Signs it Might Be Time for Garage Door Replacement

Posted: Aug 29, 2012
Author: Doors by Nalley of Lake Norman, Inc.

Though the time for garage door replacement is understandably dreaded, there will come a day when it is necessary. But how do you know when?

The following are some signs that the time for replacement is drawing near.

1)      The first, most obvious sign for when to replace a garage door is: when it stops working. However, there can be almost any number of reasons your garage door isn't working. Some of them aren't even real mechanical problems. First, make sure the connected circuit isn't tripped. Look to see if something is obstructing the tracks, or in the way of the sensors. If you can't find an obvious problem, it is time to call a professional.

2)      If the door is coming down at an angle rather than a straight line, the springs which help to raise and lower it may be broken. Though broken springs are not a reason for full-scale garage door replacement, they still require a fairly large repair job. If you notice your door coming down at an angle, have the door repaired immediately. The situation can not only cause further damage, but also be dangerous for both people and property.

3)      Cracks and holes in the panels of the garage door itself, if extensive, can necessitate replacement of entire panels. It is important to avoid these holes in the door because, aside from being visually unappealing, they will lessen the insulation of the garage and cause the door and its mechanical parts to age more quickly. This is even more critical in wooden doors. These could even make it easier for a thief to gain access to your home.

4)      Keep an ear out for your door making out of the ordinary sounds or vibrations. While a loud sound doesn't always mean something is wrong, it can be indicative of bad rollers or other problems. In order to determine the source, you can disconnect the door from the opener and move it along the tracks. If the sound continues, call someone to take a look.

5)      The final reason for garage door replacement is for purely aesthetic purposes, though this doesn't mean it’s unjustified. Maybe your garage door is old, and you don't think another layer of paint will quite do the trick. Maybe you are selling the house, and your 17 year-old garage door is dragging the value down. Or maybe your neighbor just had some fancy wooden door installed, and you feel obliged to one-up him. A garage door replacement will go a long way toward improving the curb appeal of your home.