A new garage door can improve your home’s appearance, provide a safer environment for children and pets, and increase energy efficiency. Choosing a door with insulated windows can save money on energy bills.
A new garage door can be expensive, but budgeting and planning will help you stay within your means. An experienced professional can offer many options that fit your needs and budget.
The Door Is Old
Depending on the age of your garage door, you may need to upgrade it to reduce the maintenance required. For example, if your old garage door constantly makes squeaky noises or grinding or scraping when it moves, this could be a sign that it’s time to replace the motor or rollers. Alternatively, your garage door might need some lubrication.
Investing in a new garage door can increase your home’s curb appeal and property value. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report, replacing your garage door ranked second among possible home improvement projects that can be recouped in the future.
Older garage doors are often less insulated than new models, which can lead to higher energy bills. If your energy bills have recently spiked, replacing your garage door with a more efficient option might be time.
Your garage door opener needs to be able to lift and push down a lot of weight, which is why it requires a sturdy counterweight system. The springs that help this system work can have a short lifespan and eventually must be replaced. If your garage door has an outdated strategy, it can close on a person or car accident. This is why modern systems are equipped with photo-eye safety reversing sensors that can keep the door from closing on an object.
The Door Is Broken
When it comes to homeownership, some things are very obvious. If your roof starts to leak or your toilet bowl cracks, it’s time for a replacement. A garage door constantly shaking, generating excessive noise, closing, and opening unevenly could also be due to a new replacement. This movement can cause the rollers to fall off the tracks, a serious safety issue for anyone who uses it.
It’s normal for a garage door to make some rattling sounds as it moves between the open and closed positions, but loud popping or rattling noises indicate that the components are nearing their end of life. If you’ve already tried lubricating the door and it’s still making this sound, it may be time for a full replacement.
If you must call a repair person for your garage door more than once a year, it’s time to upgrade. Click here for more information on how to upgrade your garage door. Regular maintenance, including lubrication, can prevent costly repairs.
A new garage door can increase your home’s energy efficiency and keep harsh elements out, offering protection from burglars looking to gain entry through the garage. Many modern doors have additional features like geofencing, voice commands, and even security cameras.
The Door Is Outdated
While a garage door upgrade may seem a low priority for homeowners, an outdated or ugly-looking door can detract from your home’s curb appeal. In addition, if you’re considering selling your home, upgrading your garage door with a sleek, modern design will help increase your property value.
The most obvious sign it’s time to replace your garage door is if it looks old or worn out. If your garage door is sagging, dented, or scratched, it’s time to switch to a new one. If your door’s paint job is chipping or peeling, it’s also a sign that you must update it.
Garage doors are a big investment for safety and energy efficiency. If you’re tired of dealing with high energy bills, it may be time to upgrade to a new garage door equipped with insulation, bottom seals, and sealing joints to keep out the cold and heat. Many new models are also outfitted with safety features such as obstruction sensors and a safety reversal mechanism to help prevent injury.
Consider a smart garage door opener to control your new door from your smartphone, using voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant or geofencing to open as you approach automatically. These innovative systems are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners, increasing the convenience and security of your home.
The Door Is Older Than Your Home
A garage door takes a beating. It’s exposed to the elements year-round, and some wear and tear is inevitable. If your garage door shows signs of aging, it may be time for an upgrade.
A new garage door can give your home a facelift and increase curb appeal. If you’re considering selling your house, a fresh-looking garage door will also help boost its resale value.
An old garage door can also be a safety hazard for anyone who uses it. Older entries need modern safety features like photoelectric reversal and other specialized sensors. Upgrading to a newer model will allow you to take advantage of enhanced safety features that improve your family’s security without sacrificing efficiency.
You should always maintain your garage door regularly to ensure it works correctly. But if you’ve noticed excessive shuddering, shaking, or jittering while operating the door, consider a replacement. This movement can be dangerous, especially for young children or seniors.
A new garage door will provide better weather protection, too. If your old one has a poor seal or degraded insulation, it could cause your heating and cooling bills to go up. An upgraded model will be more energy-efficient and reduce your carbon footprint.
