What to Consider: Repair vs. Replacing an Old Garage Door
Most suburban homes today have a garage attached, but owners of older homes in the Greater Toronto Area may convert the garage into extra storage space or have a detached garage with no electricity; it still breaks down with age, and damage often goes unnoticed. In this case, the garage door is rarely used and moving parts will deteriorate over time, making it hard to open.
New owners of an old home must decide if garage door repair or replacement is worth the cost. If a minor repair is required, such as replacing a broken spring, then the problem can be resolved quickly. However, more repairs are inevitable and increase the cost of annual maintenance. Sometimes, replacing an old with a new garage door installation with modern features, insulation, and windows is a better investment.
Regardless of whether you need to repair or replace a garage door, Dodds Garage Doors professionals can show you which repairs are required to resolve a common garage door problem and how urgent they are. The last thing you need is a garage door that won’t open or gets stuck halfway. You can then decide if repairs warrant a replacement garage door with a new track and opener, or if a repair is sufficient for your needs.
In this blog, we’ll look at the benefits of garage door repair or replacement and which you should opt for based on the condition of your door and your unique needs. Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Deciding whether to Repair or Replace a Garage Door? The 5 Benefits of Garage Door Replacement
The Toronto area is no stranger to cold winter winds and heaps of snow. During these frigid months, it’s especially important to ensure your garage’s heating and insulation are protected by a secure garage door. When your door is compromised, your heating bill will significantly increase, and the items in the unit will be compromised. Your vehicles may have a more difficult time starting up, for example.
So, how do you know when it’s time to repair or replace a garage door? Well, allow us to help you crack the code and get your garage and home back up to optimal efficiency in no time. 5 benefits to replacing your garage door can be found below.
Invest in Your Home
When it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace a garage door, a new garage door replacement is a wise investment. This is true whether you’re looking to put your home on the market in the near future or many years down the line. Not only does a brand-new garage door have a high return on investment, but it will also help attract buyers to your home as a whole and enhance the property’s curb appeal.
Alternatively, if you don’t have any upcoming plans for a move, homeowners will find that a replacement will help enhance the convenience and allow them to manoeuvre in and out of their homes seamlessly.
Less Maintenance
Are you tired of calling in the professionals for frequent repairs when it comes to the operation of your workshop door? Reduce the need for frequent, costly repairs when you opt for restoration. When you invest in a new door, you’ll find it operates much more smoothly, and the disadvantages of old doors, such as rusted hardware or inefficient maintenance, will be no more. Some of the disadvantages you’ll find with old units include a door that won’t open and close smoothly, worn-down bearings, or broken springs. So, when it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace a garage door, a replacement will offer you the convenience you deserve.
Save on Utility Costs
Your garage should be fully operational for use, no matter the season. Whether you’re in the midst of a sweltering summer or in the depths of the frigid winter season, you should be able to comfortably move around in it and make use of the space—whether that be for vehicle storage or workshop use. When your old garage door simply isn’t performing at your desired efficiency, and you need garage door repair or replacement, it can make it impossible for you to make use of your garage, and you’ll see an uptake in heating and cooling costs. This is also true of any rooms near your outdoor storage unit. With a more efficient heating and cooling system through replacement services, it won’t have to work overtime to ensure these rooms reach adequate temperature control.
Consider maximizing the R-value of the new garage door’s insulation to at least R-16 and lowering your carbon footprint at the same time. This reduces heating and cooling costs, especially if you like to work in the garage year-round. When you’re looking to repair or replace your garage door, replacement is the way to go.
Maximizing Unused Space
There are many possibilities when it comes to maximizing the use of your garage. When heating and cooling are inefficient, this other otherwise optimal space, which provides a wide range of purposes, can go unused. A well-insulated and sealed door creates options like converting unused space into a seating area for entertaining, a play area for the kids, or a climate-controlled storage space. If you’re working from home, an attached or detached garage would make a great office or workshop, as well. And you can rest assured that your vehicles, desk, or tools will be well-protected from the elements, putting your mind at ease when you’re curious whether to replace or replace a garage door.
Increased Safety
Many dangers can result from a malfunctioning entry door. These units come equipped with sensors that can detect movement. When these sensors are not working correctly, the door may not be able to halt when cars, animals, or children are detected, putting your family and pets at risk. Poorly ventilated doors can also be subject to mould growth during the wet season and can be a risk to your health. An old garage door with a broken hinge or brittle window insert could also make your home a target for a break-in since it’s an unsecured point of entry. And when deciding whether to repair or replace a garage door, basic repairs may not cut it.
A newer garage door discourages thieves because of several security features, protects your family’s health and keeps all who come and go from your garage safe from injury.
Garage Door Repair or Replacement: The 5 Benefits of Garage Door Repair
When it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace a garage door, there are many benefits to replacement, though replacement is not always necessary. Oftentimes your garage door may be easily repaired with a simple fix, especially if it is not approaching the end of its life or if is facing minor issues such as malfunctioning hardware or broken garage door rollers or springs. Read on below to find out the 5 benefits of opting for repairs when you’re curious about garage door repair or replacement.
