Have you been living in your home for a while now? If you have, as a homeowner, you may notice that many things need to be replaced as time goes by. One of those things is probably going to be your garage door. Here are some signs that indicate you need a new garage door.

While some things in the home can last a while, a garage door can easily run into many issues. If you park your car in your garage, you could be opening your door dozens of times a year. The last thing you need is to have to replace the door at an inconvenient time. Noticing early signs of something wrong can be the difference between having to wait for a solution to a problem and getting it done. While not every sign means something is broken, noticing these things can save you a ton of time and money.

The Garage Door Doesn't Close Properly

When you close your garage door, one of the most obvious signs that something is wrong is if your garage door doesn't close correctly. This can range from having to be more forceful to close the door to the door not closing all the way. With any garage door, you should never have to slam it shut for it to close. Garage doors utilize springs so that the door opens and closes without much need for muscle. Another thing that could happen is that one side of the door doesn't close all the way, leaving a gap in your door. This can mean that one of the rails for your door is misaligned. While some of these issues can be fixed, if it's an older door, it may just be time for a new garage door.

The Door Squeaks

Another sign that it may be time for a new garage door is if you're starting to hear noises coming from the door. While the sound of the door sliding along the rails is normal, hearing loud grinding noises is never a good thing. This can either mean that the alignment of the door is thrown off or a vital piece of the door is stuck somewhere in the door. Some noises can be eliminated by utilizing grease to smooth the tracks. If noises persist past this though, you could have a bigger problem on your hands.

The Door Comes Apart

One of the more obvious signs that you need a new garage door is if the garage door starts falling apart. While this can be obvious, there are multiple steps to a garage door completely collapsing. Some garage doors are made of panels. This is a common choice for most homeowners trying to save a couple of dollars. Paneled garage doors are easy to find in your local hardware store. The installing can also be done by the homeowner, but it's recommended that you call a local garage door repair company to get the job done right the first time. If the panels are coming loose from your door, it's more than likely due to age and the door should probably be replaced. When it comes to the garage door installation cost, don't go cheap so that your door lasts for a longer amount of time.

No Longer Automated

Many homeowners have opted into getting an automatic garage door. These doors are very convenient especially if you open your garage door constantly. The only problem with these types of doors is that if something comes up, it will be a more difficult fix. There are many mechanisms involved in an automated garage door, so noticing the signs for an automated door is even more important. First of all, if the door stops opening, there could be a number of things wrong. First of all, check the sensors of the garage door. In order for those sensors to work properly, they need to be aligned. Something like a tool can easily block the sensor from being able to do its job. It's also possible that the sensor can be knocked out of alignment. You can easily fix this by lining the sensors back up.

If the sensors aren't the issue, then you could be looking at a more serious problem. The main motor of the door can have an issue with it and at this point, the motor may need to be replaced. The nice thing is that the motor and the door are typically separate, which means you can replace the motor without the need for a new door.

The Door Is Rusted

When it comes to aluminum garage doors, it may just be time to replace it. No matter how many problems aren't present, an old garage door is an old garage door. Sometimes an issue like a broken garage door spring can easily be fixed, but time is something we can't stop. Things like the rails or the nuts and bolts can easily get rusted over time. If this is the case, it may just be time for a full replacement. Like a water heater or a furnace, everything in a home has its time. Don't make the mistake of trying to install the door yourself, make sure you hire a company that can help you with the installation.

The Door Is Damaged

One of the major reasons you would replace a garage door is if it's been damaged too many times over the years. This can either be because of accidents caused by other people or by you. Plenty of people back up into their own garage, and because the material is typically aluminum, it's easy to dent. Luckily, because aluminum garage doors are typically paneled, you can replace them section by section. If the door is too damaged though, a new garage door could be the thing you need.

You're Selling Your Home

After living in a house for a long time, it may be time to sell. If this is the case for you, a new garage door can help to increase the value of your home. It's one of the more forward-facing aspects of your home and a simple replacement can really raise the value before you sell. According to Overhead Door Inc., almost 75% of homeowners believed that a new garage door increased the value of their home. While you shouldn't replace a door that's a couple of years old, a replacement could definitely be justified after 8 to 10 years.

While not every sign points to garage door replacement, it's important to be aware of things that happen in your home. If you're in need of a new garage door, why not give us a call? If you have any questions about the garage door replacement process, we have the answers you'll need. If you're in the Colorado area, we can help with the installation ourselves! With the many years of experience that we have under our belts, we're sure we can get your replacement done in no time. Utilizing our 24/7 emergency services, we can even make sure that your home is safe with a new garage door any time of the day. Call us today!