Replacing your garage door is a relatively inexpensive upgrade given how drastically it can improve your home’s curb appeal. Here’s an overview of what you need to know if you plan to make this renovation.

How to know if it’s time to replace your garage door

If you’ve had your garage door for more than 20 years, and it’s not working as well as it used to, it may be time for an upgrade. Here are four telltale signs you should look for a replacement soon.

1. It requires frequent repairs. If your garage door often breaks down, it may be time to replace it. Otherwise, you might end up spending more money on service calls, labour, and parts than you would if you were to invest in an entirely new system.
   
   
2. It has significant damage. The average residential garage door opens and closes about 1,500 times per year. Over time, this repeated use can take a toll. If your garage door has become damaged and won’t operate normally, you may want to replace it with a new one. For example, if it has cracked panels, doesn’t operate smoothly, or makes loud noises when opening and closing, a new door is probably in order.
   
   
3. It lacks safety features. If your garage door isn’t equipped with photo eyes, an auto-reverse function, or a mechanical release, you could be at risk. These safety functions help reduce the potential for injuries and can give you added peace of mind, especially if you have pets or small children.
   
   
4. It’s inefficient. Have your energy bills increased? If so, your old garage door may be to blame as it could be letting cold air seep inside. Modern garage doors are well-insulated and have heavy-duty bottom seals, weatherstrip, and sealing joints. This makes them much more energy-efficient than older models. Therefore, replacing your garage door could save you money in the long run.

Once it’s time to replace your garage door, you can upgrade to a model with the latest features and technology. For example, at Creative Door Services™, we carry a wide variety of Genie garage door openers, that come equipped with Aladdin Connect Wi-Fi technology. This allows you to remotely control your door via your smartphone, computer, or tablet from anywhere in the world.

What to consider when replacing your garage door

Once you’re ready to replace your garage door, here are five things to think about before choosing a product:

1. R-value. This is an important consideration when replacing your garage door. The higher the R-value, the more energy-efficient the garage door will be. At Creative Door Services™, we recommend an R-value of 11 for insulated, heated garages. If you don’t have a heated garage, you should look for a garage door with an R-value between 14 and 16. Fortunately, we carry a wide selection of residential garage doors with high R-values.
   
   
2. Material. Garage doors are available in a variety of materials such as steel, wood, fibreglass, and aluminum. The material you choose will largely depend on your budget, the climate you live in, and the look you’re going for. For example, steel is easy to maintain and affordable. However, it dents easily. Wood is beautiful and comes in a variety of styles but requires regular maintenance. Fibreglass doesn’t warp, shrink, or corrode but is susceptible to wind damage. Aluminum is stylish, lightweight, and naturally resistant to rust and corrosion. However, it has a low R-value.
   
   
3. Style. It’s important to match your new garage door to the architecture and style of your home. For example, if you have a traditional Colonial-style home, you may want to opt for a carriage house or wood garage door. However, if you have a modern home, consider getting a glass, copper or aluminum garage door to enhance your home’s contemporary design. At Creative Door Services™, we also carry a variety of decorative hardware options to complete the overall look of your garage door.
   
   
4. Windows. When replacing your garage door, you may want to choose a model with windows. Windows allow in plenty of natural light, which is a huge plus if you use your garage as a workshop, playroom, or home gym. In addition, windows can add a new design dimension to your home. At Creative Door Services™, you can customize the style and configuration of your garage door windows to suit your style.
   
   
5. Colour. This is a major consideration when replacing your garage door. For example, if you want to make your home look bigger, pick the same colour as the rest of your home. If you want your garage door to stand out, select a contrasting colour to make a statement. Fortunately, at Creative Door Services™, our garage doors come in a wide variety of powder coat finishes that are durable and virtually maintenance-free.

If you want to replace your garage door, Creative Door Services™ is the place to go. We can help you pick out a garage door that meets your specific needs and reflects your unique style. Once you select a garage door, our team will take care of the installation.

Master the Remarkable with Garage Door Specialists in Western Canada

If you’re ready to replace your old garage door, look no further than Creative Door Services™. We carry residential garage doors from top brands like Wayne Dalton and Richards-Wilcox and have the parts and accessories you need to automate and secure your door. Our team also provides expert installation, repair, and maintenance services.

To learn more about our products and services, or to get a free quote, contact us today. We have eight locations to serve you. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.