When your garage door gives you trouble, the big question is: fix it or get a new one? Here's a straightforward framework to help you decide.
Repair makes sense when: The door is less than 15 years old. The issue is a single component (spring, cable, opener, roller). The panels are in good shape. A repair typically costs $150-$400 depending on the part.
Replace makes sense when: The door is 20+ years old. Multiple panels are damaged, dented, or rusted through. The door is sagging or warped. You're spending more than $500 on repairs for an old door.
The 50% rule: If the repair cost is more than 50% of the cost of a new door, replacement usually makes more financial sense, especially if the door is over 15 years old.
Energy savings to consider: Modern insulated garage doors (R-16 or higher) can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, especially if your garage is attached to your home.
Curb appeal factor: A new garage door has one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project, often recovering 90%+ of the cost at resale.
We'll always give you a straight answer. If a $200 repair will give you another 5-10 years, we'll tell you that. We don't push replacements when repairs make sense.