If there’s something wrong with your garage door, then you’re going to need to do something about it sooner rather than later. Physical damage to the garage door can hurt the curb appeal of your home, leave your door prone to further damage and result in a potential safety risk. If there’s a problem with the garage door’s operation, it can result in issues with function, convenience, safety and even security.
But how exactly do you decide whether your garage door needs to be replaced or if you can simply have it repaired? Typically, you’ll want to choose the option of repairing your garage door over replacement for the following reasons:
It will cost less to repair your garage door
According to Home Adviser’s True Cost Guide, garage door repair costs typicaly range between $148 and $321 depending on the nature of the repair. The average reported cost is $213. The most expensive garage door repair is typically spring replacement due to the fact that it can take upwards of two to three hours to replace broken or damaged springs with new hardware.
As far as replacement goes, the cost varies wildly depending on various factors – the size of the garage door, the material it’s made out of, the features and more. According to Home Adviser, homeowners have reportedly spent between $742 and $1,416 on installing new garage doors – but that price can skyrocket up to as much as $4,000 for double garage doors. It’s simply much more cost effective to have your garage door repaired than to replace it.
Almost every garage door issue can be repaired
Any problem that your door may have in terms of function can be repaired. A broken set of springs doesn’t mean you have to have the entire door replaced – it means that you can just replace the springs. The same goes for the other components, such as the tracks, the sensors, the garage door opener, the hinges or the rollers.
The only time you’re really forced into a possible replacement is if there is massive cosmetic or functional damage. For example, someone decided to try and back out of your garage without opening the door. But even slight cosmetic damage can be replaced, such as small dings, dents and scratches. Many garage doors repairs allow you to replace individual panels as well instead of having to replace the entire door.
It will take less time to repair your garage door
Replacing your entire garage door is going to take some time to do. Professionals will most likely be needed in order to safely remove your old garage door before installing a new one. Because safety and security is a real concern, your garage door replacement professionals will need to be very careful to ensure that each component is properly installed. The door will then have to be tested out to make sure it functions properly.
You’re looking at several hours worth of work – sometimes an entire afternoon of labor depending on the type of door you’re installing. Repairs can often be done in a jiffy depending on what the issue is.
Garage door replacement may require HOA approval
If you belong to an HOA (Homeowner’s Association), then you may need prior approval from the organization to replace your garage door since it can greatly affect the aesthetic of your home. HOAs tend to have very strict rules when it comes to making large cosmetic changes (this way, they avoid having homes with bright pink garage doors diminishing the property values of other homes in the neighborhood). In many cases, going through the approval process can take longer than you would like.
If you like your garage door, then you should keep it
If you like the way your garage door functions and looks, then there’s no reason to replace it if you don’t have to. The last thing you’ll want is to install a brand new garage door only to realize that you liked your old one better!
As you can see, there’s rarely a reason to replace your garage door instead of having it repaired unless there is severe cosmetic or functional damage – or you simply want to upgrade your garage door. If you’re unsure of what you want to do, you can always make a minor repair so that the door at least functions safely while you look around to see if you can find an upgrade that is worth the time and money.
If you are in need of garage door repair services or you want to have your garage door replaced, then be sure to contact us at Garage Door Medics or schedule an appointment online today.
