Should I Repair or Replace My Garage Door?

Published: July 15, 2022

4 minute read

Do you have a garage door that has stopped working properly? If yes, then you should probably consider replacing it. Garage doors are an investment in the quality of your home, and they require regular maintenance. This means that you should always be prepared to fix them when they break down.

Garage doors are very important because they provide protection from the elements. They also allow us to store our cars inside without having to worry about theft. In addition, garage doors are often the first thing people see when they enter your home. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in a good-quality garage door.

Garage doors come in various styles and designs. There are several things you should look at before deciding whether to repair or replace your current garage door.

Repair or Replace? How to Decide

The average life span of a garage door depends on several factors. Most garage doors last around 30 years if they are well maintained. However, individual circumstances vary. Maybe your newly-minted teenage driver accidentally backed into the door, or maybe a storm hurled debris at the door and damaged some panels. If you’re considering replacing or repairing your garage door, here are some things to consider.

Damage

There are a few levels of possible damage to garage doors:

  • Minor: The damage to your door might be visible, but it does not affect the structural integrity or function of the door. If you only have minor cosmetic damage to your door, you’ll likely get more value out of repairing it than replacing it.
  • Moderate: Sometimes, the damage is a little more than cosmetic – and the structural integrity of your door is compromised. A warped or rusted door will not work as effectively as it once did. It also won’t effectively keep out the elements or protect your garage from intruders. If your garage door has structural damage, consider replacing it.
  • Severe: Serious damage to your door means it no longer opens and closes as it should. If your door gets stuck, makes a terrible noise as it operates, or won’t open at all, a new door is probably in order.

Cost

If your garage door has minor damage but it’s older in age, you may want to consider a replacement. It may not be worth investing in repairs for a door that doesn’t have much life left.

Garage door repair costs vary depending on what type of problem you have with your garage door. You can always request a quote for repairing your garage door by calling us at (812) 423-6891 or sending us a message through our website.

Age of the door

As mentioned above, the average life span of a standard garage door is about 30 years. However, this number varies greatly depending on how often you use the door, the climate where you live, and other factors.

Repair vs. Replacement

So, now that we’ve covered the basics of why you’d want to fix or replace one, let’s talk about which option is best for you.
Replacing an old garage door is generally cheaper than fixing it. But, there are times when you may decide to repair rather than replace. For example, if you notice that your garage door isn’t working properly, but it still looks fine, you could try fixing it before buying a new door.

On the other hand, if you notice that the frame of your existing door is starting to rust or warp, you may want to buy a new door right away. Rusting frames can weaken the structure of the door and make it prone to break down further.

When deciding whether to repair or replace, think about the following questions:

  • Is my garage door structurally sound?
  • Do I plan to use my garage door regularly?
  • How long do I plan to own my home?
  • Will I be able to afford a new garage door?

Need an inspection or a new garage door?

If you want to enhance your curb appeal, better insulate your garage, or simply tune up your existing garage door, turn to the professionals at Lensing Garage Doors.

At Lensing Garage Doors, we offer unparalleled residential garage door service backed by decades of experience in the business. Our experienced experts can ensure that you get the garage door that you need and desire. To learn more or to clarify any questions about the installation process, give us a call at (812) 423-6891 or visit our showroom on West Franklin Street in Evansville!