Should I Repair or Replace My Garage Door?

October 8, 2019

So the time has come when your garage door is either damaged or has stopped working altogether, from old age or poor maintenance, and you are now faced with the difficult decision; do I repair or replace my garage door? We understand that the investment of time and money is significant either way so we decided to put together a quick guide to help you determine which option is best for you and your home and when it is time to call a professional.

If your garage door has been damaged, you first need to assess whether it is cosmetic or structural.

• Cosmetic damage includes chipped paint, cracked or splinted panels, light weather damage, dented panels. This is damage that isn't affecting the operation of your garage door, just the look of it. Cosmetic damage can easily be repaired by replacing panels and isn't worth the cost of replacing the entire door, unless your garage door is very old and you suspect that more and more panels might begin to show their wear and tear and need replacing down the road.
• Structural damage is exactly that, damage to the structure or foundation of the door so that it affects its functionality. This includes doors that have been pushed in or out and are stuck, opening very loudly or very slowly, a warped door from extreme weather, a rusted door, etc. When it comes to structural damage, we always recommend calling a professional right away. A garage door is a heavy and dangerous thing and when it is damaged, trying to operate it may lead to accidents. For instance, a door may actually be in better shape than you think and the problem is stemming from parts like the tracks, rollers, hinges, or springs, all of which can be dangerous if not dealt with quickly and by a professional. But if your garage door does have structural damage, you are better off replacing it for a new one.

Just looking for a change? Maybe your garage door just looks old, warped, chipped, and weather damaged but it still functions. You could be wondering if it is worth spending money on repairs to replace panels, give it a fresh coat of paint, or maybe repair some of the weather damage. You could but eventually, that old garage door is going to need replacing anyway, right? So why not replace it for a garage door that beautifully compliments your home and is nice to look at!

Another thing to keep in mind is the value of a new garage door. If you are trying to sell your home, it actually pays off to replace your garage door for a new one, instead of paying for a few repairs. According to the Remodeling 2019 Cost vs. Value Report, a new garage door is one of the best home improvement investments to make, with a 97.5% ROI. A new garage door also increases the value of your home by drastically enhancing curb appeal and, with modern garage doors having customizable insulation, making your home more energy-efficient.

We hope this guide helps you to determine which course of action is right for you. And if you are still unsure, you can call the expert technicians at Precision Door of San Diego. After assessing your garage door and performing a safety inspection, we will either make the necessary repairs right on the spot (since we carry all parts with us!) or we will recommend a replacement. And the best part is, we can help you from start to finish should you need to replace your garage door! We are authorized sellers and installation professionals of many beautiful designs, including traditional, carriage style, contemporary, and raised-panel styles. Precision Door of San Diego will take care of the entire garage door installation process, including hauling away and disposing of your old garage door, even making sure that all parts are recycled in the proper way. Call 24/7 for the best service in the industry!