Modern garage doors are incredibly durable devices. Despite being constantly exposed to the elements and withstanding daily use for years and decades on end, the average unit in San Diego, CA, should still easily last 15-20 years without requiring major garage door repair, provided that it receives annual maintenance.

That being said, even the most rugged door will eventually become too worn down to fix. Knowing how to tell when your unit is at the end of its life will help you prepare you for a new garage door installation in the near future and start budgeting accordingly.

In the following article, we’ll help you do just that by taking a look at 4 common signs of a failing garage door. Read on.

How do I know if my garage door is going bad?

Knowing how to tell when your garage door is on its way out is important not only for financial reasons, but to ensure your and your family’s safety as well. A malfunctioning door may pose a security risk that criminals could exploit to get inside your home. An old and worn down door may even fall and crush whatever or whoever is underneath it.

Here are 4 telltale signs that your door is way past its prime:

1. It’s noisy

While most garage doors aren’t built to be especially quiet, they also shouldn’t let out loud rattling, screeching, or banging noises during use. In some cases, this issue can be addressed by cleaning and lubing up the components that are producing these sounds. However, if this doesn’t solve the problem, it’s likely that your door has bigger problems to contend with.

2. It’s breaking down all the time

Mechanical devices that are nearing or are past the end of their life tend to fail more often and require frequent repairs. Constant service calls, labor, and parts tend to cost a lot more in the long run than just paying upfront for a replacement, and that’s not even factoring in the frustration and inconvenience of having to deal with a malfunctioning garage door.

3. It has slowed down

Significant wear on the opener motor, springs, cables, and other components will eventually cause your garage door to open more slowly or may even be unable to fully open at all. If the door is made of wood, moisture buildup within the wood can also increase its weight and contribute to the problem.

4. It’s not energy-efficient

Over time, bottom seals, weather strips, sealing joints, and other parts of a garage door that are designed to contribute to the insulative qualities of your home will become worn down. This will not only make your house feel warmer in summer and colder in winter, but can also drive up your heating and cooling bills.

While this problem can be somewhat addressed by refreshing the insulation in your home, it’s not nearly as effective of a solution as simply installing a modern, energy-efficient door.

Who in San Diego, CA & the vicinity carries out professional garage door repair?

Looking to enhance your property in Clairemont with a state-of-the-art garage door? Maybe you’d like to add a man door to your existing garage door? Whatever your needs may be, you can rest assured that Radford Garage Doors & Gates of San Diego can meet them with utmost efficiency and professionalism.

With a tradition that spans more than 75 years, we are your go-to option for all things related to garage doors. Reach out to us today.