Have you noticed your garage door isn’t working as well as it used to? Are you starting to suspect there’s a serious issue with your garage door? Has it been a while since you had your garage door repaired or replaced?
Knowing the most common indications you need a new garage door is essential—even if your door is working well now.
After all, while proper garage door maintenance matters, sometimes a new one is the best option.
In this post, we’ll fill you in on the top 10 signs you need to replace a garage door.
Acting quickly—and getting in touch with qualified professionals—is an important step when it comes to preventing injury or even death due to a faulty garage door.
Subtle Signs Your Garage Door Needs Replacing
If you notice any of these signs, don’t delay. Reach out to an expert and get the issue fixed immediately.
It Suddenly Reverses Direction
One of the most obvious signs you need a new garage door?
It starts to close, but then it reverses direction. Many people incorrectly think the problem is with the garage door opener, but it’s usually not the case. First, make sure there’s nothing underneath your door as it may be reversing due to some kind of obstruction.
If that’s not the issue, you may be dealing with old sensors, worn pulley systems, or even an extension spring cable that needs replacing. In some cases, a repair may not be enough.
You may need to replace a garage door instead.
It Opens Incredibly Slowly
Patience may be a virtue, but a garage door that takes what feels like forever to open is a sure sign of trouble.
You may need to click your garage door opener several times before you see any response. But even then, you feel like things would be faster if you just pushed your garage door open on your own.
In most cases, this signals a broken torsion spring.
It Closes on Its Own
If your garage door closes without warning, you need to replace your garage door immediately.
This is a serious safety issue that could lead to injury, partial paralysis, and potentially even death. It doesn’t matter if your garage door slams shut or closes slowly without warning.
Don’t ignore this issue.
It’s a sign that your springs are worn down and need to be replaced. Tell family members to avoid the garage until this is fixed.
It Opens Unexpectedly
Is your garage door opening on its own?
If so, this is as much of an issue as a door that closing suddenly and without any use of the garage door opener.
In some cases, this could be caused by a sensor that isn’t aligned properly. There may also be an issue with the springs.
Remember that burglars can easily sneak into your home through an open garage door. In other words. this is a problem you need to fix at once.
You Spot Track Misalignment
Especially if your garage door is a bit on the older side, you may be able to spot track misalignment on your own.
This isn’t something you can fix yourself as it’s incredibly dangerous. It’s also a sure sign you’re in need of a replacement.
The Garage Door Doesn’t Close All the Way
You definitely need a new garage door if yours doesn’t close all the way.
Maybe it closes on one side but not on the other. Perhaps it just stops halfway down.
Even if you notice a slight gap between the ground and the bottom of your garage door, you need to act quickly. There’s likely an issue with the torsion spring or cable.
It Makes Strange Noises
Is your garage door making grinding noise that seriously grates on your ears? It is squeaking and scraping?
If so, this is a sure sign of a problem.
In some cases, parts of it just may be in need of a bit of lubrication. You shouldn’t attempt to do this on your own, however, as you can easily make the problem worse.
If you hear scraping sounds, the issue is likely with your bearing plate. You may also have an alignment issue on your hands. These unpleasant noises clearly signal a problem—so call in the professionals as soon as you can.
The Temperature Isn’t Consistent
Have you realized your heating and cooling bill has gone way up lately?
Are you able to stay cool in one part of your garage but feel like you’re burning hot in another? Do you just feel as though your garage isn’t properly insulated?
You shouldn’t have to be uncomfortable. Call a professional.
The Door Is Seriously Warped
Because your garage door is constantly exposed to light and humidity, it can quite easily become warped.
This can also happen because the door isn’t balanced correctly. In most cases, you can’t fix this issue. A total garage door replacement will be necessary.
There’s a Delay in Response
You’ve pressed your garage door opener numerous times, but nothing is happening.
Maybe your garage door does eventually open or close, but there’s a serious lag in the overall response time.
This is yet another sign it’s time to get a new garage door.
Need To Replace A Garage Door?
Have you experienced any of these signs that you should replace a garage door?
If so, don’t entrust your garage door’s safety and functionality to anyone less than the best. Whether you need to repair your garage door or replace it completely, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with us to learn more about what we do, and don’t spend another moment operating an unsafe garage door!