Did you know that upgrading a home’s garage door ranked number two among other possible home improvement projects? Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report found that this investment led to recouping 94% of costs being recouped. Along with wanting to up their curb appeal and increase their home’s sale value, homeowners may choose to replace a garage door for other reasons even if they are not planning on moving. Some individuals, for instance, seek improved security and lower energy bills through a newer model.
Regardless of your reason for considering a garage door replacement, this article outlines some of the considerations for determining what is the most appropriate garage door for your home, ranging from material to labor costs. We also examine how much you can expect to pay for an upgraded door and its benefits in greater detail.
What is the Typical Lifespan of a Garage Door?
Garage doors typically last for decades if they are properly maintained and their components are inspected regularly. We suggest doing a visual inspection at least every six months.
Other factors influencing doors’ lifespans include:
- Materials: Cheaper garage door materials will break down quicker; also keep in mind how particular materials do in your climate.
- Inspection: Schedule an annual maintenance inspection with your local garage door company to identify any issues before they necessitate a full door replacement.
- Proper Maintenance: Regularly lubricate the door’s moving parts and keep your door free of debris by washing it with mild detergent.
- Amount of Use: The more a door is used, the more its parts are subjected to wear and tear.
Signs You Should Consider Replacing Your Garage Door
If you notice any of these signs, it is time to consider a replacement:
Wear and Tear Damage to the Door or Its Moving Parts
The internal and external parts may become damaged over time if debris is not cleared out. For example, a garage door’s exterior, after years of exposure to the weather, may become discolored and warped. Over time, moisture and temperature changes can cause a door’s springs and opener to not work.
The Door is Not Opening or Closing Properly
Because of issues, like misaligned sensors or a failing opener, the door may be unable to open and close without manual assistance.
Safety Issues Appear
Outdated internal tech (openers, remotes), poor locks, and failing garage door sensors all pose safety issues for you and your family.
Your Energy Bills are Increasing
Attached garages with older doors often have poor seals and deteriorating insulation that leads to your HVAC system working harder than it needs to.
How Much is a Garage Door Replacement?
Replacing a garage door ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on several factors. Some of these include:
Desired Material
Higher-end materials, such as fiberglass and custom-crafted wood, can raise the price of replacing your door. If your budget is lower, consider more inexpensive options like steel and simple wood doors.
Location
Garage door costs and labor costs will vary with your geographic area and cost of living.
Insulation Value
Garage doors can be manufactured with various insulation types and values. R-value measures how well insulation can prevent the flow of heat into and out of the home. Higher R-value means greater insulation performance, but also increases the price.
Size of Space
Larger garage doors will entail higher replacement costs; make sure to properly measure using this handy guide.
What You Gain from a New Door
Choosing to replace your garage door offers a variety of benefits. One of the most cited incentives is enhanced curb appeal and resale value (4% as of 2020). Likewise, we often hear customers mention their desire for better security that comes with newer garage door technology, such as apps that provide opening and closing notifications and replace the need to have a remote in their vehicles. Lastly, for our environmentally-conscious homeowners, new doors offer improved insulation and seals that prevent heating and cooling loss.
