Studies revealed that, on average, a garage door in the United States opens and closes more than 1500 times annually. This indicates that the garage door is one of the most used doors in the home. The frequent usage of garage doors makes them prone to cracks, broken panels, damaged pulley, and other forms of wear and tear. These damages could pose security threats, expose your home to rodents and pests, harsh weather conditions, and also result in an increase in your electricity bill. Therefore, when you notice any form of damage on your Garage conversions door, take a quick step and seek the help of Chicago Garage Door services in Mount Prospect before the minor problem becomes a major and more expensive repair or complete garage door replacement.
However, the average lifespan of a garage door is about 30 years, depending on various factors such as the type of garage door, the climate in which it is used, and more.
Factors That Determine How Often Garage Doors Should Be Replaced
Weather Conditions
If you reside in an area that is known for extreme weather, your folding door will likely need to be replaced more often than once in 30 years. Extreme climates such as heavy snow, strong wind, hail storms, and more can cause metal parts on your garage door to crack, rust, or corrode, which is why it may only last a few years before it needs replacement.
Professional garage door repair in st louis providers will help inspect the garage door properly, detect impending problems, and fix them before it becomes full-blown.
Proper Maintenance
Proper servicing and maintenance of a garage door can increase its lifespan by several years. Simple maintenance practices such as cleaning old grease and lubricating the moving parts can go a long way in maintaining the functionality of your garage door. Other garage door maintenance tips include tightening up loose bolts, replacement of bulbs and batteries, servicing the belts and chains, and many more.
However, it’s best to hire expert garage door service providers for proper maintenance of your garage door. Professional garage door service providers will help inspect the garage door properly, detect impending problems, and fix them before it becomes full-blown.
Type of garage door
Garage doors are made from different materials such as wood, vinyl, steel, wood-composite, aluminum, and fiberglass. Each of these materials can last between 15 to 30 years if maintained properly and used in the right weather conditions. For instance, the steel garage door is one of the most durable garage doors, and it’s suitable for all weather conditions. However, to prevent corroding, endeavor to repaint and lubricate your steel garage door regularly.
When To Consider Replacing Your Garage Door
Age of the garage door
If you live in an older home, there’s an increased chance that the garage door may be prone to more damage. Also, older garage doors are less energy efficient; hence it can cause an increase in your electricity bill. For these reasons, it’ll be worthwhile to consider replacing your old garage doors with new ones. A new garage door can help you save money on your energy bills and make your home more secure.
The severity of the garage door damage
Damages on garage doors could be minor, moderate, or severe. Minor damages include; fading paint, minor scratch, and minor dents, to name a few. These minor damages mostly required cosmetic repairs such as repainting and cleaning. Severe damages include stuck doors, malfunctioning control, severe physical damage, broken mechanism, and others. When garage doors become seriously damaged, they could be challenging to repair; hence it might be best to have them replaced.
Increase the value and curb appeal of your home
If you’re looking for a way to add style and beautify the exterior of your home, you can consider replacing your garage door. There are aesthetic benefits to replacing your garage door; a new one can make your home more attractive. In addition, new garage doors are often made with energy-saving features like insulated panels that prevent heat loss and help keep your home warm during the winter months.
However, when choosing a new garage door, be sure to consider the entire design and style of your home. Choosing an unmatching color or material for the garage door in comparison to other parts of your home can give off an unbalanced appearance which may not be appealing.
Cost of repairs
In some cases, after estimating the total cost of repairing an old garage door, the cost of repairs might be similar to the cost of replacing it. Due to this, it’ll be smarter to have the garage door replaced as you’ll get more value for your investment.
