How to tell if a garage door needs to be replaced?

Author: Braden Tromp  |  Last update: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Here are a few of the major signs that your garage door may need maintenance, repair, or even replacement.
  1. It refuses to open and close at all. ...
  2. It shakes when opening. ...
  3. It rests unevenly against the ground. ...
  4. It has dents in the door. ...
  5. It's unbalanced. ...
  6. Its door has fallen off the tracks. ...
  7. It is operating unusually slowly.

How do you know when you need a new garage door?

If your garage door has structural damage, you'll likely want to look into having the door replaced. Serious: If the damage to your door is so severe that your door will no longer open and close as it should, you may want to look into replacing your door with a new and functional one.

How often should a garage door be replaced?

Garage doors and their mechanical parts have an average life span of about 15 to 30 years. However, many factors can prematurely age your garage door system, including its usage cycle, which is how often you open and close your door every day.

How do I know if my garage door is bad?

5 Critical Warning Signs
  1. The motor makes strange noises. If you hear loud screeching or scraping noises coming from your garage door motor, it's likely time to replace the unit. ...
  2. The door opens much slower than usual. ...
  3. The door often gets stuck. ...
  4. The door works intermittently. ...
  5. The door opens and closes on its own.

How much does it cost to replace a garage door?

The average new garage door or garage door replacement cost is $2,743 but can range from $750 to $6,325. Several factors can impact how much a garage door replacement costs, including door type, material, and size.

How to Measure a Broken Garage Door Torsion Spring [Updated]

Does homeowners insurance cover garage doors?

Generally speaking, most homeowners insurance policies will cover damage to your garage door caused by fire, wind, hail, or theft. However, coverage for accidents caused by negligence or wear and tear might not be included in standard policies.

How many years does a garage door last?

Though many factors contribute to a garage door's lifespan, a typical garage door will last around 15 and 30 years. Your garage door's lifetime will vary depending on the type and brand you choose. Factors like the weather, environment, usage and maintenance schedule also impact the longevity of your garage door.

Is replacing a garage door easy?

Installing a garage door is tougher than installing a regular door. It is not only tricky but dangerous, too. A functional and beautiful garage door requires perfect installation. It isn't easy to install if you don't have the correct tools and skills to guarantee an excellent job.

Which is better belt drive or chain drive garage door opener?

Chain driven garage door openers are better suited for heavy lifting on oversized garage doors, but belt driven openers offer smoother operation with typically comparable durability.

What is included in garage door replacement?

All garage doors come with several new parts, including:
  • Tracks.
  • Springs.
  • Hinges.
  • Rollers.
  • Vinyl stops.

Does replacing garage doors increase home value?

Recent research says yes. According to Zonda Media's 2023 Cost vs. Value report, homeowners who replace their garage doors see a nearly 103% return on investment (ROI). On average, homeowners spent about $4,300 on a garage door replacement and saw a resale value of almost $4,420.

How long does it take to replace a garage door?

Replacing a Simple Garage Door With the Exact Same Model

Identical door installations can take between two and four hours. However, it's important to note that it might be better to explore your options in doors at the same price point or a similar price point before committing to the exact same door design.

How do I know if my garage door springs need to be replaced?

A few signs that point to your garage door springs needing attention include:
  1. Opening and closing unevenly.
  2. Garage door won't open all the way.
  3. Garage door closing too quickly.
  4. Loud noise or squeaking when opening and closing.
  5. Garage door opener straining to open door.

Is it worth it to upgrade a garage door?

According to the latest Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine, installing a new garage door can yield an impressive ROI of up to 102.7%. It's a smart financial move that not only enhances your living space but also boosts your property's value.

How long does a Liftmaster garage door last?

The Lifespan of Garage Door Openers

So, the question was this: How long do garage door openers last? We see LiftMasters last between 15 – 20 years. However, that's in excellent conditions. Anything less than excellent conditions can reduce the lifespan to 8 – 12 years.

How do you know when your garage door needs to be replaced?

If your garage door starts opening and closing much slower than it did when you first got it or the reaction is extremely delayed, it might mean you need a replacement. Noise level: Sometimes increased noise can just mean a certain component needs a repair or replacement. However, noise shouldn't be ignored.

How do you inspect a garage door?

10 Steps for Inspecting Your Garage Door
  1. Start by Ensuring the Photosensors Are Level. ...
  2. Test Whether the Photo Sensors Function Properly. ...
  3. Check the Garage's Balance. ...
  4. Test the Torsion Springs. ...
  5. Inspect the Pulleys. ...
  6. Take a Look at the Rollers. ...
  7. Listen to the Hinges. ...
  8. Look at the Garage Door's Panels.

How much does it cost to replace a garage door only?

Replacing a garage door costs $1,223 on average, but ranges between $754 and $1,696 depending on the type of door used. Garage door replacement costs about $1,223, but often ranges between $754 and $1,696. You should never underestimate the importance of a reliable garage door for your home.

Does Lowes do garage door installation?

Lowe's can help with garage door installation so you can update your garage door with ease. Whether you're building a new home or remodeling your current one, we can help you navigate every step of the process, from selecting your new garage door to completing the installation.

Does Home Depot do garage door installation?

Garage Door Installation

When it comes to installing garage doors and openers, The Home Depot has an unbeatable team of professionals dedicated to making sure your garage door project runs smoothly from start to finish.

What time of year do garage doors go on sale?

Fall: As summer ends and the focus shifts towards preparing for winter, demand for garage doors tends to decrease. This decrease can lead to potential price reductions and attractive deals as manufacturers and retailers try to clear out inventory. Winter: Winter generally sees the lowest demand for garage doors.

Can I replace just the garage door?

Some garage doors can be repaired with a simple section replacement, but as garage door heights and technology have evolved, older doors may need a full garage door replacement. A local dealer can help you decide if a section replacement is enough or if a complete new door is necessary.

What maintenance does a garage door need?

Garage door hardware needs periodic inspection for signs of wear and tear. Check the garage door tracks and hinges. Use a socket wrench or screwdriver as needed to tighten any loose bolts or fasteners on moving parts. Inspect for wear on any garage door rollers that are not attached to the lift cable system.

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