Garage doors are durable things, as they are designed to last up to 30 years.
A garage door’s longevity depends on several factors, though. The type of door, how you care for it, and the local climate matter as far as your garage door’s lifespan is concerned.
Sometimes, however, a garage door may need replacing well before its expected expiration date.
Some of the signs you need a new garage door may include the following:
It Has Sustained Severe Impact Damage
All it takes for a garage door to sustain severe impact damage is for newbie drivers to make a mistake taking the car in or out of the garage.
One miscalculation and your garage door could end up with a massive dent, or worse, in a crumpled mass.
If your garage door sustains that level of damage, it’s time to replace it.
It’s Making A Lot of Noise
A properly functioning garage door is generally silent while in operation.
However, if opening and closing your garage door produces squeaking, grinding, banging, grating, or crunching noises, there is clearly something wrong with it.
In some cases, these noises just mean that some components of your garage door may need lubrication, adjustment, or repair.
However, if your garage door continues to make a lot of noise despite your efforts at maintenance and repair, you might want to consider getting a new one.
It’s Rotting and Cracking In Places
If you have a wooden garage door, it’s going to last a long time if you have never been negligent in its maintenance.
If you haven’t been cleaning, repainting, or re-staining your wooden garage door regularly, it would only be a matter of time before it rots or cracks in places.
Considering that your garage door plays a crucial role in enhancing your home’s curb appeal, the existence of multiple cracks and rotting won’t be helping in that regard one bit.
While you can try to repair the damage, your garage door may no longer look as good as it did before. It’s probably best to get a replacement instead.
You Want A Different Material For Your Garage Door
Let’s assume once again that you currently have a garage door made of wood.
You probably chose a wooden garage door at that time because it’s inherently gorgeous and provides natural insulation.
However, after a few years, you’re starting to find its maintenance requirements a bit too taxing, considering how busy you are with work and family.
If you can’t keep up with its maintenance but don’t want to end up with a rotten, cracked, or damaged wooden garage door, it’s probably best for you to find a different type of garage door.
Garage doors come in different materials, including metal and fiberglass, which don’t require much maintenance.
Still, before deciding on a garage door material, make sure you learn about the pros and cons of each type so you can have a garage door that fits your preferences best.
It’s At The End of Its Lifespan
As mentioned above, garage doors have the potential to last 30 years. It’s not even unheard of for some homes to have garage doors older than that.
Still, if your garage door is already that old, it’s time to look for a replacement. You cannot risk your family’s safety and security with an aging garage door that could no longer be as effective at keeping the elements and potential intruders away.
Old garage doors also tend to show their age, and they won’t look that good anymore.
It Doesn’t Match Your House Design Anymore
In all likelihood, you chose and installed your existing garage door because it goes perfectly with your house’s design and architecture at the time.
But what if you just had your home remodeled to the point where it already looks different?
If you don’t mind having a mismatched garage door and house, then keep your current garage door and enjoy its benefits for years to come.
If you can’t stand the idea of a garage door that doesn’t complement your home in any way, replace it as soon as you can.
Your Energy Bills Are Rising
Many things can cause a drop in your home’s efficiency, which automatically leads to higher energy bills.
Your HVAC system could be having issues, or there might be gaps and spaces in your home that let cooled or heated air out.
Your garage door could also be a suspect, especially if it’s not insulated.
Many homeowners choose non-insulated garage doors for the simple reason that they’re cheaper than insulated ones.
However, non-insulated garage doors could end up being costlier in the long run because of their energy inefficiency.
If your HVAC system is perfectly fine and your house has no gaps, your non-insulated garage door is the likely reason for the sky-high energy bills. Replace it with an insulated garage door to boost your home’s efficiency.
Few things improve your home’s appearance and value as thoroughly as a quality garage door. When you get a new one, don’t be surprised if neighbors and passersby end up admiring your home from the outside. Your home’s curb appeal will skyrocket, thanks to your lovely, new garage door.
This award-winning home from Honest Abe Log Homes demonstrates how a beautiful and functional garage door can be incorporated into the home design.
