If you’ve been considering replacing your garage door, chances are it’s probably the right time to start the selection process. But, there are some clear-cut signs that your garage door needs to be replaced sooner rather than later.
A Quick Note on Garage Door Lifespan
There’s no hard and fast rule as to when a garage door should be taken out of rotation. In general, though, a quality door that receives regular use should last upwards of 30 years. Other separately functioning parts like the motor and drive system will need replacing more frequently (about every 10 to 15 years).
Remember that you may also decide to update your door sooner because of aesthetic reasons or some of the reasons we list below. So, without further ado, let’s see the most common reasons why homeowners like you decide it’s time for a new garage door.
#1: Increase the ROI of Your Home
Installing a brand-new garage door has the potential to drastically increase your home’s return on investment (ROI). Door + Access Systems newsmagazine found that out of five popular exterior home remodeling projects, replacing an old garage door has the highest ROI, offering an impressive recouped cost of as much as 85% of the price paid for the door.
If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, replacing your garage door can help you get the most possible money for it.
Plus, potential buyers are sure to notice your new garage door for its updated, modern appearance, which ultimately elevates the look and feel of your entire property.
With many affordable styles, materials, colors, and accents, whether you want the door to stand out or elegantly blend in, designing a garage door that’ll boost your home’s curb appeal is easy and worthwhile.
#2: Reduce Home Energy Bills
Your old garage door is probably not in the best shape. Between cracked, unkempt seals, insecure closures, and damaged panels, air pours right out of an old garage door, including the heat and air conditioning from inside your house that’s racking up your home energy bills.
Aside from featuring new seals and tight-fitting hardware, a new garage door can be equipped with insulation to ensure the air inside your home and the air outside your garage keep its distance.
An insulated door pays off in multiple ways, from significantly reducing your home’s annual operating costs to transforming your garage’s interior into a more comfortable space that you can use year round. There are several levels of insulation to choose from (opt for thicker insulation if you live in a particularly cold climate).
#3: Enhance Garage Door Safety
Having a new garage door reduces the risk of injury associated with operating a door that may be on its last legs. Older garage doors may not have been properly balanced in years or ever evaluated by a certified garage door technician. They also tend to be weaker than a new garage door just based on the evolution of garage door technology and build quality.
If your door is operating with its original opener, it’s definitely encouraged to consider replacing the operating system, in addition to the door itself.
You also want to make sure that you have a reputable garage door company install your new door. A garage door installation provider with technicians who are trained and certified by the IDA (International Door Association) is your best bet. They’ll pay careful attention to install your garage door correctly, and they’ll confirm that it’s operating the way it’s supposed to following the latest industry best practices.
#4: Improve the Door’s Convenience
Other homeowners choose to replace their garage door and opener all together to be able to enjoy a door with more convenient operation.
If you’re still operating the original door that was installed on your home and it’s a manual open/close door, upgrading your entire garage door system alongside a brand-new door itself plays very well together.
Today, automated garage door openers help make daily life even easier than pushing a button. Featuring Wi-Fi connections and an easy-to-use smartphone app, “smart” garage door openers allow you to see the status of your door from anywhere so you never drive off to work in the morning wondering if you shut it. You can even create a scheduled time for the door to close each day!
#5: As Part of Home Renovations
If you’re remodeling your home, updating your garage door can be the icing on the cake that ties everything together and boosts the overall impact of your renovations.
With a garage door that complements the rest of your home’s exterior, you’ll have a welcoming entryway that mirrors and accentuates your home makeover, new landscaping, etc.
Of course, you can replace your garage door whenever you feel the need for a change; you don’t have to wait until it’s damaged or old. The pros at Precision Garage Door of Delaware can help you find the right choice for your home, style, and budget, whether you’re interested in an exact door replacement, branching out with a different style, or replacing your motor and drive systems, too.
We offer many different garage door styles and materials for you to choose from, as well as accents and colors that allow you to further personalize your door.
To see all of your options and configure your perfect garage door, download our free garage door style guide. This exclusive resource built just for homeowners will help you explore different style and material options and get you up to speed on practical considerations like insulation, door warranty, and hiring a qualified installation company.
Best of luck with your new garage door!