Before you decide to completely replace your garage door, consider whether a repair may be a more cost-effective option. Many times, worn out cables or springs are the culprit behind garage door issues rather than needing an entirely new system. Let’s take a closer look at some common garage door problems and when repair makes more sense than replacement.
When Cables Need Replacing
One of the most frequent reasons a garage door needs attention is worn out lifting cables. These cables are located on each side of the door and help lift and lower the door panels. Over time with constant use, the cables can fray and weaken to the point they no longer function properly. Signs your cables need replacing include:
- The door won’t stay up on its own and comes crashing down.
- You hear a loud screeching or grinding noise when operating the door.
- There are visible signs of fraying or broken strands on the cables.
In most cases, replacing just the cables is a much more affordable option than a full door replacement. A qualified garage door repair technician in Norfolk, VA can have your door functioning smoothly again in no time by swapping out the old cables for new ones. The process typically takes less than an hour and costs a fraction of the price of a new garage door system.
Springs That Need Renewing
The other major component that often fails first on a garage door are the torsion springs. These are located above the door and help lift the weight of the door panels. Over 10,000 or more open/close cycles, springs can weaken to where they no longer have enough power to open the door fully. Signs springs need attention include:
- The door is difficult to open/close and doesn’t stay in the up position.
- There are visible cracks or breaks in the springs.
As with cables, replacing worn springs rather than the whole system is usually the more cost-effective route. A garage door repair technician can safely replace your springs, balancing the new ones for smooth operation. This repair typically costs a few hundred dollars versus the $1,000+ price tag for a whole new door.
Other Common Repairs
In addition to cables and springs, other garage door components that may need occasional repair or replacement include:
- Rollers – Rollers help guide the door panels and wear out over time. Squeaking or stuck doors often indicate roller issues.
- Hinges – Hinges connect the door panels and allow them to fold up. Bent or damaged hinges cause alignment problems.
- Sensors – Photo eyes sense objects below the door and prevent it closing. Dirty or damaged sensors result in safety and operation issues.
- Remote Controls – Over time, remote controls lose their signal strength or batteries die, making them unusable.
For any of these other common problems, a qualified garage door repair technician can diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs or replacements right at your home or business. Replacing individual worn parts is almost always more cost-effective than a full system replacement.
When Replacement May Be Best
In some cases, such as with older doors in poor overall condition, replacement does make the most sense financially and practically. Here are some signs it may be time for a new garage door:
- The panels are severely dented, rusted, or damaged beyond repair.
- The door frame is bent, twisted, or deteriorated to the point of being unsafe.
- Multiple components need replacing and repairs would exceed 50% of the replacement cost.
- The door type (wood, steel, etc.) is no longer manufactured or supported with replacement parts.
- You want to upgrade your existing door for improved insulation, appearance or functionality.
Even then, it’s a good idea to get quotes for repairs versus replacement to compare costs. A new garage door can cost $1,000-$4,000 or more installed depending on the size and materials. But often, simple repairs of a few hundred dollars can restore an otherwise solid existing door back to full working order.
With regular maintenance and occasional repairs as needed, most garage doors can last 15-20 years or longer before true replacement becomes necessary. So before making that big investment, be sure to explore repair options first with a qualified garage door technician. It may just save you thousands in the long run.