Did you know that, as of 2020, over 65% of Americans own a home? If you’ve recently purchased a home yourself, odds are there are a few things around the house that you’d like to get done soon.
Perhaps a new garage door is on your repair list. While it may not seem as urgent as other projects, putting off your garage door replacement can be a bad idea.
After all, your garage door offers direct access inside of your home. And if your door is old or damaged, that means that your home is more susceptible to intruders, which isn’t a good thing.
In this article, we’ll tell you what signs to look out for if you’re still not sold on the idea that you need a new garage door. That way you can take a look at your garage door and decide if now is the right time to replace it or not.
1. Your Garage Door is Always Malfunctioning
It goes without saying, but if your garage door isn’t working well, it’s probably time to get a new one. It might not seem like a big deal on the surface, but a garage door that isn’t working properly can be a major issue for you and your home.
For example, if your garage door is broken, it can be easier to get into your home. That can put you, your family, and your belongings at risk, which of course isn’t something you want to do.
2. Your Garage Door is Extra Noisy
Does your garage door make a ton of noise each time it’s opened or closed? Does it rattle your entire home and disturb everyone inside, including your pets?
If your answer to those two questions is yes, odds are that noise is telling you that something in your garage door is about to break soon.
Your garage door’s motor, in particular, is probably going to need to be replaced. That can be quite expensive, which is why it’s often worth investing in a whole new garage door instead.
3. Your Garage Door is 10+ Years Old
Even if your garage door is functioning properly, it’s never a bad idea to start planning for the future. So, if your door is more than 10 years old, you need to go ahead and start preparing to replace it within the next few years.
The good news? You can do some garage door maintenance yourself to extend the life of your door. And when it is time to invest in a new garage door, make sure you read what to know before you make your final purchase.
4. Your Garage Door Has Dents in It
Sometimes it’s not how your garage door is functioning, but how it looks, that leads to you wanting to replace it. And while a fresh coat of paint can help bring your door back to life, any dents or scratches are going to be next to impossible to remove yourself.
If your door is older than 10 years old, has any minor issues, and is damaged, going ahead and replacing it is very much recommended. That way you can get a brand new door that looks great, and thus, improves your home’s curb appeal.
5. Your Garage Door Isn’t Energy Inefficient
If you own a home, finding ways to make your home more energy-efficient should be at the top of your to-do list. While things like new windows, or a new HVAC system, give you the biggest bang for your buck, a new garage door can go a long way, too.
Remember, new garage doors are better insulated. That’ll help you better regulate the temperature inside of your home, which can be a huge plus during those super hot and cold months.
6. You’re Worried About Security Issues
We touched on this earlier, but a home with an older garage door can be easier to break into. This is especially true if the tracks on your garage door are damaged or weakened, and thus, it’s easier to force your door open.
Replacing all of these parts of your door will make your home safer. Getting a new door with a better electronic security setup will make it harder to enter your home via your garage door, too.
The best part? You’ll be able to have peace of mind knowing that your home, and your garage, are better secured. That alone makes investing in a new garage door a no-brainer.
7. Your Garage Door Opens and Closes Slowly
We’ve all been there before. You’re sitting in your car getting ready to drive to work in the morning. You open your garage door and it takes 15-20 seconds to open up completely.
Sure, in the grand scheme of things, this isn’t the biggest issue in the world. But having a faster garage door will get your day off on the right foot, and after all, it’s the little things that count.
Also, having a door that closes faster can be a huge plus, too. And knowing that your garage door is indeed closed all the way is nice, as a half-open door can leave your home more compromised.
Still Not Sold on a New Garage Door?
If you’re still not sold a new garage door, we recommend that you contact someone locally to get an estimate. It never hurts to know what a new door will cost you, and again, it’s always smart to plan for the future.
Looking to make more repairs to your home soon? Need some help with going the DIY route? Check back with our blog often, as we’re always talking about useful tips and tricks for all kinds of home projects.