Save Time and Money
When it comes to garage door repair or replacement, door costs are something homeowners will want to consider. Though a replacement offers many advantages, such as a smoothly operating door and enhanced curb appeal, sometimes it simply isn’t in your budget to invest in a new entry. Residents will find a significant cut in prices when it comes to the average cost to repair a door, and by seeking the help of a professional rather than attempting a DIY repair, they’ll save time, as well.
Avoid Unexpected Repairs
When you opt for repairs when deciding whether to repair or replace a garage door, you can rest assured that regular maintenance and repairs will mitigate the need for frequent repairs or potential replacement. By tackling smaller issues as soon as they present themselves, you will ensure a prolonged lifespan of your garage door.
Safety
Don’t wait until your door becomes unsafe and you need a full replacement to opt for garage door services. Instead, increase your home’s safety by tackling issues as soon as they crop up. A lack of garage door maintenance and old age will cause an older garage door to become unsafe to use, and you’ll find that your family will be more prone to the risk of severe injury. From mechanical issues, simple wear and tear, and dents to damaged panels or misaligned tracks, when you’re deciding between garage door repair or replacement, it’s important to know that many issues are easily fixed, but the condition of your unit can quickly decrease if left unattended.
Increased Lifespan
Garage doors generally last somewhere between 15 and 30 years. However, you’ll find that this time can decrease with neglect and increase when properly maintained. Enlisting services for regular repair is a key component in increasing the lifespan of a garage door. When opting for repairs as soon as they arise, the need for replacement will be less likely, and you’ll enjoy your unit for many years to come.
Enhanced Curb Appeal
You don’t need a brand-new unit to enhance your home’s curb appeal. In fact, a cost-effective, simple way to do so is by opting for repairs when you’re deciding whether to get garage door repair or replacement. A door that is suffering from loud noises, mechanical issues, or is misaligned—are all factors that can decrease the property value of your home. When replacement isn’t an option, repair services will help get your property value back up to snuff.
Inspections You Can Perform to Decide Whether to Repair or Replace Your Garage Door
Now that you’re well-versed in the benefits of garage door repair vs. replacement, you may wonder how best to determine which service is the best option for your unique needs. Not to fret! There are a few things you can do to determine your best course of action as to whether you need to repair or replace a garage door.
First, assess the operational health of the garage door by looking at the springs to ensure they aren’t rusted and if the track is aligned. All garage door springs have a limited lifespan, and if your door isn’t balanced due to a weak spring, the garage door could fall if it’s lifted halfway up and released after disconnecting it from the operator. Additionally, it might sag on one side. If this happens, the springs will need to be replaced by a professional with new (torsion or extension) springs immediately. Once this test has been completed and the garage door seems in good shape, it’s possible the springs can last another year or more.
Another way to maintain your unit is by having the springs lubed with white lithium grease regularly. This will extend their working life, but normal wear and tear and rust are inevitable. By replacing the springs, you’re giving your door another 10,000 cycles or more before another replacement. When rust is present, it’s important to always have a professional replace or adjust the door springs. If the spring test fails or doesn’t leave you feeling confident that it will last, look at other areas of the door that contribute to the issues you’ve noticed.
If you have a noisy door on your hands, it may be a sign of misaligned tracks or frayed cables. Mechanical problems can and will hasten the decision to repair or replace a garage door with a new, modern door with added safety features.
The Future of Your Unit Hinges on Efficient Service! For Expert Garage Door Repair or Replacement, Turn to Dodds Doors
Is it time to replace your garage door system? Or perhaps a simple repair will do? Whether it’s time to repair or replace your garage door, there’s one name that Toronto and the surrounding areas of Thornhill, Brampton, Guelph, North York, and more can trust for all their garage door needs — Dodds Doors! We’ll help you make the best decision for your specific needs. We’ve been in business since 1958, proudly serving more than 700,000 Canadian customers and offering expert services when they need to repair or replace a garage door. We’re also proud to offer free quotes for garage door repair or replacement, so you’ll know exactly what to expect from our reliable garage door work and pricing before we even step foot on your property.
Keep your garage door running smoothly by contacting us today at 1-877-503-6337 for a wide range of services, including professional garage door repairs, replacements, annual preventative maintenance, garage door openers and more! When you need a garage door repair or replacement, turn to Dodds Doors for unmatched service and improved energy efficiency. When basic garage door repairs don’t cut it, we’re here to help with the perfect replacement.
Looking for peace of mind knowing you’re working with a reliable company that won’t rest until you’re completely happy? As a proudly Canadian business since 1958, we’ve helped over 800,000 Canadians and counting. But don’t just take our word for it—find out why our customers love us.
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Contact us today at 1-877-503-6337 and experience the Dodds difference!