Old and damaged garage doors can be a life-threatening safety and security hazard. Aside from that, they’re a 300 lb eyesore reducing the curb appeal of your home. But how long do garage doors last and when is it time for a new one?
We answer that and more below with 5 signs it’s time for a new garage door.
1. Decomposition
Decomposition is a problem specific to wooden doors. Though you can finish the wood protect it and provide longevity, that protection wears down over the years. Wood is a natural material that reacts to the humidity in the environment. Over time, wooden garage doors can start to sag, rot, or decompose and need to be replaced. Wood doors usually last about 15 to 30 years.
If you purchased an old home or your garage door is starting to show the following signs, it may be time for a new door:
- Wood rot
- Visible Sagging
- Splintering
- Soft spots
2. Persistent Repairs
Regular maintenance on your garage door is vital for ensuring it functions at its best throughout its usable life. With proper care, a typical garage door should last you 20 to 30 years depending on the materials. The mechanics like the opener or tensions springs last about 10 to 15 years. So maintenance frequency of once a year is enough in most cases. However, if you find your door is experiencing persistent problems and you’re calling in the pros more often, it’s time for a new garage door.
3. Aging Out of Style
The problem with old doors is not simply that they will start needing more repairs. Old doors are constructed differently. Garage door design, mechanics, and architecture is always improving. This means your door’s mechanics can become obsolete leading to more difficult and expensive repairs.
Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $750 – $4,000+ for a customized garage door. Because they are focal points of the home, you can also expect to recoup more than 98% of that cost if you ever decide to list.
4. Opening and Closing Problems
Loud, shaking, or stalled garage doors could be a sign your motor and opening equipment needs maintenance. But it could also be a sign that the door needs replacement. Your garage is a major entry point into your home. Opening and closing problems create an immediate safety hazard and a security threat. At between 130-350 lbs, a falling door is potentially fatal to anyone nearby.
Call in the experts immediately if you are experiencing this issue.
5. Losing Heat
If you’ve ever gone into a cold garage in the winter, you know how quickly you lose energy through your garage door. But is it worth it to replace the door?
Yes!
Gaps and air leakage in typical garages lead to higher energy bills, lost heat in the winter, and high temps in the summer. Insulated garage doors are shown to help reduce the energy necessary to heat the rest of your home, even if your garage itself isn’t insulated. Additionally, they show significant temperature improvements in the summer and winter months.
Insulated garage doors are also more durable because they are made with more material. This fortifies it against damage and wear and tear over the years.
Your garage door won’t always need replacing. Think of it like getting your roof done: Every 15 to 20 years is a good measure. But when you’re buying or selling a home or you want to spruce up your curb appeal, call in the pros at American Garage Door. We’ve been serving the Denver, CO area for more than 35 years and know what it takes to keep your garage safe and warm in the winter. Our emergency maintenance line is always open. Contact us today for all your garage door needs.
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