Buying a new home is an exciting journey that comes with a myriad of decisions, responsibilities, and excitement. Garage doors are easily overlooked amidst this whirlwind. But, they are an important element of the home’s exterior and a critical component of security and convenience. In fact, about 82% of home buyers report that a garage is a key feature for a home purchase, a malfunctioning one can be costly. While garage doors typically last for about 15 to 30 years depending on the material and maintenance, if it is in poor condition, it could lead to costly repairs or even safety issues soon after you move in. Here are three warning signs that your garage door may need replacing.
Visible Signs of Damage or Wear
Visible damage, including cracks, warping, or dents, is the most obvious sign that a garage door may need to be replaced. While minor cosmetic damage like small dents can be repaired without replacing the whole door, structural issues often signal more significant and expensive future problems.
Common Visible Issues:
- Cracks in Wooden Doors: Wooden doors are naturally prone to cracks, especially if they’re exposed to fluctuating temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight without proper maintenance. While small cracks in wooden doors can seem like a minor issue at first, they can quickly widen or spread, which compromises the structural integrity, makes the door more unstable, and makes it susceptible to warping or breaking. These cracks can also reduce the insulation afforded by the door, potentially allowing moisture and varying temperatures into the garage, increasing energy costs.
- Rust and Corrosion on Metal Doors: While metal garage doors are more durable than wood doors, they can still rust over time, particularly in humid climates. Over time, untreated rust can spread and eat away at the metal and overall integrity of the door. If caught early enough, though, rust can be sanded down and retreated or repainted; however, extensive rust or deep corrosion can result in holes, warping, or complete structural failure of the door. A garage door with extensive rust not only looks unsightly but also becomes a safety hazard.
- Dents or Warping: Small dents can be a simple aesthetic issue and easily repaired, but multiple or larger dents can disrupt the balance of the door which makes it difficult to open or close smoothly and noiselessly. This uneven weight distribution also can wear out the garage door opener with its extra pressure. Warped doors can get stuck in the tracks, create loud noises when moving, or develop holes that allow moisture, pests, or drafts to enter the garage. In many cases, extensive denting or warping signals the need for a full door replacement.
In short, visible damage doesn’t simply detract from your new home’s curb appeal, it can also pose a safety hazard and signals the need for a door replacement.
Frequent Noises or Struggles to Open and Close
If the garage door makes excessive noises, like grinding, squeaking, or rattling, it may mean that there is something wrong with the mechanics. Garage doors open and close an estimated 1500 times per year, so it’s important that these noises aren’t dismissed as minor inconveniences.
Common Mechanical Problems:
- Worn-Out Rollers or Tracks: Rollers guide the door along the tracks and are essential to its smooth operation; but, overtime, they can become worn out, misaligned, or damaged as a result of regular use, exposure, or lack of lubrication. When these rollers degrade, the door may struggle to open and close or make squeaking or grinding noises. This also lead to breakdowns in the overall system, such as bent tracks or the door coming off completely, because it puts extra pressure on the opener and tracks.
- Faulty Springs: Torsion and extension springs are crucial to the seamless function of garage doors because they bear the majority of the door’s weight. When these springs begin to wear out or degrade, the door becomes heavy and difficult to lift. If you’re seeing the door frequently getting stuck or lifting only part of the way, it’s a sign that the springs need immediate attention.
- Strained Garage Door Opener: The garage door opener is designed to work efficiently with a well-balanced door for about 10 to 15 years; however, excessive strain from a damaged door can shorten that lifespace. If the opener seems to be struggling, like taking longer to lift the door, making unusual sounds, or working overtime, it’s a sign that extra pressure is being put on the motor.
Left unchecked, excessive noise and mechanical issues become more than an inconvenience. They can lead to safety concerns, especially if the door gets stuck or falls. New homeowners should take these issues seriously since they could signal the need for a garage door replacement.
Outdated Safety & Technology Features
Since January 1991, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has required that all garage doors manufactured or imported have an automatic reverse function. In this way and with the integration of smart home technology, garage door safety has improved significantly. However, there are still some crucial safety features new homeowners should be aware of.
- No Automatic Reverse System: If your new home has an older garage door system (prior to 1991), it may lack this auto-reverse feature that automatically reverses the door if it senses an obstruction while closing. It can be a serious safety concern if this feature is lacking, particularly for families with children and pets.
- Lack of Smart Features: Many modern garage doors can be connected to remote technology via smartphone apps which allows you open or close door from anywhere, receive alerts, and schedule regular maintenance. If your door lacks this functionality, you might want to consider an upgrade, especially since 61% of homeowners now opt for some home upgrades.
- Energy Inefficiency: A poorly insulated door may make it harder to regulate the temperature inside your garage and adjacent rooms because it can allow heated or cooled air to escape and humidity to seep in. Modern doors are typically designed to be energy efficient and use insulated materials to reduce energy consumption as well as your energy bills. If you’re noticing your energy bills go up, your older, more poorly insulated door may be the culprit.
Outdated safety and technology features not only can pose a safety risk to you and your family and lessen the convenience of your new home, but also can cost you more in energy bills.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
For new homeowners, it’s ok that the garage door is often an afterthought–there are so many exciting decisions and tasks to complete! But, it does play a crucial role in the safety and efficiency of your new home. If you notice any of these warning signs, including visible damage, mechanical struggles, or outdated features, it may be time to take action and consider replacing the garage door.
While replacing a garage door may seem like an expensive undertaking you’d rather avoid, its actually a smart investment. Garage door replacement delivers the best return on your investment of all remodelling projects: about 194% of the cost to replace the door can be recouped. By staying vigilant and aware of these common warning signs, you can keep you home safe, energy-efficient, and enjoyable for many years to come.
RJ Garage Door Services has fixed, repaired, and installed over 10,000 doors. So, if you need a new garage door for your new home purchase please get in touch with us today.
