Repair vs. Replace: Making the Right Choice

It's the dilemma every homeowner eventually faces: put more money into the old, noisy garage door, or bite the bullet and buy a brand new one? The answer depends on the severity of the damage, the age of the door, and your future plans for the home.

When to REPAIR (Cost: $150 - $400)

• Cosmetic Dents: If the damage is just a single dented panel, you can often replace just that one section for a fraction of the cost of a full door.
• Broken Springs/Cables: These are wear-and-tear items. Replacing them is standard maintenance, like changing tires on a car. It doesn't mean the whole car (door) is bad.
• Opener Issues: Often, the door is fine, but the motor unit is failing. Replacing the opener ($300-$500) will make the system feel new again without changing the door itself.

When to REPLACE (Cost: $1,200 - $3,500)

• Severe Structural Damage: If the door is sagging, cracked in multiple places, or warped from water damage, it is a safety hazard.
• Energy Efficiency: Old, non-insulated wood or thin steel doors let heat escape. A new, insulated steel door can lower your energy bills significantly, especially if you have a bedroom above the garage.
• Curb Appeal (ROI): According to Remodeling Magazine's "Cost vs. Value" report, a garage door replacement offers one of the highest Returns on Investment of any home project (over 90% recouped at resale). If you are selling soon, a new door is a smart buy.

The Safety Factor

New doors come with updated safety sensors and pinch-resistant designs that old doors lack. If your current door doesn't automatically reverse when it hits an object, it is time to upgrade for the safety of your family and pets.