When parts malfunction or break on your overhead door, you’re faced with an important question: do I repair or replace my garage door? But how do you know which option is most cost-effective and best for your home long-term?
You don’t have to answer this question on your own! We are here to help with our top 5 questions to ask before repairing or replacing your garage door.
Most Common Garage Door Repair Problems
To know whether you need garage door repair or replacement, you first need to know the major issues that may plague your garage door system. The most common garage door problems we encounter include:
- Your garage door won’t open or close.
- You have damaged garage door panels.
- Your garage door has sagging or crooked panels.
- Your garage door opens slowly or loudly.
Top 5 Questions When Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace Your Garage Door
How bad is the damage?
The first question you need to ask when deciding between garage door repair and replacement is: how bad is the damage? Sometimes the damage may be cosmetic, like a dent on one panel or fading paint on the exterior. In these cases, repairing the garage door or refinishing the exterior is likely your best option.
On the other hand, structural damage – like a crashed door from an accident or severe weather – will need a full garage door replacement to restore its look and function.
To determine whether repair or replacement is best for the damage to your door, contact a professional for a full assessment.
Do you want to upgrade your curb appeal?
Did you know a garage door can cover 30% of your home’s exterior? That’s a huge portion of your curb appeal! In fact, if you’re thinking about selling your home or want an updated look, garage door replacement has the highest ROI. More than that, an out-of-date or faded garage door detracts from the look of your home. So if you’re considering repair or replacement for your garage doors but want that curb appeal boost, we usually recommend going for a garage door replacement. There are numerous styles, colors, and materials available to ensure you get the best look for your home.
How old is your garage door?
Maybe your garage door only has minor damage, but if it is reaching 15-20 years of use, it is probably a good time to consider replacement over repair. Because an aging door is more likely to need replacement within a few years, investing in repairs may not be worth it. A new garage door with updated parts will also need fewer repairs, meaning fewer headaches and repair calls for your home.
What is your budget?
When it comes down to garage door repair vs replacement, your budget may be the final decider. Because garage door replacement can be a big investment, some homeowners choose repairs to prevent a big purchase. However, garage door replacement does tend to pay off in the long run, as frequent repair appointments add up quickly.
If you want to upgrade your garage door but don’t have the full amount, many garage door companies have financing plans to help you pay off the door over time.
How is your home’s energy efficiency?
Most homeowners don’t know that the garage has a large impact on the energy efficiency of their entire home. Because the garage is such a large opening, it allows heat and cold to escape, making your HVAC system work harder. But replacing your garage door with an insulated model or replacing weatherstripping along the bottom of the door will help boost your energy efficiency.
Contact Us for Garage Door Repair or Replacement!
No matter what you decide about repairing or replacing your garage door, you need a professional on your side so the work is performed well. At Empire Overhead Doors, we provide leading local garage door service in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Rensselaer Counties. Since 2012, our goal has been to serve the community with excellent garage door repair and replacement.
So if you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact us!
