Your garage door sees a lot of wear and tear and operates frequently. Deterioration happens gradually, so knowing when to replace a garage door requires paying attention to signs of ageing. But it’s difficult to know what to do. You may wonder, “What size garage doors do I need?” or “What design is the most durable?” Find out what to look for when your garage door needs to be replaced.
Inspect Annually
How long a garage door lasts depends on the materials, level of use, weather factors, and upkeep. With proper maintenance, a quality garage door should provide 15 to 30 years of use before needing replacement. Some questions to ask:
- What size garage doors do I need?
- Does the garage door open smoothly and safely?
- How old is my garage door?
- Is the door cracked or dented?
- Is the garage door noisy?
Begin by inspecting your garage door and opener annually. Check for visible wear, loose or corroded hardware, and any sagging or damage to the panels. Test the door balance and watch it run through a full cycle, ensuring it opens and closes smoothly without sticking or strange noises. Address any minor issues right away to maximize longevity.
Look for Visible Damage
Dents, cracks, rot, warped panels, and wood splintering indicate ageing issues. If the damage affects the door’s structural integrity or ability to open and close properly, replacement should be considered. Cosmetic damage like paint peeling can be addressed, but structural problems will only worsen over time.
Listen for Noises
Squeaking, grinding, scraping sounds, and vibrations as the door runs hints at problems. Rollers can wear out after 5-10 years. Spring assemblies begin deteriorating after 10-15 years. Have a professional inspect and lubricate moving parts annually. But loud noises likely mean certain components need replacement.
If a garage door starts behaving erratically, sticks open, won’t open all the way, drops down unexpectedly, or opens unevenly, something is wrong mechanically. The torsion spring assembly or cables may be broken or off track. Opener issues can also cause malfunctions. Severe malfunctions necessitate garage door replacement.
Consider Frequency of Use
Garage doors used more heavily endure more wear. For households coming and going several times daily, the door operates four times more than in low-traffic homes. This puts added strain on the moving parts so components show age faster. Check for signs of use like sagging panels or loose hardware.
Factor in Weather Exposure
Garage doors face the elements, which takes a toll over time. Sun, rain, snow, and temperature extremes corrode and degrade materials. Wood doors absorb exterior moisture. Metal doors can dent and rust. Inspect weatherstripping and exterior condition annually, replacing worn pieces as needed.
Contact Adams Door Systems
You can maximize your garage door’s lifespan by being attentive and proactive with inspections, maintenance, and repairs. However, once age-related issues multiply, replacing the entire door may be the better option for performance and safety. Contact Adams Door Systems today to inspect your door and find you the perfect replacement.
