Anything mechanical eventually breaks down, and your garage door is no exception. However, when the dreaded issue arises, you may be wondering whether it’s time for a repair or a replacement.

Because replacements are often more expensive than repairs, many homeowners prefer fixing problems as they go. Many components are fine to fix, like springs, motors, or even panels. But at a certain point, repairing is no longer an option.

Here are five questions to ask yourself when determining if the issue calls for a replacement.

1. Is my garage making strange noises?

Has your garage door gotten stuck or started malfunctioning? Identifying the root of the problem can be tricky, but our team has created a quick process for targeting (and even solving) common issues before scheduling a visit.

Step 1: If you’re experiencing motor problems, it’s not responding or seems dead, check the wall button. Does the light turn on in the machine?

Step 2: If the garage door motor isn’t coming on at all, you’ll want to test the outlet.

Step 3: To test the outlet, you’ll need a blow dryer. Unplug the motor and test the plug. If the blow dryer doesn’t work, it’s an issue with the electricity and not the garage itself. From there, you’ll need to reach out to an electrician.

Step 4: If the blow dryer works, that indicates an issue with the garage door opener. When this happens, you’ll need to bring in a professional to take a closer look.

If your garage isn’t malfunctioning — but simply making loud noises. You may consider a garage door with polyurethane insulation which helps dampen vibrations (often amplified by steel doors).

Another thing that might help is switching out your metal rollers for nylon ones. To be candid, though, we don’t recommend making these repairs yourself.

We’re experts at motor repair. Whether it’s gears, chains, or circuit boards, we’re fully stocked and can fix most problems that same day. The key is knowing what sounds to look for.

If your garage is making screeching or cracking noises, you’ll definitely need to call us in. But, if it just sounds like moving parts, simple material swaps should help.

2. Is my garage door opener or hardware damaged?

Sometimes the damage can be all too obvious. Nothing decreases your curb appeal like a dented, cracked, or discolored garage door. If you have a damaged panel, these sections are replaceable.

If your door is wood, metal, or an alternative material, give us a call and we can provide some cost-effective solutions.

If the damage is taking place below the surface, you may be experiencing issues with your operator or hardware. Here are some subtle clues to look for:

• You can’t lift the garage door manually (it’s stuck).
• The garage door is difficult to open and/or close.
• The garage door is sagging.
• The garage door is closing too fast.

Spring life is determined by how often the door is used. If you’re having troubles opening and closing your garage door, call us as soon as possible. In some cases, we can offer a same-day turnaround.

If your garage is making those screeching noises we mentioned earlier, we can replace any damaged or worn hinges, springs, or other hardware — bringing new life to your garage.