Get going on generating a great garage! 55% of Americans spend one to two hours every week in their garages. That often means opening garage doors multiple times every day. 

Sooner rather than later, you are going to need a garage door replacement. However, it can be hard to tell when exactly you need a new garage door. The best way is to keep your eye out for common garage door issues. 

When should you replace your garage door immediately? What small fixes can you make before a technician appears at your home? What should your new door have?

Answer these questions and you can have the best garage doors in no time. Here are five signs you need a replacement door. 

1. Leaks

Your garage door is your garage’s barrier from rain, snow, and sleet. If water is coming in through the cracks in your door, you need to install a new door with thicker seals. 

Do not use a door that has broken glass or other materials that are letting water in. You can seal the broken materials with glue, but you should find another door as soon as possible. If you must keep your old door, you can order garage door repair from a technician.

2. Sagging

Wooden doors that sag will rot. Water may become trapped inside of them, pulling them off of their tracks. 

If your door is not made of wood and you notice it is sagging, something has broken. You should inspect the tracks and door frame and then get help from a garage door company.

3. Loud Noises

Your door should move on its tracks without making loud noises. It’s okay if you hear soft squeaks, though you may want to lubricate the tracks. 

If your door makes an audible noise as you open or close it, you should inspect it. You may have debris caught in the tracks, or the tracks may be crooked. If you don’t notice a problem, ask a garage door specialist to inspect your system.

4. Aged Design

The design of your garage door should match the design of your house. If you have completed a home renovation that has changed the look of your property, you may need to change your door. 

Garage doors can wear down within a few years. Even if your door seems fine, you may want to get a new one before you encounter major garage door issues.

5. Difficulty When Opening and Closing

The most significant garage door problems involve opening and closing your door. You may find it hard to lift it upward, or it may not close all the way. You should get a new door rather than leave your old one in its place.

Make sure to install a new garage door opener on your door. You can connect the opener to a remote control that lets you open the door from your car. 

When to Get Your Garage Door Replacement

Get a garage door replacement once your door leaks, sags, or makes loud noises. You can install temporary weather seals and make repairs to the tracks, but you must order a replacement.

You can also swap out your door when it becomes outdated or hard to move. Take a look at a few options for your doors. The replacement should withstand wind, rain, and snow and work with modern door openers. 

The longer you wait, the worse your old door may get. R&S Erection of Richmond Inc. provides premium garage doors. Get a quote today.