Is it time to replace my garage door?

Dents, peeling paint, sluggish mechanism – there are many telltale signs that your garage door is past its best. But when should you repair and when should you replace? 

In this article, we’ll answer the question of when is it time to replace a garage door, and explore some of the key warning signs that are telling you it’s high time you got an upgrade. 

Signs to replace your garage door 

It’s outdated

Like any area of your home, decor can become outdated or just not fit in with your current taste. If your garage door is dragging down the modernity of your property – or even your street – or is just not in keeping with your personal home style, then it might be time to give it an upgrade. However, if you’re not keen on replacing the entire door, instead consider giving it a lick of paint or at least make sure all the modern technology is incorporated, such as automated opening. 

It’s noisy 

Creaking, squeaking or grinding are sure signs that something is amiss with the mechanism of your garage door. Try oiling it first, but if that doesn’t help, it’s time to get a professional out to take a look – it could be a sign of faults or ageing. An expert will be able to assess the problem and suggest a route to repair or replacement. 

It closes too quickly or too slowly 

A door that shuts too quickly can be very dangerous, especially if there are vehicles, children or pets nearby, and could be an indication of serious internal issues. Similarly, a door that closes sluggishly can also point towards problems and pose a security threat. Either way, never attempt to diagnose or correct these issues by yourself as it can be highly dangerous to deal with a heavy garage door that has a faulty opening mechanism. You need to get a professional in to repair or replace the door as soon as possible to restore the safety and security of your home. 

It’s always going wrong 

Just like a car, if you’re forever making repairs to your garage door then it could be more cost effective and less stressful to simply replace the door entirely with a new, fully-functioning model. Repair bills can mount up, especially with older doors that have been operating for many years, and repeated problems can become a danger in the future. This is all telling you that it’s time to treat your home to a new garage door. 

It’s dented, scuffed or visibly damaged 

Aesthetic damage, such as chipped paint, dents, or other exterior injuries, not only looks bad but will also eventually bring down the value of your home if left unchecked. Over time, even the smallest scrape can exacerbate to become a bigger issue and a potential security risk. So get these minor issues sorted as soon as possible – and if they have been left to mount up, it might be time to replace the whole door. 

It lets the weather in 

Garage doors are supposed to be weathertight and energy efficient. So if your door is falling short of these criteria, it could be affecting your energy bills or putting the contents of your garage at risk of water damage. Broken seals, joints and weather strips can allow in water, wind and overall negatively impact the energy efficiency of your garage, and should be corrected as soon as possible. 

How to replace a garage door 

Because of the complex moving parts involved in garage door installation, it’s important to get a professional on board to remove the old door and install the new model. This way, you can guarantee a quality finish that will last for years to come. It will also enable you to choose from a wide range of materials, styles, opening mechanisms and colours to perfectly suit the exterior of your home. 

Looking to repair or replace your garage door? Here at Shutter Spec Security, we supply, repair and install hundreds of garage door styles to complement your taste and budget. Whatever the colour, opening mechanism or material you’re seeking, we’ve got something to suit you. Get in touch today – we’re verified by Checkatrade and serve a wide area of Oxford, Thame, Aylesbury, Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.