Have you taken a good look at your garage doors recently? If you can't remember the last time you inspected them, it might be time. Your garage doors likely get used multiple times every day. Over the years, that adds up to a lot of wear and tear. Here are some of the important signs that indicate you might need new garage doors.

When Were They Installed?

Think back to when your current garage doors were installed. Have they been protecting your garage for over 15 years? If so, it might be time for an upgrade. Garage door technology has improved a lot over the years in terms of efficiency, noise levels, and security. New garage doors use better insulation to prevent air leaks and can include useful features like motion sensors, remote access, and improved weather seals.

Are They Noisy?

Have your garage doors started making more noise when you open and close them? Do you find yourself noticing unwanted grinding, squeaking, or rattling sounds? Excessive noise can indicate worn-out parts. It could signal problems with the door panels, opener system, or hardware. Don't ignore bothersome noises! Investigating the sounds and replacing worn parts is important, but if your doors are generally loud despite repairs, their age might be the culprit. New garage doors use upgraded materials and engineering to operate smoothly and quietly.

How’s the Appearance?

When was the last time you felt proud of how your garage doors looked from the curb? Fading, peeling paint, dents, rust spots, and other aesthetic flaws can make any home look worn out. Garage doors tend to show their age faster because of how much wear and tear they face. According to the American Housing Survey (AHS), in the United States, nearly 80% of homes have an attached garage or carport with a front-facing garage door. When your door takes up this much space, it becomes a focal point of your exterior! If your doors are an eyesore, replacements can restore your home’s curb appeal. New garage doors come in a range of stylish designs to match your home’s character and are one of the best home repairs you can make to up the value of your home.

Do They Seal Properly?

Go inside your garage and have someone watch as you slowly close the doors. Can daylight be seen around the edges at any point? This means air is leaking out, so your heated or cooled garage air escapes. Gaps around the seal indicate worn weatherstripping or large deformities in the door panels. Even minor leaks add up over time, driving energy costs higher. New garage doors prevent leaks using flexible vinyl seals, sturdy but bendable materials, and improved precision engineering. This saves energy and money while making your garage more comfortable.

How’s the Insulation?

Garage doors take up a large surface area, making them vulnerable to seasonal temperature extremes. Doors use insulation inside them to reduce energy transfer, but insulation wears out over time. After years of expanding and contracting in temperature swings, the insulating materials can break down. Modern technology used in new garage doors adds far more insulation than many old doors have. This keeps warmth in during winter and prevents overheating in summer. Improved insulation also reduces noise pollution from outside. Additionally, investing in better-insulated garage doors almost always pays off in energy savings over time.

What Shape Are the Springs in?

The torsion springs above your garage doors do an incredible amount of heavy lifting every single day, but after years of frequent winding and unwinding, they eventually fatigue and snap. However, broken springs indicate age has compromised the whole mechanical lifting system. If you decide to replace a broken spring, it is recommended to replace both as it is likely that the second spring is nearing the end of its lifecycle as well. If you decide to upgrade your whole door system, all of our new garage doors include their own modern torsion spring systems engineered for smooth operations and longevity.

Do They Feel Unsafe?

Your garage likely houses high-value items like vehicles, tools, sporting equipment, and seasonal furnishings. Is leaving your belongings in a garage with worn doors making you nervous? Faulty hardware, damaged panels, weak seals, and poor insulation turn garage doors into a security liability. Rust also compromises structural integrity over years of exposure to outdoor elements. Rather than worrying about what might fail next, replace flaky doors with new garage doors engineered to protect your possessions. Contemporary door designs offer vast improvements in safety and security, using high-grade protective materials and logical positioning of mechanical parts. New doors bring peace of mind.

If your garage doors show multiple symptoms of age and wear, replacing them makes sense. The latest designs last longer, operate quieter, and deliver unparalleled security using innovative materials and optimized construction. There’s no better time than the present to upgrade. Reach out to our team at Overhead Door Co. of Grand Rapids today to learn more about installing new garage doors on your home.