
When To Replace Garage Door: Repair or Replace?
When to replace garage door? When a garage door system starts to wear down, homeowners must either repair or replace their garage doors. If you are asking yourself, “should I repair or replace my garage door?” understanding what and how many parts of the system are damaged will help you find your answer.
Signs you need garage door repair
When deciding whether to repair or place a garage door, it is crucial to determine what response is appropriate for the issues at hand. To help homeowners understand the difference, here are three signs a garage door may require repair:
Rattling and noises
- Sometimes, garage door noises mean homeowners need to tighten their garage door hinges. On the other hand, these noises can indicate a more dangerous part, like a torsion spring, that needs replacement. The bottom line is that a garage door should not be unusually noisy.
Safety sensor issues
- Sensors are a critical safety component of the garage door system. They protect people, animals, and objects from the dangerous force of garage door closing incorrectly. If a garage door has issues closing, it may be due to the sensor. From the power supply to water damage, there are many reasons that a sensor may not send and receive a signal properly.
Off-balance or misaligned garage door system
- Worn down cables or a weakened motor can cause a garage door to lean towards one direction or bend unnaturally. This imbalance typically leads to more gaps around the garage door and, consequently, security risks.
There are a wide array of causes for each of these issues requiring repair. Some are dangerous to the safety of individual’s homes and loved ones. Others will progress to significantly more damage for a garage door if left unattended. Regular garage door maintenance and repair prevents safety hazards and extends the lifespan of garage doors. That is to say, in addition to identifying the need for repair homeowners should participate in a regular garage door maintenance program to prevent future problems.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Garage Door
After homeowners have examined the possibility of garage door repair, they may find that their garage door needs fall into the category of garage door replacement. The following list can help individuals decide if certain parts of their garage door system are not satisfactory, and it is time for a full door replacement.
Garage Door Constantly Needs Repairs
- An old garage door can lead to the need for frequent repairs that can be too much to keep up with. Typically, problems that show up repeatedly are a safety hazard. Over time, homeowners can expect a door like this to continue to break down with wear and age. That is why it makes sense from a financial and safety standpoint to replace a garage door with constant maintenance needs.
Garage Door Opens Slowly
- Slower speeds and delayed reaction times often mean a garage door cannot work the same way it used to. If a garage door system does not work as intended, it could be time to replace it altogether.
Appearance Looks Weird
- Dents and imperfections add up as time goes by. Weather and contact with the door can lead to it wearing down. Replacing a door will change a home’s curb appeal and can transform its look overall.
Both garage door repair and garage door replacement are good choices to improve one’s garage door system. However, many variables go into determining whether to repair or replace a garage door. The above list is by no means exhaustive. That is why it is crucial to discuss garage door problems with a professional to help determine whether to repair or replace a garage door.
Looking for garage door repair near me?
Whether you are interested in garage door repair or replacement, Green T Services does a full range of garage door services for homeowners in Chicago, Illinois. We’re here to help homeowners every step of the way with garage door replacement, repair, and maintenance throughout the lifespan of their garage door. Looking for wood garage door repairs? Call us at 630-717-0007 to get that started or request a quote.
The best way to avoid costly garage door repair is to perform regular preventative maintenance
The best way to avoid costly garage door repair is to inspect the rollers, track, panels and springs for any damage on a regular basis.
Thank you for explaining that the general estimate for how long garage doors last is over ten years. We just bought a new garage door, and I’ve been wondering how long we can expect it to last. It seems like it should last us a while, but I’m glad to also know that maintenance can help us to prolong it even more.
It’s good to know that rattling noises are a bad sign. My garage door has been making rattling noises. I’ll have to look into hiring a company that can repair the issue for me.
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