So, you’re thinking about repairing your current garage door? Depending on how worn your door is, you might consider a new door. This may seem like a drastic upgrade, but it’s important consider just how much value a new garage door installation can bring. You’ve likely used your current garage door ever since you purchased the property. That’s a fair assumption since an overhead garage door is meant to last up to 30 years.
Before you take the plunge into garage door replacement, consider how many times you’ve had to repair your existing overhead garage door in the last few years. Do you frequently have to call a repair company? Is there a known and constant issue with your current setup, such as the door going off track? Or perhaps you’re looking for a visual change that sparks excitement and joy.
If you’re at a crossroads and debating between garage door replacement and installation, then the first step is to find a garage door repair company near you that also does installations and weigh the costs. Next, start considering the benefits that can come with replacing your current garage door.
Plan For the Weather
Weather should definitely be considered when you weigh in the cost for garage door replacements. If you live in an area of high winds, rain or hail like the kind Rancho Cordova is known for, you want a door that will stand up to the elements. Because of the sheer size of the door, it can be highly susceptible to wind damage. You might want to consider investing in additional bracing and heavier gauge tracking. If weather-proofing is on the top of your list, you may want to forget about wood overhead garage doors, which require constant maintenance, especially in areas that deal with rain and heavy moisture. That being said, the material is known for its strength. Consult our overhead garage door material guide to learn more about the best doors used for weather-proofing.
If your current overhead garage door is serviceable in this department, then a repair might be in the cards. Nevertheless, there are still practical tips you can take to make your current garage door more weatherproof. The Spruce suggests a variety of ways you can weather-seal your garage door without breaking the bank.
Is Insulation Important?
If your garage is attached to the house, you probably want to consider an installing an insulated garage door. Granted, Rancho Cordova has some mild winters, but extremely hot summers that can be just as devastating to your energy bill. You may not realize it, but your current overhead garage door might be cause hole in your wallet. Because the garage door is the largest entryway to your home, it’s extremely likely that precious cool air is sneaking out, which is putting an extra burden on your air conditioner. With an insulated door, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. The savings in the summer can be significant. If insulation is important, you will need a door that has an R-value of 12 or 16.
Speak to a garage door installation company regarding their recommendations for doors that have insulation at the top of mind. If you want to regulate air flow and lower your energy bill, consider installing an air curtain for your garage. Air curtains are commonly associated with grocery stores and retail giants, though they’ve become a common fixture for those who like to keep their overhead garage door open during the summer. An air window will create a burst of cool air, trapping in the cooling, which means it won’t mingle with the outside air and get wasted. Though it’s a pricey installation, it could save you a decent amount on your next energy bill.
A Better Curbside Value
Garage door replacement is known to boost curbside value. If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, a brand-new overhead garage door might be one of the best investments you can make to bring in more money when it comes time for bids. Or perhaps you want something different to look at after all these years. Recent trends indicate that glass and fiberglass doors are popular and you may want one for yourself.
Should You Wait for Garage Door Replacement?
Naturally, garage door replacement is not an investment you want to drop on the fly. It’s best to plan and save up for it. Is now really the time? Why are you considering a new door? Does your old one look terrible or has it become a serious safety issue? If it’s a matter of looks over safety, you might consider planning your budget until you can afford to buy a door of decent quality. If it’s a safety issue, you might want to take a hard look at your budget and see if you can do this right away. If you don’t have the budget yet for a new door, perhaps you should look for garage door repair near you and plan for a new door further down the road.
Fixing & Upgrading Your Current Garage Door
If your overhead garage door is in need of a repair, contact the best garage door repair company in your area to have it inspected. A quality and professional garage door service can do wonders do your existing door even if you have a small budget. Is your door operating slow or emitting a squeaky noise? There’s a strong chance your garage door springs need replacement. If your door isn’t moving, specific attention will need to be paid to your garage door trolley.
Working with a set of experts can allow you to upgrade your current garage door parts, making it as smooth and good as new. A perfect example is replacing your garage door opener. The last few years have seen upgraded garage door openers that work with wi-fi to create smart experiences. A “smart” garage door opener allows you to remotely open, close, and lock your overhead garage door right from your phone. Think about how convenient that could be for your living situation. To make things even sweeter, you’ll be glad to know that this is a relatively cheap upgrade that won’t break the budget. So, if your current garage door is still getting the job done, there’s no need for a replacement when there are a myriad of upgrade possibilities.
Now, if your garage door just isn’t working, you should have it inspected by a professional garage door company. It could be just a garage door repair issue — perhaps a bad set of garage door springs that need replaced, or your garage door has gone off track. When they’re done with your garage door, ask them about their thoughts on possible upgrades that you can do to stave off the possibility of a replacement.