Old Door Sagging? Is it Time to Replace Your Garage Door?

If your garage door is starting to sag in the middle or come loose at the edges, it may be a sign that it’s getting close to the end of its lifespan and needs replacing. Determining when the right time is can be tricky, but there are some telltale signs it’s time to call in the experts at Garage Door Replacement in Norfolk. In this blog post, we’ll go over those signs and discuss the garage door replacement process.

Checking for Wear and Tear

One of the best ways to know if your garage door is nearing the end is to inspect it closely for wear and tear. Look for dents, cracks or rust along the panels or tracks. Squeeze the panels – if they feel loose, brittle or flimsy, that’s a bad sign. Inspect hinges, rollers and springs too. If any parts are worn down, corroded or loose, repair may not be worth it. It’s usually better to fully replace when major components need fixing.

Does the Door Still Function Smoothly?

Pay attention to how the door operates when opening and closing. If the panels are sagging noticeably in the middle, it creates unnecessary stress on the whole system. The door may stick or be sluggish moving up tracks that are out of alignment. Noisy, binding or jerky movement is a sign mechanics have deteriorated beyond repair. A new door with precise tracking can help eliminate operational issues.

Checking the age and material is also useful. Most wood or steel panel doors only last 15-20 years with regular use before needing replacement. Fiberglass panels may go closer to 25 years. If yours is past that age but still functions, it may be okay for now but is nearing the end of its usable lifespan. Monitor it more closely for safety.

Consider overall appearance too. Faded or mismatched panels may bother you from an aesthetic standpoint alone. A new door can brighten up the front of your home as well as improving function. Safety should always be the top concern though.

Is it Still Secure?

Security is another major factor. Over time, locks and hardware wear out, leaving older doors more vulnerable to break-ins. Make sure all locking components still secure the door tightly when engaged. Inspect for any signs of tampering too. If security is in question, a full replacement with upgraded protection is worth considering. Newer doors also benefit from improved energy efficiency which can lower heating and cooling costs.

Cost vs. Benefit Analysis

When weighing whether to replace or repair an old garage door, compare the costs. Extensive repairs to fix sagging, rusted or damaged panels is often more expensive than a full replacement installation over the long run. New doors also come with a warranty and should last 15-20 years before issues typically arise. Consider safety, security, curb appeal, ease of operation and your budget to decide if replacement makes more sense for your situation than ongoing repairs.

The Replacement Process

If you decide it’s simply time for an upgrade, the door replacement process is straightforward when handled by qualified professionals. They will remove the old door, inspect the existing tracks and structure, install a new prebuilt door fitted for your opening, and adjust all the mechanics, springs and electronics for optimal operation. Most full installations take a single day to complete. You’ll end up with a brand new door that functions beautifully for many years to come.

Conclusion

Knowing when aging or sagging garage doors need to be replaced rather than repeatedly repaired saves money and improves safety, function and curb appeal long term. Contact a company like Garage Door Replacement in Norfolk for an honest assessment if your door is showing wear. Their expertise can help determine if replacement, repair or continued monitoring is the best course of action for your situation. With a new energy efficient door, your garage will have many more years of reliable, secure and maintenance-free operation ahead.