How To Tell Whether to Repair Or Replace Your Garage Door

By Tony Hall

Are you unsure whether your garage door needs to repaired or replaced? Some problems with garage doors are not very serious and you can repair the problem yourself. On the other hand you may need to call in the experts when issues are more serious and are beyond repair.

How can you tell if a garage door needs to be repaired?

There are several problems with garage doors that can be repaired. One is a door that simply stops working. It won't open or close or gets stuck in between. If the door is automatic, the problem may be with the garage opener such as a motor problem. With a manual door, the problem may be the springs, belt or other part which can be replaced to solve the problem.

Another problem that can be repaired is a door that creaks when opening or closing or that has jerky movements. The problem may be as simple as applying a good coat of good quality lubricant to the different parts of the door and tightening any loose bolts and nuts. Perhaps your door does open and close but it feels heavy. The solution may be having the spring tension added and the door will open and close with no difficulty at all.

A damaged panel can also be fixed. This is if it is a single panel that is damaged. If it is more than one, there may be an issue of safety because more than one damaged panel can bring the whole door down. It also depends on the kind of damage that is on the panel. Cosmetic damages like dents and scratches can be fixed but those that significantly change the shape of the panel cannot because it will not fit into the other panels properly. The panel would have to be replaced or the entire garage door replaced.

When should the door be replaced?

A garage door that you have heard over some time which looks worn out and distressed should be replaced. Garage doors are always exposed directly to the elements and after several years, the damage begins to show despite cosmetic repairs and maintenance like paint jobs.
You should also consider having a new garage door put in to add the curb appeal of your home. A well designed door enhances the appearance of your home while increasing its monetary value.

You may also want to install a new garage door to upgrade. For instance, you can replace your door to put in one with an automatic opener or you can move from a wooden one to a stronger one made of steel or wrought iron.

You may also want to upgrade to a insulated door which is much more energy efficient. Insulated doors greatly reduce the transfer of heat or cold air into the garage. Apart from increasing energy efficiency, your garage will be more comfortable especially if you use it for other purposes such as a home office or workshop because the temperatures will remain at a constant level.

Amarillo garage door company Willow Creek Overhead Door undertakes all kinds of repairs and also installs new garage doors from two of the best suppliers, Raynor and Midland Garage Door manufacturing companies. If you need a garage door repair or replacement in Amarillo or the Texas Panhandle, call owner Tony Hall for a free estimate. 

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