Garage Doors And What To Consider Before Investing In A Replacement

Posted on: 11 November 2020

Do you really need to replace your home's garage doors? Before you buy a new door or decide not to replace the existing one, take a look at everything you need to know about age, expected lifespan, and what to do next.

Garage Door vs. the Opener

Your home's door could outlast the opener. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the expected lifespan of an average garage door is from 20 to 25 years. But an automatic opener has a lifespan average of 10 to 15 years. This means you may not need to replace both the door and the opener at the same time.

If your door doesn't work well, has damage, or requires a repair, talk to a qualified contractor about what parts (if any) require a replacement. It's possible you can keep your door and add a new opener or vice versa—depending on the age of each component.

Garage Use vs. Damage or Wear

How often do you use the garage door? Some homeowners choose to convert this area into a usable space or bonus room. If your garage is now a game room, play area, recording studio, or home office, your door may have a longer lifespan.

Garage transformations won't require you to use the door often or at all. Without the need for an opener or an operational door, damage or wear may go unchecked. If you plan to use the door in the future, want to create an indoor-outdoor space in your home, or need an extra exit, consider a repair or replacement.

Homeowners who use their door regularly will need to schedule a service appointment in the near future. Damage and wear affect the door's or opener's safety. A poorly working door requires immediate attention from a qualified contractor. The technician will inspect the door/opener and recommend the next steps to take.

Garage Door vs. Your Needs

What garage-related needs do you or your family have? These may include energy efficiency (the door's ability to hold in heat/cooled air and keep the elements out), noise reduction, speed, or safety. A garage door that doesn't meet your household's needs is a candidate for a replacement.

Before you decide to replace the door, ask the contractor if a repair or addition can meet your needs. Security upgrades such as extra locks and smart systems are upgrades to consider instead of a brand-new door.

To learn more, reach out to a local garage door company.

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