How Often Should I Replace My Garage Door?
There's no magic age — some doors last 35 years, some need replacing at 15. Here are the seven clear signals it's time.
1. Multiple Damaged Panels
More than two panels with dents, cracks, or rot — replacement is more economical than repair.
2. Sagging Wood Doors
Wood doors warp with humidity and absorb water. A door that no longer hangs square is at end of life.
3. Rust Through Steel
Surface rust is paintable. Rust-through holes are not — and they spread.
4. Frequent, Expensive Repairs
Three repairs in two years totaling more than 50% of a new door's cost.
5. Energy Loss
Single-pane non-insulated doors next to conditioned space waste hundreds of dollars a year in HVAC.
6. Outdated Safety
Pre-1993 openers lack auto-reverse. Pre-2010 lack rolling-code remotes. Both are safety upgrades worth the replacement.
7. Curb Appeal Before Selling
Garage door replacement returns 193.9% at sale (Remodeling Magazine 2024). The most profitable single upgrade in the report.
Use the signals, not the calendar.
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