Addressing the Dilemma: Should You Repair or Replace Your Commercial  Garage Door

Your garage door opens and closes numerous times throughout the day, especially if you operate a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Over time, this frequent usage can lead to cracked panels, chipped paint, and worn-out parts. If minor wear is left untreated, it can quickly escalate into significant damage.

So, faced with a malfunctioning garage door, what should you do? Repair or replace?

Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on a few key factors. In this post, the experts at Thompson Garage Doors are diving into everything you need to know to make the best decision for your business.

Table Of Content

1. Factors to Consider When Making the Repair vs. Replace Decision
2. Additional Considerations When Choosing Between Garage Door Repairs or Replacement
3. Talk to Thompson to Make an Informed Decision About Your Commercial Garage Door

Factors to Consider When Making the Repair vs. Replace Decision

With a proper maintenance plan, your commercial garage door should last around 30 years. However, despite meticulous upkeep, there may come a time when you’ll need to decide whether to repair or replace your garage door.

Here are a few things to account for:

Severity of the Damage

The first thing to assess is the severity of the damage. Minor issues like broken rollers, loose springs, or a malfunctioning opener are inconvenient, but they can be repaired quickly and affordably.

However, extensive damage may tip the scales toward replacement.

If your door has multiple panel dents, a broken frame, or other significant issues, repairing them might not be worth the cost and effort. Also, extensive damage can compromise the door’s structural integrity and pose safety concerns. In such cases, it’s more practical to replace the entire garage door.

Age and Condition of the Door

Your garage door’s age and condition are important factors to consider. If you have an old garage door that’s been needing frequent repairs, it might be time to think about replacing it. Constantly fixing an old door can add up costs and downtime, and it’s likely to have more problems as time goes on.

On the other hand, a relatively new door that’s had proper maintenance may still have a lot of life left in it.  Since modern garage doors are built to last, scheduling repairs for minor issues can be a cost-effective way to keep them running smoothly for years to come. 

Cost Considerations

We always recommend comparing the cost of garage door repair in Reno to the potential cost of a garage door replacement. 

Garage door repair in your area is often the cheaper option. However, if the door is badly damaged, or the repair costs almost as much as a new installation, replacing it might be better in the long run.

Safety Concerns

Any damage that affects your commercial garage door’s safety needs immediate attention. A faulty door can pose serious risks to employees, such as unexpected closures or the inability to open the door in an emergency. According to statistics, there are nearly 20,000 to 30,000 garage door accidents on average, with injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Dents or misalignments in garage doors can violate OSHA standards for workplace safety, potentially leading to fines and legal issues. Addressing these promptly ensures the safety of your employees, maintains your business’s security, and keeps you compliant with regulations. 

While you may be able to tackle and resolve minor garage door repair emergencies, extensive damage could warrant a full replacement. Sometimes, even if repairs are possible, a replacement might be the safer option. Talk to a seasoned garage door repair technician to choose the best course of action for your specific situation.

Additional Considerations When Choosing Between Garage Door Repairs or Replacement

Availability of Replacement Parts

For older garage doors, it might be hard to find the right components. As doors age, the manufacturers might discontinue certain parts, making them harder to source and potentially more expensive. Consequently, you may be looking at longer downtimes and higher repair costs.

If you frequently struggle to locate parts for an aging door, it’s wiser to consider replacing it altogether. Investing in a new garage door can save you time, reduce hassles, and potentially cut down on future maintenance expenses.

Energy Efficiency of Newer Doors

Upgrading to a newer, insulated garage door can offer significant long-term energy savings. Modern garage doors come with advanced insulation materials that help keep your building’s temperature steady. This is great if you have multiple garage doors or a larger door in a warehouse.

An insulated garage door keeps the cold out in the winter and the heat out in the summer, reducing the load on your HVAC system and lowering your energy bills. Moreover, it creates a more comfortable environment for your employees.

Security Features of Newer Models

Many newer garage doors come with advanced security features that aren’t present in older models. For instance, they may include automatic locking systems, reinforced materials, and smart technology that allows you to control and monitor the door remotely.

These features add an extra layer of protection for your business. With the added security, you can feel confident that your valuable assets are safe around the clock.

Talk to Thompson to Make an Informed Decision About Your Commercial Garage Door

Ultimately, deciding whether to repair or replace your garage doorboils down to your unique needs. Use the factors outlined in this post, along with some independent research, to figure out which option fits you best.

It’s also a good idea to reach out to an expert garage door technician for specialized recommendations. They can inspect your door, provide cost estimates, and help you make the right choice.

At Thompson Garage Doors, we have helped countless business owners find the optimal solution for their commercial garage door requirements. Whether you’re dealing with minor repairs or considering a complete garage door replacement, our expert technicians are here to provide tailored advice and world-class service.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection and get a detailed cost estimate.