To Fix or Replace? The Garage Door Dilemma

Maybe your garage door has started making some odd sounds, or maybe it doesn’t seem to be operating like normal. Either way, you know that, sooner or later, you are probably going to need to get it repaired or even replaced. And it is actually a case of sooner rather than later!

There are a lot of reasons that a garage door may stop operating smoothly, or even stop operating altogether, and many of them involve safety issues. To help you understand the issue of simple repair versus flat out replacement, we offer a few tips below.

When it requires REPAIR

As is the case with so many things in life, if a broken part can be repaired or replaced, it will end up being a far more affordable event. However, it is also a case of sooner over later, and the quicker you detect and correct any issues, the better for the door and the bank account. After all, the slight issue (i.e. that weird noise) this week can become a major issue just a week later. For example, these seemingly mild issues are a sign that immediate repairs are needed:

• The door starts to close, but then re‑opens – This is actually one of the more common service calls that door specialists receive, and it relates to the door opener rather than the door itself. It is usually due to a misalignment of the photo eyes of the safety reversing system. This can happen if a component eye has shifted, but also if the wires connecting to the main unit are severed. Either way, it’s best to contact a garage door specialist.
• The door is opening much slower than normal – This is another common issue and relates to the spring system, which has either lost tension or broken. It is a sign that your door opener is forced to work harder, and the gear system will probably make a banging or thumping sound. You can test it by popping the emergency release and trying to open the door on your own. If it is very heavy, it is probably a spring (either torsion or extension), which is without tension or completely broken. Again, this is a job for a garage door expert.
• The door opens with a lot of vibrating or jerky movement – Typically, this indicates that one of the lifting cables is broken, or is about to break. You can check it by looking at the tracks on each side of the door, and examining the cables. It could also be a roller issue. Regardless, it is another task for the garage door tech.
• The door opens, but with a loud and sharp noise – A single, loud bang often indicates a serious problem with one of the steel tracks. Most systems feature commercial grade tracks, and if bent or twisted by a blow, they will cause loud noises and present a dangerous situation. Get in touch with a garage door professional immediately.

Each of the issues above may not sound dangerous, but they are. You cannot fix or repair them on your own. For your safety, and that of those who use the door, get in touch with a garage door professional.

When it requires REPLACEMENT

While there are life spans on many systems or moving parts in any home, garage doors do not necessarily follow such rules. The age of a garage door is not a sure sign it needs replacement. You might have a door 25 years old, or older, that still works very well. This is often due to good maintenance and upkeep. Also, if every moving part is properly lubricated at least twice a year, it contributes to a longer life span.

Yet, there are some issues that can necessitate a replacement rather than repair, and they include:

• The environment the door has worked in – The uninsulated or unheated garage can be humid and destructive to most door hardware. The rougher the environment, the greater the toll on metal parts. Rust often leads to the need to replace rather than repair.
• Damage to a door section – Whether it was due to an accidental bump with a vehicle or something else, a badly damaged section of a door will typically require you to replace the entire unit. It can lead to so many issues that the safest path is the new door.
• It is harming curb appeal – Though you may have gotten used to the looks of your outdated door, if you are aiming to sell the home or improve its value, a new garage door repays itself quickly.

Now what?

So, what is it you should take from this? The main point is that you’ll want to make the most well-informed decisions when deciding on repairing or replacing the garage door. In all instances, safety first is the best rule, and we are an invaluable advisor, so contact us now at 709-368-7222.

We will provide you with a detailed quotation by email, and will gladly visit your home to discuss repairs or replacement, even reviewing available garage doors. Our expertise lets us guide you towards the right choices, and if you are going to replace your garage door you will be able to utilize our design center or image gallery for inspiration.