Garage doors wear
out over time. They bear the brunt of
weather, accidental bumps and countless openings and closings. If the garage door is in need of attention,
going out and buying a replacement door may be the first solution that comes to
mind. However, buying a replacement
garage door may not be necessary. There
are other, more cost-friendly options available. It is a possibility that the garage door may
just need a few minor repairs. How does
a homeowner choose which option is right for garage doors that are in need of
some TLC?
In the event that
the garage door is not working properly or at all, calling a garage door
service may be the best choice. If the
tracks are rusted or bent or the bracing on the inside of the door is broken, a
professional will need to repair the door.
On the other hand, if the disrepair is merely aesthetic there are many
simple repairs the homeowner can accomplish on their own. The extent of the repairs that can be made by
the homeowner will depend on the material of the door.
Wooden garage
doors will often split and crack over time and their paint jobs or clear coats
will eventually fail. As opposed to
replacing the door completely, a homeowner can purchase a quality wood epoxy
for filling in splits and cracks in the wood.
Once the cracks and splits are sealed, a clear coat or durable paint can
be applied to finish the repairs. The
refinishing of the garage door should save it from needing to be replaced for
some time to come. Yet, if the door is
falling apart due to excessive cracks or rotten panels, replacing the door
might be a good idea.
Metal doors can
get dings and dents that can detract from the attractiveness of the home. The door should be replaced altogether if the
damage is excessive, but small dings and dents can be worked out by the
homeowner. Minor indentations can be
remedied in a few simple steps. Place a
flat block of wood that is larger than the dent on the underside of the
impression. Then, gently tap on the convex part of the dent with a rubber
mallet or lightweight hammer. The dimple
should smooth out with minimal force.
This method can be used for large or small indentations. Hammering out dents can cause the door to
chip or form abrasions in the finish, so a fresh paint job will most likely be
required. Attempting to preserve the
looks of the garage door before buying a new one can save quite a bit on costs.
When deciding
between garage door replacements versus garage door repairs, the factors of
cost and convenience take priority. If
the repairs are not within the abilities of the homeowner, a contractor may be
required to complete them. In the case
of extensive damage, the preservation of the doors may be more costly than
opting for the new door. Remember that
the cost of installation will need to be considered, if the decision is to
invest in a replacement.