If you’re like most homeowners, your garage is one of the most important rooms in your house. Not only does it provide storage, but it’s also a place where you can store your car and other possessions.
If your Westchester garage doors aren’t working correctly, it can be quite inconvenient. In fact, if it’s not functioning properly, you could find yourself trapped inside your home. Luckily, you can take a few simple steps to determine if it’s time for a garage door replacement.
Learn more about how to replace your garage door with the help of a reliable garage door design company.
Factors That Affect Your Garage Door’s Longevity
Garage door longevity is generally determined by the 3 M’s which are Materials, Maintenance, and Mother Nature.
Materials Used
It is important for all homeowners to keep their garage doors in good condition. Not only is it for safety, but for the safety of their family and possessions. Here are some things to watch for when it comes to garage door maintenance:
- Check the weather seals around the bottom and top of the door. These can become brittle in cold weather, which can cause the door to stick or not close properly. If these seals start failing, you’ll need to replace the entire door.
- Make sure there are no rust spots or metal fatigue on the hinges or track. This can lead to broken hinges or a rusted track over time. And it will make opening and closing the door difficult or even impossible.
- Look for any torn or worn fabric near the springs or rollers on the garage floor. This indicates that they’ve been strained too often and need replacing.
- Test-pull your garage door several times a year to make sure it’s functioning properly. And don’t forget to reverse direction if you’re coming out. If something feels off about how it’s moving, get in touch with a professional right away!
Maintenance Frequency
Garage door maintenance is an important part of keeping your home safe and secure. Follow these simple tips to help you keep your garage door in good condition:
- Check the security chain regularly. If your garage has a security chain, make sure to check it frequently to ensure that it’s working properly.
- Clean the tracks and rollers. Clean the tracks and rollers on your garage door regularly with a broom or a dustpan. This will help prevent dirt, snow, and leaves from building up and obstructing the movement of the door.
- Replace the seals. Replace the seals on your garage door every 6-12 months if they show signs of wear or tear. This will help protect your door from moisture damage and other problems.
Environmental Factors or Mother Nature
Whether your garage door is old or new, regular maintenance will help delay the wear and tear it will encounter with its environment. Here are five tips to help delay the effects of the environment on your garage doors:
- Clean the garage door regularly. Dust, cobwebs, and other debris can build up over time and affect the function of the door. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean areas near the hinges and along the tracks. Be sure to empty the dustbin frequently to prevent clogging.
- Check the bearings periodically. If you notice unusual sounds when you open or close your garage door, it’s time to replace the bearings. Bearings are inexpensive to replace, and they’ll prolong the life of your garage door by avoiding unnecessary wear and tear.
- Check for rust around screws and brackets. There will come a time when corrosion forms on screws or brackets. It can weaken the structure of your garage door and cause it to sag or even buckle. Act now to prevent major damage!
- Make sure there’s no water damage inside or outside your garage door. A heavy rainstorm might not seem like a big deal. But rushing water can damage PVC connections, seals, or other hardware that supports your garage doors’ open/close mechanism. If you notice any watermarks on the ceiling or walls near your garage, immediately take action!
How Do I Know When to Replace My Garage Door?
Start by observing the movement and look of your garage door. You’ll notice that time will come when your garage door is not opening or closing properly. Worse, if it is not opening at all, then it is time to replace your garage door.
Here are reasons that suggest when you need to contact professionals and have your garage door replaced:
Visible Wear and Tear
Garage doors are subject to wear and tear. The most visible signs of wear and tear are dents, scratches, and rust spots. If any of these indicators appear on your garage door, it is time to replace it.
Difficulty Opening or Closing
Garage door openers can become jammed or defective. If the garage door opener doesn’t open or close properly, there is a good chance that it needs to be replaced. Especially when the garage door won’t close all the way, it doesn’t respond to your remote, or the light on the garage door opener is flashing or blinking.
Your Electricity Bill is Skyrocketing
This could be a sign that your garage door needs to be replaced. It’s important to remember that the lifespan of a garage door is usually around 10-12 years. So, it’s worth considering replacing it sooner rather than later.
So why does a skyrocketing electricity bill factor in replacing my garage door?
Garage doors use a lot of electricity. Even if your home doesn’t have air conditioning, your garage door uses a lot of energy to open and close. In hot weather, the heat that the garage door produces can also add to your electric bill.
An older garage door may not be as efficient as a new one, so it uses more electricity to activate. And if you have an automatic garage door, it uses even more energy through the push of a button.
If your electric bill is going up every month, it might be time to have your garage door inspected. You may be able to save more money by replacing your garage with the help of a professional.
Let Us Help You Replace Your Garage Doors
If you need a new garage door for your home, On Track Garage Doors can help. We offer a wide variety of options to choose from. Furthermore, our experienced technicians are here to help you pick the perfect one for your needs.
Whether you need a new door or just need the springs replaced, our team is here to help. Contact us today at (914) 690-7875 or email us at Casarra@doorsontrack.com to get started!