Did you just back into or pull through your garage door? Accidents happen. But this doesn't mean you need to live with a dented or damaged garage door. If a recent car-to-door collision has made your garage unusable, take a look at what you need to know about this type of exterior home issue, repairs, and replacement.
Do Visibly Assess the Damage
Assess the visible damage before calling the garage door contractor. A blanket statement that you hit the door or the door is damaged may not help the contractor to fully understand the scope of the problem. The more the professional knows before they arrive, the better prepared they are to find a quick, effective, and economical solution to this surprisingly common issue.
After you make sure that you and anyone else in the car is safe, visibly assess dents, cracks, or other obvious signs of damage. If possible, take pictures of the damage. The contractor may want to see these photos before they schedule an appointment.
Don't Physically Touch the Damage
Even though you do need to visually inspect the garage door, never attempt to move broken pieces or physically touch a damaged mechanism. This could put you or anyone else in the garage space at risk. Beyond the hazard to humans (and pets that are nearby), a manual inspection by an untrained garage door novice could cause additional damage.
Not only should you wait for the contractor to physically inspect the door, but you should also wait for the professional to use or assess the automatic opener. If the automatic opener is fully functional, it could force a damaged door up or down. This could also add to the existing issue or it could damage the opener.
Do Call the Right Contractor for the Job
Which contractor can assess, inspect, and repair or replace the garage door? Choose a professional who specializes in garage doors — and not a general contractor. While general contractors can help with major renovations and other similar types of projects, you need a specialist who has extensive knowledge of and experience in garage door repairs.
If the door is salvageable, you will need to hire a contractor who works with the brand/manufacturer. This type of contractor should have access to the replacement parts that your door will need. But if the damage warrants a replacement, you will need to choose a pro who carries the type, style, or brand you want for your home.
Unlike a replacement for aesthetic reasons (such as a home exterior upgrade), you won't have days, weeks, or months to find a contractor. A damaged door that doesn't close completely is a home security risk and safety hazard.
Even though you need to hire a contractor as soon as possible, you don't necessarily need to choose the first garage door professional who responds to your phone call. Ask friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers for referrals. Local community social media groups or neighborhood pages can also help you to find a reputable garage door contractor who can meet your needs.
Don't Make a Decision Before the Garage Door Contractor Arrives
The damage to your door might seem minor. Perhaps the dent, ding, or crack looks like something a qualified garage door contractor could repair.
While car-to-door collision damage may not appear significant to the untrained eye, a garage door technician may find major safety, function, or appearance issues. Instead of researching repairs (and the cost of smaller replacement parts) before the contractor arrives, wait for a professional evaluation. What you thought was a minor problem might actually require a replacement — and vice-versa.
Do Consider a Replacement Garage Door
More specifically, do consider a replacement garage door under some circumstances. Even though a replacement may cost more than a repair, you may need to seriously explore this option if:
- The damage is extensive. Did your car create a hole in the door or an SUV-sized indentation? Significant or extensive damage is likely to require a full door replacement. Depending on the extent of the issue, you may need to replace the track and opener.
- Your door is at the end of its lifespan.
Damage plus an older door may equal the need for a replacement. The average residential garage door's lifespan is between 20 and 25 years, notes the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
- You were ready to remodel.
Were you already in the planning stages of an exterior home renovation? Instead of repairing a door only to replace it in a few months, start your upgrade now.
- The door has signs of wear.
Even though 20 to 25 years is the norm for a garage door lifespan, some products show signs of wear earlier. If your door is younger than two decades but has visible wear, replace it after this type of incident.
Along with these factors, you may also want to consider a replacement if your now-damaged door was never energy efficient. Home heating costs make up 29 percent of the average homeowner's utility bill, and AC use costs Americans a collective $29 billion annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A new insulated garage door can help to cut these costs and reduce your home's energy usage.
Do you want to learn more about garage doors and your options? Contact
Edgemont Garage Doors
for more information.
