How to Know When to Repair or Replace Your Garage

So, your garage has seen better days and you’re vacillating between the idea of fully replacing your garage or simply repairing it. If you want to go the maintenance path, it ultimately depends on the issue at hand. Any cosmetic damage to the garage door can lower your home’s curb appeal or lead to further damage. A mechanical issue could lead to inconvenience, functionality, safety, and even security concerns.

Here are our recommendations on a plan of action based on the state of disrepair you are dealing with:

Cosmetic vs. Foundation Issues

A garage makeover can transform the look and feel of your home’s curb appeal. If your garage is showing signs of wear and tear, it could take away from the beauty of your home. Are you looking to update the look of your garage? Is your door fading or simply out of date? These are all cosmetic repairs that are fairly simple and inexpensive to fix. A garage contractor can install a new garage door, put on a fresh coat of paint, add windows for natural light, or add a side door to make garage access easier.

On the other hand, if you notice the walls of your garage are sagging or cracking, this is usually a sign of foundation issues. Garages with foundation issues are usually past the point of salvaging and would need to be fully replaced. As a rule of thumb, if you’re dealing with a 15+ year-old garage, it’s likely time for a replacement.

Mechanical Issues

When your garage door opens, is it noisy? Older doors tend to make noise from picking up dirt and debris and simply need to be cleaned or greased up. A loud screech could also be an indicator of rust around the chain, which would likely mean you’d need a new garage opener for a smoother operation.

Does your garage move slowly or not at all? Over time, a slow garage door might get slower where it eventually sticks to the track. Heavy moving garage parts could be the culprit. Sometimes in such instances, it’s easier to replace the whole system rather than guessing why it isn’t working, especially if the door is damaged from impact or harsh weather.

Safety Concerns

A standard safety feature in garage door openers is the automatic reversal system to prevent the door from closing on a person or object in its path. If you don’t have this in place or it doesn’t work, it should be fixed to prevent loved ones from getting injured.

Older garages can be a weak point of security in a home. If you’re concerned with thieves breaking and entering, consider replacing the access doors and upgrading to a smart garage door opener.

Roofing Problems

Just like the roof of a home, many garages have shingle roofs that require regular maintenance. While a less-than-stellar roof is no reason to replace your entire garage, it’s worth comparing the cost of a new roof to the cost of a new garage to determine which is a better option for your budget in the long term.

Still on the fence on whether to repair or replace your garage? Each garage maintenance case is a little bit different. To ensure you choose the right service, it’s best to contact a garage expert to fully evaluate the situation at hand. At J.D. Griffiths, our team of experts takes the time to understand your concerns and needs, while providing some of the best craftsmanship in the Greater Milwaukee area. Contact J.D. Griffiths today!