect either of these issues, it’s best to call a professional garage door repair technician for help.