Garage doors are one of those items you very rarely give a second thought to. Unless it’s hanging on a single hinge, threatening to fall down completely!
Many Australian homeowners often view a garage door installation as being at the bottom of the list of items that need renovating or upgrading. However, there are times you can no longer ignore the signs and have to start shopping for a new door. If you’re not sure if your garage door really needs replacing, or just some oil on the hinges, this article is for you!
How to Know When It’s Time to Start Garage Door Shopping
For the most part, garage doors can be repaired with a quick service and a good paint. However, instead of repainting an already old door multiple times, it may just be more cost-effective to replace the door altogether. We’ve listed a few of the tell-tale signs that it may be time to stop servicing and start replacing.
- You Hear Strange Noises
One of the clear indications that you have an old garage door is the sound it makes when it’s opened or closed. Creaking, grinding and scraping noises are sure signs that it may be time to upgrade.
Garage doors have intricate working systems, and they are designed to operate with minimal noise. So, any strange noises are a sign that the internal gears and bearings are worn. In some instances, oiling the hinges and the mechanisms no longer quieten the noise. Then, it’s time for a new door!
- Frequent Maintenance and Repairs are Required
Garage doors, like just about everything else around your home, require some maintenance to keep them functioning optimally. Still, it’s not uncommon for new homeowners to live in their dream homes for months or even years before their garage doors need any real care.
However, if you find yourself doing more repairs and maintenance on your garage door than you’ve ever done before, it may be time to admit you have a bigger problem. While you may consider yourself quite handy at repairing your door, keep in mind that weekly or monthly repairs can end up costing you more than you have budgeted for.
- The Mechanism Seems Faulty
A garage door is often one of the more consistent, reliable things in your life. It opens and closes when you press a button and takes the same amount of time to do this every time. However, when the door starts taking longer to open and close and appears to be “sticking” from time to time, your door mechanism may be on the fritz.
Keep in mind that a faulty mechanism can suddenly stop working altogether and fall down. Anyone under or near the door can be severely injured if this happens. Additionally, a door that doesn’t work properly, can also pose a security threat.
- You Think the Garage Door is Responsible for High Energy Bills
A sudden inflation in your energy bill is another indicator that your garage door may need upgrading. This often happens with older garage doors where the insulation has become worn out. With air easily flowing in and out, it can affect how hard your air conditioning needs to work to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the building.
It’s worth noting that modern garage doors are designed with functionality and energy efficacy in mind, which goes a long way to reducing cooling and heating bills.
- You’re Planning to Sell Your Home
Are you busy with general renovations and minor repairs because you’re planning to put your home up for sale? Enhancing your kerb appeal is a simple way to instantly make your outdoor space look more appealing. It will definitely make a better first impression, especially if you opt for a sectional garage door with upgraded security features.
- The Function of the Space is Changing
If you’re garage currently serves as only a space to park your car, it may not bother you that there’s a draft. However, if you’re considering turning your garage into another room, mini apartment, workshop, home office or even a kid’s playroom, you’ll want the most secure door possible. In this instance, you’ll want a garage door with insulation and modern features such as tinted glass windows and built-in security functions.
- The Design is Outdated
You don’t have to wait until your garage door is falling down before you consider replacing it. A decades-old door may still look decent, but let’s face it, the design is outdated and doesn’t fit into the aesthetics and modern approach of the rest of the property.
With the advancements in modern garage door technology, it would be beneficial to your home’s security to take advantage of current features. You could also opt to replace the door you need to open by hand with a remote-controlled door, making your life much easier!
Final Thought
Whether your garage is connected to your home or a stand-alone space in your yard, it plays an integral role in your home’s safety. If your garage door is experiencing any of the signs we’ve listed, it’s a good idea to give your local garage contractor a call.
A new door will improve your outdoor aesthetic and give you peace of mind that your home is well protected!
