Your garage door serves an important purpose. It secures your car, provides entry into your home, protects your belongings and helps regulate the temperature of your house. Garage doors can last a long time with the proper maintenance and care, but you’ll likely need a replacement every once in a while. Read this guide to determine the signs you need a new garage door!
7 Signs You Need a New Garage Door
The following are signs your garage door needs replacing:
1. The Whole Garage Door Shakes
A door should move smoothly from the bottom to the top and vice versa, but you may want to call a professional if you notice tremors or shakes. Your garage door might shake because:
- It has gone off the tracks.
- The tracks have rusted or broken.
- The belt has gotten weak or broken.
- There is not enough lubrication.
If you catch the issue early enough, a professional may be able to make repairs. However, if the issue goes unnoticed, it will strain other parts of the motor. When this happens, it might make more sense to replace the whole motor.
2. The Garage Door Makes a Lot of Noise as It Opens
Hearing a low hum of the motor and a couple of small creaks as a garage door opens is perfectly normal. But a noisy clunking sound should be a red flag that it’s time to call a professional. Large noises usually mean something is broken.
Depending on the cause of the noise, you may need a few replacement parts or an entirely new motor. A noisy door is also a sign that several parts are worn out. Be cautious and leave the door closed until a professional arrives. A door on the verge of breaking could suddenly drop to the ground.
3. The Door Sags or Droops on One Side
A minor sag or droop on one side could require a simple spring replacement. However, you might be dealing with a more significant problem if you see a substantial droop.
Your garage door might sag on one side because:
- The spring is worn or broken.
- The rollers have dulled over time.
- The tracks the rollers use have dulled.
4. The Door Doesn’t Respond to the Remote
There are several reasons your garage door might not respond to its remote. You could have a sensor or electrical issue with the motor’s power. There might also be something in the way of the tracks and rollers.
Do a visual inspection to see if grit, grime or buildup is anywhere along the rollers and track. If you do not see anything obvious, you could have a wiring or connection problem, and it might be time to call a professional.
5. You See Dents, Chips and Buckles
Garage doors often get banged up as a result of weather and other wear and tear. If you have a basketball hoop, you may hit the door with your ball, or you might hit your door with your car accidentally.
Three main areas get scratched and dented the most:
- Panels: The door itself often sustains scratches and marks.
- Edges: You might see damage from general wear and tear on the edges of your door first. Maintaining your door will help prevent this damage.
- Bottom rubber lining: Rubber disintegrates over time, especially when subjected to high heat and use. The constant weight and push of the garage door on the rubber will damage it over time.
Your annual service can resolve minor issues. The door may need to be replaced if it receives extensive damage.
6. The Door Makes a Lot of Noise and Doesn’t Lift
You can use lubricant if your garage door creaks a little. But if the noise escalates, it might be time to check the opening cables. The garage door cables support your garage door. They usually run on either side and help raise and lower the door. You’ll need to replace these cables when they show signs of wear and tear. Do a visual inspection every now and then to check on them. If they show signs of fraying, call a professional immediately.
If the cable snaps, the garage door will drop on whatever or whoever is underneath. If you spot the cables that have started to fray or look damaged, keep the garage door closed until a professional can assist. They will have to replace the garage door cables.
7. You Notice Increased Energy Bills
Your garage door performs many functions, but you may not think about the impact it has on your home’s insulation. Another sign that you need to replace your garage door is increased energy bills.
If there is damage to the edges of your garage door or the bottom rubber is worn, heat from inside of your house will escape, and cold air will get let in. This means your internal heat must work double hard to maintain the temperature.
A door that does not seal or insulate properly will directly affect your energy bill. If the bill increases, check your garage door to see if this is where your warm, snug air is escaping.
3 Benefits of Replacing Your Garage Door
You can look forward to certain benefits when you replace your garage door. If you are currently on the fence about replacing your garage door, consider the following benefits:
1. Improved Curb Appeal
The garage door plays an essential role in the value of your house. If you want to value your property or put it on the market, a good door will immediately increase its appeal. Prospective buyers will view the house negatively if the door is rusty, dented or damaged. A home immediately shines if its garage door is fresh and clean.
2. Enhanced Protection and Security
A broken or worn-out garage door may make it easier for people to break in and commit theft. Newer garage doors have increased security and are fit to prevent criminals from gaining access.
3. Better Temperature Control
The garage door insulation will directly affect the temperature of your house. New doors are engineered to insulate and keep the temperature inside constant. If you plan to use your garage as a workspace, chat with a professional about the R-16 insulating rating and if it can be increased.
Explore the Garage Door Options at Kitsap Garage Door
Calling a professional is the best way to ensure garage door repairs and replacements get done correctly and safely. Garage door professionals have the expertise and knowledge to do the job. At Kitsap Garage Door, we use high-quality parts and equipment and have an experienced team at the ready to handle your garage door repairs and replacements.
Stop by our showroom to see our selection, or contact us today to learn how we can help you update your garage door to achieve the exterior design of your dreams.