A garage door is one of the most important elements of the home, but a broken one can be very frustrating. The garage door may not close smoothly, or it may get stuck halfway through its cycle and expose your vehicle to rain, snow, or sunlight damage. When no one is at home, this makes a tempting target for thieves.

If any of these issues occur with your garage door, then it may be time to consider replacing your existing unit.



1. The Garage Door is Noisy

As a garage door opens and closes, it should be moderately quiet. An old door tends to create noise from dirt and debris. Some of these noises are benign, but others may indicate that you should replace the door. If you ignore these concerns for a long time, you may cause irreversible damage to your garage door and to the door opening.

In addition to your garage door, your garage door opener may be noisy, especially if the chain is corroded or covered in debris. Upgrade the opener to a belt-drive system with an AC motor to improve the smoothness.

2. The Garage Door is Sagging

Moisture and ultraviolet damage can cause your wood garage door panels to rot, decompose, or lose their color. Having sagging panels can detract from the aesthetic appeal of your home, so you should change them. If the door isn't made of wood, this problem could be more serious.

If you want to test your garage door's balance, you need to physically open it. If it is out of balance, it may have a broken torsion spring. When you notice any of these problems, it is wise to replace your garage door before it breaks down and needs repairs.

3. You Don’t Have a Secure Garage Door

It is essential that you replace the automatic reversing system on your garage door if this component fails so that you can protect your family. Your old garage door may be a security risk, especially if criminals learn the opener's code. When you use a smart garage door opener, you receive a random access code sent to your phone each time you want to unlock the door.

4. Your Garage Door Increases Your Energy Bills

Wear and tear may affect how smoothly your garage door opens and closes. You can repair a section when it fails, but if your door needs frequent servicing, you might be better off replacing the whole system. Besides the cost of repair, a worn-out garage door may increase your energy bills.

Cold air can enter older doors during the winter because of holes in the panels or around the edges. A well-insulated garage door keeps your garage at a consistent temperature, reducing the use of your HVAC system. If you notice that your energy expenses have gone up, consider the energy efficiency of your garage door.

5. Your Garage Door No Longer Works

Pressing the opener's remote should open and close the garage door. In time, a sluggish garage door may slow down and become stuck. If the garage door doesn't move at all or is moving slowly, then you should replace it.

Occasionally, the heavy moving components of your garage door may fail, and it's usually easier to replace the entire system than to determine what's wrong. In particular, this applies if the garage door has been damaged by the weather or an impact from a heavy object like a car.

6. You Have an Outdated Garage Door

A new garage door could give your home a fresh look. Make sure your garage door blends with the rest of your home's design. When you install a new door for your home, you will increase the value of the property and make it stand out from the crowd, especially if your existing door has chips or rotted panels. If you decide to upgrade your garage door to a smart opener, consider buying one that connects to your smartphone.

7. You Want to Remodel Your Home Before Selling

Consider replacing your garage door if you are planning to sell your home. It may return up to 93.8% of your investment. Many homeowners renovate their bathrooms and kitchens, but a new garage door might help you sell your home at a higher price. Give prospective buyers a great first impression of your property by investing in this renovation project.

Replacing Your Garage Will Benefit You

A working garage door gives you peace of mind knowing all your valuables are safe from theft. As a bonus, if you plan on selling your home soon, replacing your old garage door will add to its curb appeal. With a new garage door, you will have peace and quiet in your home. If you aren't comfortable replacing the garage door yourself, you can hire a garage door company who can assess the door and perform the work for you.