Between the cost and the hassle, no one likes to say goodbye to their old garage door. It’s been with you for decades (probably). And every time it’s had an issue, the cost of repairing the garage door has been easy in terms of money and time. But garage doors are a bit like the cars we keep inside of them: no matter how well you take care of it, it wears over time. At what point are you just throwing money into a pit by getting your garage door repaired when what you really need is to install a new door?
Here are the main factors you should weigh when deciding to repair or replace your garage door:
Age of the Garage Door
How old is your garage door? If it’s more than ten years old, choosing to keep repairing the door may just be delaying the inevitable. Plus, newer garage doors and openers have features that increase their convenience, energy-efficiency and security. But, if your garage door is newer and still looks and functions like it, just get the door repaired.
Type and Extent of Damage to the Door
When it comes to a garage door, most damage or malfunctions are reparable, whether the fix for the garage door is DIY or you need a professional garage door installation and repair company. Minor damage like scratches and rusty hinges are easy. Moderate damage like worn springs and dented panels can also easily be switched out without having to install a new garage door.
However, if the damage is severe, like a twisted panel, or a door constantly coming off track, it’s time to replace your garage door. If you’re noticing problems with the garage door keeping the elements out even with brand-new weather stripping, or you’re running through garage door openers every couple of years (you shouldn’t be – they should last about a decade), then in the long run a new garage door will cost less than constant repairs, inconveniences and new door openers.
Frequency of Functional Issues with the Door
Automatic garage doors are about convenience. How often have you been late to work or an appointment because your garage door broke? How much time have you spent waiting on garage door repairs? Or on the phone with an exterior door company getting tips on how to fix your garage door? Time is money, as they say. What’s it worth to you to have a trouble-free garage door?
Ongoing Garage Door Cost
Listen – we love a good garage door repair. Often, ongoing repairs cost less than a new garage door. But, as we’ve seen, age of the door, type of problems, and frequency of complications all affect whether that’s actually true. Then, when you consider the fact that replacing the garage door on your home is a virtually 1:1 return on investment; that might end up tipping the scales in your decision of whether to replace or repair your garage door.
Yes, a new garage door cost way more up front than simply repairing the garage door’s torsion springs. However, if you’re shelling out a couple hundred dollars every few months for a troublesome garage door, you might outrun that cost in garage door repairs within a year or two.
Our best advice is to get in touch with your local exterior door installation and repair company and have them come out to your house. If they know your address by heart, it’s probably time to get a new garage door. Either way, get their opinion and a cost analysis of repairs vs replacements so you have a knowledgeable second opinion on what to do.