Beautifying My Garage Door

Does your garage door have serious damage? Whether you backed into the door, a flying object bumped it, years of wear caused a major malfunction, or wild weather recently tore through your town, take a look at what you need to know about damage, garage door replacement, and your options.

Do Call A Professional

A damaged garage door is a dangerous garage door—especially if the door is now hanging unevenly, has broken springs, has broken cables, or has a photo eye that no longer works correctly. Never attempt to inspect, move, or remove the garage door yourself. Contact a professional who specializes in damaged garage door replacement as soon as possible. The professional should have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assess your door, review the replacement options, and install a new system. 

While a DIY fix may seem like an easy or cost-effective answer to unexpected damage, this type of approach could put you (or anyone else who uses the garage door) in danger. A do-it-yourself repair or installation may also invalidate a manufacturer's warranty, leaving you with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses in the future.

Don't Repair When Replacement Is Necessary

Repairs are often less expensive than full-door replacements. But a repair isn't always the best next step after serious garage door damage. While a repair could fix a minor issue or provide a temporary solution, chances are you will eventually need to replace the door (after serious damage). An immediate new installation may save you time and money and eliminates the need for constant repairs.

Do Ask About Your Options

Should you replace your damaged door with the same model? There's no universal or one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If you were happy with the original garage door, you may want to find an identical replacement. But if you want to change the exterior aesthetics, plan on updating the outside of your home, feel that the original door wasn't secure or energy efficient, or just want to explore other styles, colors, and materials, now is the time to make a change.

A garage door contractor can review the options and provide you with photos of garage doors to choose from. If budget is an issue, talk to the contractor about the different price points. Modern garage doors are available in a variety of styles and materials to fit almost every homeowner's budget. 

It's also possible that you won't have to pay for the entire replacement yourself. Your homeowner's insurance policy may help to cover the costs of a replacement due to a storm, natural disaster, or some other type of weather-related damage.  

For more information about garage door replacement, contact a local company.