How do you know when it's time to replace your garage door? Is that noise something you can fix, or is it simply time to update and upgrade?
Sometimes you can fix the problem. However it's possible you will have to fix the exact same problem in a few months and it will actually cost you less money over the long run to upgrade right now.
You may not be clear on when you need to spring for garage door repair or when it's time to replace the entire door. To help you make your decision, here are 3 common problems and what they typically mean.
Maybe your door isn't responding to the opener. It simply won't open or close when you push the button.
In a lot of cases, you're dealing with an issue with the remote control. You would be amazed how often people simply need to replace the batteries in the remote. Replacing the remote can also fix the issue. Or, if you're having issues with the opener button inside the house, it could be a simple wiring issue.
However, if neither are working, you could be facing a bigger problem and an issue with the actual opener. You should have a garage door technician inspect it. However, garage doors will often give you warning signs that they're about to die.
For example...
Depending on what you hear, this could be an issue with the motor or the alignment of the actual garage door. In either case, this is something you want to have checked out immediately.
You can often fix this problem with some simple maintenance in the early stages. However, the longer you leave this problem, the more long term damage you can do every time you open or close the door.
If you let the issue linger too long, you may not have a choice in the matter anymore. You may ruin the old unit and be forced to upgrade.
If your utility bills are spiking, you should definitely check out your garage door. It makes up about a third of your home's front façade, which makes it a likely candidate for heat loss.
The door may no longer be making a tight seal and letting the cold air in. Or, if it's older, it may have structural damage from years of wear and tear.
In either case, you're likely going to want to upgrade to a new door with a higher R-value.
If the door starts its descent, but quickly starts to go back up, you're likely looking at a sensor issue. The sensor may not need to be replaced and may simply need a wipe down with a damp cloth. Ensure there is no debris in the way by giving the floor a good sweeping.
However, if that doesn't fix the issue, you should call a technician.
These are just a few of the signs that something is very wrong with your garage door. In a lot of cases, you can fix the damage. However, as a rule of thumb, the older your door is, the more likely it is in your best interest to replace it.
Also, the longer you ignore and leave the issue, the more likely you are going to need to replace the unit.
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