Your overhead garage door gets a lot of use, opening and closing an average of 1,500 times a year—that’s over four times a day, every day! Given this high usage and the fact that it’s an exterior-facing feature of your home, it’s not surprising that most garage doors go through some wear and tear.
If your overhead garage door is having issues, should you repair or replace it? The answer to that depends on a number of variables. Read on to learn more so that you can make an informed decision on whether to repair or replace your garage door.
Type of Overhead Door Damage
When considering the repair versus replacement question, the first thing to consider is the type of issue you’re dealing with. Is it:
- Cosmetic
- Mechanical
- Structural
Damage that is primarily cosmetic, for example, may not warrant a full replacement. Maybe the damage is minor enough that you can live with it, or simple enough that you or a garage door company can repair it.
The same can be true for mechanical issues. If there’s a problem with the spring or the track, replacing the spring or lubricating the track might take care of the problem. More extensive mechanical issues, though, might call for a replacement of all or part of the door.
Structural issues, like major damage to the door surface, might also indicate replacement as the best option. If your door is significantly dented, warped, or rusted, it may not be possible to repair the problem.
Extent of Garage Door Damage
In addition to assessing the type of damage or problem you’re having with your garage door, it’s also important to consider the extent of the damage.
- Is the problem minor, moderate, or severe?
- Does the problem prevent the door from functioning properly?
- Is the problem getting worse?
- Are there multiple or interrelated issues?
A minor, standalone problem might be repairable. However, a severe issue might mean replacement. Similarly, multiple issues, whether minor or major, might indicate that replacement is in order, especially if they’re escalating over time.
Depending on your level of knowledge and experience, you may or may not be able to answer these questions on your own. If you need assistance, try contacting the garage door installation company. They’ll be able to assess both the type and extent of the damage and can advise you on next steps.
Age of the Door
Finally, it’s important to consider your garage door’s age. With proper maintenance, most garage doors should last about 30 years. If your overhead door is on the low end of that range, it’s probably advisable to look at repair options since your investment should last a good long time.
If, on the other hand, your garage door is closer to the 30-year mark, it might be time to look at replacing it. That way, you’re not putting more money into a feature that is likely to wear down in the next few years anyway.
There’s no one right answer to the “repair or replace” question since every home, door, and situation is different. If you consider the type and extent of the damage and the age of the door, though, you’ll be in a good spot to make a decision that’s right for you.
If you need assistance with your garage door in Heathsville, Tappahannock, or the surrounding area, call the team at Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC. We’re your go-to garage door repair experts and we’re happy to help advise on whether repair or replacement is the right choice for your situation. We’re here to help—Because Life is Hard Enough!