If
you're like most homeowners, you haven't given too much thought about
your garage door despite it being one of the most visible aspects of
your home. The typical garage door often stays in service for decades
before finally being replaced. One of the few times you'll pay
attention to your garage door is when it develops a problem or you're
planning a complete home renovation.
But
there will come a time when your garage door needs more than just a
simple repair. When your garage door's problems are too severe to
resolve through repairs or you're in the process of renovating your
home, replacing your garage door becomes a more viable solution.
Read
on to learn when you're better off replacing your garage door with
something newer and more modern.
1.
Your Old Door Constantly Malfunctions
When
was the last time you called a technician to take care of your garage
door? One good reason to replace your garage door is if it frequently
breaks down or requires professional service. A troublesome garage
door can be inconvenient if it breaks down at the worst possible time
— imagine being late for work because your car is trapped by a
broken-down garage door.
Constant
repairs are not only time-consuming; they're also costly. Between
parts costs, labor costs, and fees associated with a typical service
call, your old garage door may be more trouble than it's worth. When
it comes to a garage door with a problematic track record, you are
better off replacing it rather than investing more money in repairs.
2.
Your Old Door Is Riddled With Rust
Rust
is the eternal enemy of all things metal. No garage door is safe from
the effects of rust and corrosion, especially in areas where garage
doors are in constant contact with salt-laden sea spray.
Dents,
dings and scratches in metal panels can also serve as gateways for
rust and corrosion. A lack of regular maintenance and overall neglect
can transform a pristine garage door into a rusty heap within a few
years.
Metal
garage door panels aren't the only components that are vulnerable to
rust. Rust can attack and weaken moving parts and structural
components. Hinges and rollers can freeze up due to rust inhibiting
their movement. Rust also eats away at garage door springs, leaving
them too weak to hold their tension and prone to snapping apart
without warning.
In
most cases, the only fix for a rust-riddled garage door is a complete
replacement. Today's garage doors feature a variety of options for
preventing rust and corrosion. Some doors feature tracks and other
hardware that are powder-coated for improved rust resistance. Others
offer stainless steel components that are naturally impervious to
rust.
3.
Your Old Door Clashes With New Décor
If
you are planning on a major home renovation, then it's time to
consider the visual effect your garage door may have on your
completed project. While some garage door designs are highly
versatile and can fit in with just about any home design, others may
not have that same advantage.
A
garage door that looks out of step with the rest of your home can
severely impact your home’s curb appeal. The visual mismatch can
even knock down your home's appraised value, which can be worrying if
your home ever goes up for sale.
4.
You Need a Garage Door With Modern Safety Features
You
can teach an old dog new tricks, but an old garage door might not be
as eager to learn. A decades-old garage door may be reliable, but it
also lacks safety features that are nowadays common on the latest
garage doors. Today's garage doors incorporate advanced photoelectric
eye sensors and auto-retraction mechanisms to prevent injuries and
accidents.
A
brand-new garage door will also have features that help thwart
break-ins. Older garage doors can be bypassed with relative ease,
making them a tempting target for burglars. In contrast, modern
garage doors are much harder to break into due to advances in overall
design and materials.
5.
You're Giving Your Garage a Well-Needed Upgrade
The
overall design of your garage isn't set in stone. If you have
recently purchased a new truck or RV, you may want to expand the size
of your garage to fit your prized possessions. If your current garage
door proves too narrow for your vehicles to pass through, you may
want to upgrade to a wider door. Newfound height requirements may
also necessitate a taller garage door.
A
brand-new garage door not only breathes new life into your home, but
it can also make your home safer and more functional. The experts at
Edgemont Garage Doors can help you find the right garage door that
perfectly matches your home's looks and needs. Contact
us today
to
get started with your new installation.
