Even with regular maintenance and repair, garage doors eventually must be replaced due to repeated use, exposure to the elements and age. How do you know when it’s time replace your garage doors? Following are the signs to look for to determine if a new garage door is in your immediate future.

Cracked or peeling paint

The painted or stained finish on wood garage doors can break down over time causing the wood to rot. Exposure to the sun also can discolor or fade the finish. If the wood has cracked or holes have formed in your door, it may be time to replace it.

Bent or sagging sections

If not properly maintained, wood garage doors also have a tendency to sag as time goes by. You’ll notice large gaps under the ends of the door when it is closed. A sagging wood door should be replaced.

Dings, dents and dimples

Metal garage doors can accumulate small dings, dents and dimples, which certainly detract from a door’s appearance. In some instances, as with non-insulated doors, you may be able to push out the dents from the other side. If not, it may be time to replace the dented section or replace the entire door.

Higher energy bills

Older garage doors (and some doors installed on newer homes) may not be well insulated or have complete weather stripping to seal out the elements. Without an insulated, well-sealed door, you may be paying more for your monthly energy bill than you should. This is especially true if you have a living space above or adjacent to the garage. Replacing the door with one that is insulated and weather stripped can help reduce your utility costs.

Opening and closing is extremely difficult

Garage doors work hard and all those moving parts eventually wear out. If your door is having trouble opening or closing, a qualified garage door repair professional will look at these parts: springs, cables, rollers, door sections, tracks, and hinges. If the springs are broken, not only will your door not function correctly, it also will put undue stress on your garage door opener. It may be possible to simply replace the malfunctioning parts, or your garage door repair professional may recommend replacing the door entirely.

“With proper maintenance, quality garage doors can last a long time. However, all garage doors will eventually need to be replaced and the beginning of the New Year is a good time to assess your door’s appearance and performance,” says Mark Stuenkel, President of The Door Company. “The professionals at The Door Company are happy to help you determine if a new garage door is right for you.”