When it comes to maintaining a home, doing repair work around the house or just checking up if all systems are working well, garage doors are notoriously neglected. Most homeowners look at garage doors as an afterthought – a part of the house that guests rarely visit, if at all.
Unfortunately, garage doors are only inspected when something goes terribly wrong. Unless it stops working, there’s a slim chance it will never be examined and by then the problem has compounded.
Performing monthly inspections on your garage door is crucial. It not only ensures that the door is in working condition and won’t get stuck, but it also ensures that no burglars can exploit its weak spots and break-in.
However, garage doors need to be replaced just like faulty bulbs needs be interchanged with new ones and cracked windows need to be swapped with sturdy ones. If you decide to do some remodeling this winter, don’t neglect your garage doors.
So, how do you know when it’s time to replace your garage door. Here are some of the tell-tale signs:
It’s old, rusty and damaged
This is an obvious sign. If your garage door is broken, cracked, damaged, old and rusted, it’s time to get a new one. Some really old models don’t have a sensor-driven automatic reversing mechanism. This mechanism prevents a moving object or person – like a pet or a child – from getting hurt when the door is being open or closed by detecting motion and immediately halting.
It doesn’t open or close properly – even after several repairs
Garage doors have only one function: To open and close on command. If it can’t do its primary function even after you’ve called a professional garage door repair service several times, it’s time to replace it.
It makes a ton of noise
Noisy garage doors alert the whole neighborhood when you’re arriving or leaving the house. On top of that, it wreaks havoc on senior citizens and young children who have sensitive ears.
Most people dismiss a noisy door as a superficial problem but it isn’t one. In fact, a loud garage door indicates loose hardware, worn rollers, a faulty garage door opener or some other issue. Getting it fixed might help but sometimes you need to change the door.
It shakes
The ideal garage door would operate smoothly. It won’t make noise, vibrate or shake. If it does shake, the door is straining to perform its main function. It could signal that there are broken parts or there is a chance it will collapse soon.
Sudden jerking movements are also an indication that something isn’t right. Shaking, making noise, vibrating and jerking are also common in old garage doors.
It responds to your commands gradually
Typically, a door to the garage must open and close within a second or two after the opener has been pressed. It shouldn’t act like a child throwing a tantrum or a teenager who won’t wash the dishes. In short, it should do exactly what it is told.
A delayed response time might happen because of a defective door or a flawed garage door opener.
It’s off the tracks
The garage door must be perfectly aligned to the entrance. If it gets stuck often, it may be off its tracks.
It won’t stop malfunctioning
If you’re tired of always repairing your door when it doesn’t open or close on command, it might be time to consider buying a shiny, new, well-functioning garage door.
It sags
Yes, garage doors can sag. To check if it does, disconnect the opener from the door and open it with your hands. Stop opening or closing it midway and see if it rises or falls on its own. It ideally shouldn’t.
It consumes a lot of energy
Garage doors can also consume ample amounts of energy. Older models are guilty of this but even if you have a new one you should check the amount of energy it uses monthly.
Investing in an energy-saving garage door will be worth it in the long-run since it will save money on the electric bill for many years.
There’s always a gap between the garage door and the floor
Robbers break-in homes by exploiting weaknesses. They could damage windows and gain access, open less secure front doors or come in through the garage door if there’s a gap between it and the floor.
Don’t give burglars a chance to enter your home. Purchase an automated one that relies on your fingerprints to open and close and doesn’t create a gap on the ground.
Remember to frequently conduct inspections on the garage door – ideally once a month – and immediately repair or replace it when you notice any damage. Beef up security in your garage if you store valuables in it. Make your garage an important part of your home and not just an afterthought.
About Author: Ran Keller is an experienced handyman who’s been working for EliteGarageWA for 10 years. When he’s not fixing garage doors, he likes to share his repairment ideas and knowledge with others.
