6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Calgary Home’s Garage Door
Like every part of your home, your garage door can fall victim to wear and tear over the years. Maybe it opens at a snail’s pace when you push that wall button, or perhaps you have to wrestle it to get it completely closed at the end of the day. When your garage door is showing signs of aging, it might just be begging to be replaced. If you’re not sure if it’s time to retire your garage door, here are six signs that it may be time to get a new one.
It’s Over 20 Years Old
If your garage door is over two decades old, there’s bound to be tons of wear and tear in its system that might not make it as efficient as it once was. You don’t know how long it has left; when a garage door is that old, it might just give up and stop working unexpectedly. Don’t wait for it to give out; replace it with a newer model to make your home feel safer.
Excessive Noise
If you’re hearing groaning and grinding when you open and close your garage door, it’s probably a sign that the components are worn out. It could be because of a failing motor or maybe a buildup of rust in the door’s metal parts; after all, Calgary is known for cold weather that is notorious for speeding up rust accumulation. Whatever the cause, a noisy door signals mechanical issues that might not be easy to fix.
A quick solution to your garage door’s excessive noise is lubricating all its moving parts. However, if the noise doesn’t stop, it’s probably a sign that it’s due for replacement by a quieter, more technologically advanced model.
It Has a Delayed Response
A delayed response is one of the most common issues with garage doors. It’s when you click the remote or wall button to open or close the door but have to wait a few seconds (or minutes!) for it to start moving. This issue might be due to a faulty motor or tracks that are starting to deteriorate. The harsh, cold climate in Calgary can also play a part by stiffening the mechanical components of the door, resulting in a slowdown. An unresponsive garage door isn’t just annoying; it also signals a risk that the door just might stop working at any moment.
It Won’t Close All the Way
One of the biggest red flags of old garage doors is when they refuse to close all the way. When a garage door won’t close, it’s typically because of a sensor misalignment or run-down tracks. A garage door that won’t close leaves your home vulnerable to weather damage and even break-ins. The latter is especially risky, given the recent scary news of burglaries in Calgary. Don’t put your home in such a vulnerable state. Get your garage door fixed or replaced immediately.
Poor Insulation in Your Garage
Calgary is known for its long, chilly, snowy winters, which can be incredibly harsh. At the peak of winter, the city’s temperature can reach -4.6 degrees Celsius, leaving its residents piercingly cold. During these winters, your heating systems should work to keep your garage warm. However, drafts can enter your garage if you have a worn-out door that doesn’t close properly or has gaps due to wear and tear.
When that happens, poor insulation and extreme cold can mess with your car’s battery and mechanical parts, as well as anything else you store in the garage. Another tell-tale sign of poor insulation in your garage is higher utility bills, as your heating system works double-time to keep your home warm even with a freezing cold garage.
The Door Wobbles or Shakes
You know your garage door is unstable when it shakes or wobbles perilously every time you open or close it. A loose-hinged, rickety garage door that has been around for over a decade can collapse at any time. This poses a safety risk for the entire family, especially if you have children or pets. You can try tightening the hardware on your door, but if that doesn’t fix anything, replacing the system is non-negotiable.
Time for an Upgrade
When your garage door is past its prime and seems like it’s holding on for dear life, it means it’s time for it to retire. It’s served you well over the decades, but it’s high time you got a new one that suits your family’s needs and the cold Canadian weather. When you’re ready, call a reputable Calgary garage door installation service and get the door of your dreams.
Upgrading your garage door isn’t just about replacing an essential part of your home. It also gives you a chance to boost your curb appeal with a better-looking door and makes your house extra secure, too.
Endnote
Don’t ignore the signs of a garage door that has reached the end of the line. As soon as you hear groaning sounds, delayed responses, or notice it’s not safe for you and your family anymore, get it replaced immediately.
