Maintenance and repairs are most people’s least favorite aspects about being a homeowner. Sometimes it’s hard to know when things can be patched up or if it’s time for a complete replacement. When it comes to garage doors, there are several reasons your garage door may need some attention.
Your garage door track might be squeaking, you might have noticed water leaking into your garage, or you may have a damaged section of your garage door. If you’re dealing with the latter, let’s discuss when to replace a garage door section.
Should it stay, or should it go?
A dented, damaged, or entirely broken garage door panel is definitely a problem. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace the garage door entirely. You may have the option to replace a section of your garage door instead.
Minor dents, scratches, and even cracks might not be anything to stress over when it comes to your garage door. If the damage is minimal and limited to one section, replacing a panel is a great budget-friendly garage door repair option that saves time and money. Of course, you will want to contact a professional to take a look and confirm if replacing a panel is all you need.
In some cases, though, it may save money to replace the garage door entirely.
Consider the cost of replacing a panel vs. the whole door
Older garage doors, for example, have harder-to-find panels and are not as efficient as new ones. You may save money on energy costs and repair costs by replacing the door altogether.
Consider the extent of the damage
If you’ve damaged the outside of your garage door, closest to the track, you’ll also want to inspect the track for damage. If the damage is extreme, you may need to consider replacing that, as well.
Consider your home’s exteriors
Sometimes, damage to a garage door panel is a blessing in disguise. Upgrading your garage door can offer a ton of ROI for your home and boost curb appeal. If your garage door is older and damaged, it might be time to upgrade to a gorgeous new garage door that elevates the exterior of your home.
Prevention is key
Decided you only want to replace a panel? Great. Now, how do you protect your garage door from future damage? Obviously, the best way to prevent replacing panels — or your entire garage door — is to keep an eye out for any potential issues. There are a few critical aspects to be aware of in terms of protecting your garage door.
Cables, springs, and pulleys
These mechanisms open and close your door, so regular inspection is an important safety measure that prolongs the life of your garage door. You should also check panels frequently to see if they fold in correctly, if they’ve been damaged by recent weather, etc.
Tracks and rollers
It’s essential to keep these areas clean of any debris like leaves or dirt buildup so that your garage door doesn’t get clogged. Keeping tracks and rollers clean can also prevent any panel damage caused by misalignment.
Panel maintenance
Your panels also need a bit of TLC. From time to time, make sure you’re cleaning the panels inside and out, removing cobwebs, dirt, mud, etc. This can help protect the paint or material and also prevent damaging buildup between panels.
Lubrication
Keep parts of your garage door from wearing down over time with routine lubrication to avoid friction. This can also help your panels move more smoothly over the track and reduce damage from panels grinding on one another.
Turn to American Garage Door to learn more.
At American Garage Door, we have an expert team ready to help you understand the ins and outs of your garage door concerns (no pun intended). American Garage Door is dedicated to providing the highest quality garage door sales, service, and repairs in Denver, and we even offer same-day repair services. Don’t let a garage door problem interrupt your daily routine — call us today for garage door panel replacement.
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