Owning a home in this economy is expensive. You’re already fighting for your life towards the end of the month, and finding out you have problems around your house is the last thing you need. When it comes to your garage door, you’re probably wondering if you can get away with a simple garage door repair in San Diego instead of a replacement. The problem is that it’s not always an obvious decision.
Here’s how to actually make this decision.
When to Repair
Repair is usually the right choice when:
The Door is Relatively New
If your door is under 10 years old and relatively new, you’re nowhere near the end of its lifespan. Fix it and keep using it.
The Problem is Isolated to One Component
One broken spring doesn’t mean the whole door is a waste. A malfunctioning opener doesn’t require a new door. A single damaged panel can be replaced. These are straightforward repairs that restore full function.
The Door is Still Structurally Sound
If the frame isn’t warped, the tracks are straight, and the panels aren’t separating or sagging, the door has plenty of life left. Mechanical parts wear out; that’s a normal part of wear and tear. The door itself might be perfectly fine.
You’re Not Planning to Sell Soon
If you’re staying in your house for several more years, a repair that buys you 3-5 more years of good operation is cost-effective.
The Repair Fixes the Actual Problem
Some repairs solve issues permanently. A spring replacement, for example, may give you another 7-10 years on that component. Spending more on a garage door replacement in San Diego doesn’t make much sense then.
Also Read: How to Tell If Your Garage Door Needs Repair in San Diego: A Comprehensive Guide
When to Replace
Replacement becomes the better choice when:
The Door is Old
If your garage door has held up for about 2 decades, you’re approaching the end of its normal lifespan. Even if you repair the current problem, something else will likely fail soon. You’re throwing money at a door that’s going to need replacement anyway.
Repairs are Becoming Frequent
If you’ve called for service multiple times in the past years, you’re in a pattern of recurring problems. Each repair buys less time. At some point, you’re better off replacing the door and starting fresh with a system that works reliably.
The Total Repair Cost Approaches the Replacement Cost
If the estimate for repair is $1,000 and a new basic door is $1,500, that $500 difference buys you a brand new door with a warranty instead of a patched-up old one.
There’s Structural Damage or Warping
Sagging sections, warped panels, twisted frame, doors that don’t sit flush when closed, these indicate fundamental structural problems. You can’t really repair the structure, which is why replacement is always the best option.
How to Make the Decision Between Repair and Replace
The decision between the two is never as black and white as you might think. To help you out, we’ve come up with seven important questions that can steer you in the right direction.
- How old is the door?
- What’s the repair cost vs. the replacement cost?
- What’s the door’s overall condition?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Is this a recurring problem?
- Are there safety concerns?
- How much do you care about appearance?
As you walk through these questions, answer them honestly and critically. Once you do, you’ll have the answer glaring at you in the face!
The Bottom Line
Neither repair nor replacement is always right. It depends on your specific situation.
Generally speaking:
- Young doors with isolated problems should be repaired
- Old doors with mounting issues should be replaced
- The decision of repairing vs replacing for moderate age doors depends on the condition and cost
With that said, honest garage door repair San Diego contractors will tell you when replacement makes more sense than repair. The professionals at Shon Garage Doors aren’t trying to upsell, we’re saving you from throwing money at a dying door. After a proper assessment of your garage door, we’ll be able to decide whether or not you need replacement after all.
We’ll provide repair and replacement options with clear pricing, and give you our professional recommendation, not a sales pitch, just straight information to help you make the right decision.
Whether you decide on repair or replacement, we handle the work professionally and stand behind our service. Get in touch with us for a proper inspection today!
