Along with other doors, garage doors also provide homes with the first layer of protection against burglary and other types of intrusion.
This is besides the fact that the main function of garage doors is to conceal automobiles while at the same time protecting them from theft and adverse weather.
When garage doors fail to function optimally, most homeowners are usually torn between replacement and repair.
With a clear and deep understanding of this fact, this article gives insights to help you decide on whether to do garage door repair or replacement.
Indicators for Repair
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The following are the indicators that signal the need for repairs:
The Door is New
The majority of garage doors have a lifespan of 15-20 years, beyond which your door starts to call for frequent repairs. However, if the door is 10 years old and below, it means that whatever the issue, it is more prudent to repair rather than replace it. However, some people may still opt to replace relatively new doors in cases where they aim to upgrade to more energy-efficient or more functional garage doors.
Minor Issues
Minor door issues are limited to a small area such as a single panel or a hardware call for mere repairs. This is because they are easy to perform even though a DIY and cost relatively less than a replacement.
Low Repair Costs
Another key indicator for door repairs is if you find that repair cost is relatively low compared to that of replacement. Door replacement costs could go as high as a few thousand dollars while repairs range somewhere from ten to hundred dollars. Unless you want to upgrade to more functional and aesthetically appealing door features, repairing door issues is more cost-conscious compared to a replacement.
Cosmetic Damage
One main key indicator for mere door repairs is cosmetic door issues like worn-out paint, weather stripping, or door lights. Most minor issues like worn-out pain, weather stripping and door lights are related to maintenance and can be handled through a simple and quick DIY. Even so, remember that you have to be very handy and crafty to execute such repairs. In addition, lots of caution has to be exercised during such repairs since anything could go wrong.
Functionality
If the door needs some repairs but is still functioning optimally, then all you need is to just upgrade or repair the minor issues and you are good to go. Even so, you must address those issues in time before they escalate to bigger problems that would warrant a replacement.
Time for Replacement
The following are the scenarios that warrant a replacement:
Severe Damage
Severe damage to crucial hardware parts such as the spring, rail track and the door itself all point to a replacement instead of repairs that do not bear meaningful fruits. However, before you conclude a replacement, it is advisable to consult the professionals, as these will advise you on the way forward.
Old Age
Even with minor issues occurring a few times, the door may need to be replaced if it is more than 15 years old. Any garage door in this age bracket means that the repairs will only get more frequent as time goes by. It is therefore more financially prudent to replace such a door instead of wasting so much of your money with recurrent repairs.
Safety Concerns
This is among the major scenarios that warrant a replacement. Things such as the door getting stuck or coming down with a thud, uncommon noises that you do not know their source, or the sight of worn-out springs are a safety risk since the door could cause grievous physical injuries to the occupants.
Frequent Repairs
An old door, nearing or past its lifespan is bound to break down more often than a younger one. Many recurrent repairs are more expensive than a replacement.
Need for Upgrade
As time goes by, technological advancement make takes center stage in all aspects of our lives. More functional and aesthetically appealing door features such as energy-efficient doors are now available. When you want to upgrade to such levels of functionality, there is only one option; to replace the door.
There is really no clear-cut answer to the issue of repair or replacement when it comes to garage doors. Your pick between the two has to be advised by damage extent, age, amount of costs involved, need for upgrades, and whether or not the minor issues pose any safety concerns or are just cosmetic.
