When a garage door reaches the end of its lifespan, it rarely fails all at once. Instead, it sends some subtle, and some not-so-subtle, signs that are often overlooked. However, by ignoring those early warnings, you may end up with costly repairs, safety hazards, and unwelcome surprises when you’re trying to head to work in the morning.
Below are some of the most common indicators that it’s time for a garage door replacement from South Dakota Overhead Doors, leading providers of garage doors in Rapid City.
- Excessive Noise
A noisy garage door is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a huge indication that your door isn’t functioning properly and either needs to be repaired or replaced. If your once quiet garage door starts grinding, squeaking, or banging, your best course of action is to get things checked out by a professional rather than put up with the racket.
- Sluggish or Uneven Movement
Another sign that your garage door needs some attention is if you notice that it is taking longer for your door to open and close than usual. Sometimes replacing rollers or re-balancing the springs may take care of the problem, but if structural components are compromised, a replacement is necessary.
- Visible Damage and Warping
Our region’s weather cycles wreak havoc on wood and steel doors. Make sure to keep an eye out for rust, large dents, cracked weather seals, and warping that prevents a tight seal against the floor or jambs. If more than one panel is affected, a replacement is usually the safest and most cost-effective route.
- Rising Energy Bills
If you notice your utility bills continuing to rise month after month, your garage door may be to blame. A new door will not only help decrease your energy consumption by up to 20% but will also help keep you comfortable in your home during the frigid Black Hills winters and scorching summers.
- Frequent Breakdowns and Mounting Repair Bills
If your garage door has required repair service more than twice in the past year for broken springs, cables, or fixes to the door’s core components, your money may be better invested in a new door.
- Safety and Security Concerns
Garage doors can cause serious injury or even death if they don’t function as they should, or if they lack important safety features. If your door doesn’t close all the way, or the door doesn’t automatically reverse when the sensor is triggered, you can be putting your family, pets, and visitors in harm’s way.
And injury isn’t the only risk – a door that doesn’t properly close can leave your home vulnerable to break-ins.
- Lackluster Curb Appeal
Your garage door is a huge contributor to the overall look and feel of your house. Having a door that’s visibly worn, is outdated, or doesn’t match the aesthetic of the property not only is an eye sore but can also drag down the value of your home.
In fact, replacing your garage door is one of the smartest home renovations you can make, especially if you plan on selling your home anytime soon, as you can see up to a 95% return on investment with the upgrade.
Ready to Raise the Standard for Your Garage Door?
A new door isn’t just an improvement in your home’s appearance – it’s a quieter departure to work in the morning, lower energy bills in January and August, and peace of mind that your garage door is safe and secure for your family.
The team at South Dakota Overhead Doors is ready to help you choose the right door for your home, as well as provide expert installation and maintenance to ensure your investment is properly taken care of for years to come. Give us a call at (605) 355-1500 to get started!