Your garage door acts as a gateway to your garage, concealing and protecting the contents within. But, your garage door is much more than just an entranceway. It is part of your home’s exterior aesthetics, security, and can also impact your overall energy consumption. A garage door that is either structurally unsound or is in disrepair, unfortunately, will not be able to live up to any of the above expectations.

If your garage door has you concerned about any of the above, this may be your first indication that it may be time for a garage door replacement.

The basic function of a garage door is to allow you access to your contents located within. Be it if it is your vehicle, sporting goods, recreational equipment, or anything else you have stored within the garage, and to close securely once you have finished in the garage. If your door has been making strange noises such as grinding, creaking, whining, or rattling when opening or closing, this is a sign of a potential issue to come. If your door has been making strange noises for some time, it may even be getting a little more difficult to open or close or even get stuck at some points. These are all signs that it is time to replace your garage door. A well-functioning garage door should be almost silent and should open and close smoothly with not much effort.

A visibly damaged garage door may attract some unwanted attention, burglars and home invaders look for weak points in a home to gain access. If your garage door has missing panels, or is cracked and broken in sections, this is a potential easy access point for those looking to take advantage. It is also an entrance point for pests such as mice, rats, and skunks. Having visible rot, broken pieces, and cracks in your garage door should be considered a major indication that it is time to look into a new door.

If your garage is attached to your home, it can affect your energy consumption in a big way. If you are able to see light peeking in from around your garage door, that means that air is able to get in as well. This can pose as an issue during the coldest and the warmest months of the year. In the winter, the cold air that gets into your garage from around the door will cause the temperature in your garage to drop. Because, there is at least one shared wall with your home the colder garage will influence the temperature in your home, forcing your heating system to work harder and use more energy to maintain your ideal temperature inside. In the summer months, this process works in the same fashion, just with warming your home. The warm air gets into the garage, driving up the temperature and influencing your homes internal temperature. This time forcing your air conditioning system to work harder. If you notice that your garage is much colder than it should be in the winter or much warmer than expected in the summer, replacing your garage door will help regulate your garage temperature, save you money on your home energy bills, and enjoy the benefits of an energy-efficient door, which include improved insulation, reduced environmental impact, and increased comfort.

Many home owners take pride in their home’s aesthetics and work hard on the exterior of their home to increase their curb appeal. Your garage door plays a big part of the image your home portrays. If your garage door is structurally sound, and is still functioning properly but does not match the rest of your home’s decor or is detracting from your home’s beauty, it may be time to replace your door with one that will complete your desired look. Garage doors come in many styles and designs, and you will be sure to find one that matches your home’s design.

If your garage door is beginning to show signs of wear and tear or is just not helping your home achieve the overall look you desire, call Southfield Windows and Doors today 519-669-3872 to schedule a free in-home garage door replacement consultation.