Damage is bound to happen to your garage door at some point down the road whether it is from an accident, extreme weather or general wear and tear. Garage doors are often overlooked, however, when damage is apparent it can really stick out like a sore thumb since they are such a prominent exterior feature. If you are in the position of deciding whether or not to install a whole new garage door or replace one panel, it is necessary to understand the pros and cons. When it comes to non-wooden garage doors, it is usually best to invest in an entirely new door. Here is why this is generally considered to be the wiser choice.
Understanding Full Garage Door Replacement vs. Panel Replacement
Full Garage Door Replacement:
This involves removing the entire door and installing a brand new one. Replacing the whole door is initially more expensive but it can actually be worth the investment as it in the long run actually saves you money as well as a future hassle.
Replacing a Single Panel:
If you only have one damaged garage door panel, you can replace that one part while keeping the rest of your current door. This option can seem more cost effective but often it may not be.
Why Should You Consider Replacing the Entire Garage Door?
Cost of Single Panel Replacement vs. Door Replacement
At first thought, it can certainly seem logical to think that replacing one garage door panel will be more economical than replacing the entire door. However, many homeowners are often surprised at the cost of having a single panel replaced. You aren’t just paying for the replacement panel but also have to consider the cost of labour. Furthermore, depending on the age of your door, there could be potential repairs needed in the near future.
Difficulty Matching Replacement Panel to Existing Door
There can be challenges finding a panel that matches the exact design and colour as your existing door. Even a slight difference in panels can be very noticeable and will make your garage door stand out, not in a good way. In some cases, it may not be possible to find a matching panel as manufacturers can discontinue doors and paint colours. Another problem that can arise is even if you find the exact same panel and colour, it can still appear different. This is because even good quality material will fade over time from sun exposure and weather conditions.
Safety
Garage doors are extremely heavy, operate under a lot of tension and can be very dangerous if the entire door system is not functioning correctly. It may seem like one panel is damaged but there could be underlying issues with the door system that could potentially cause a safety concern. Replacing the entire garage door will ensure that all parts are replaced so you can eliminate safety risks.
Aesthetics
Replacing your entire garage door rather than one panel gives you the chance to upgrade the style and colour of your door to spruce up the appearance of your home. Modern doors come in a vast array of designs and colours enabling you to choose the best option to compliment your home’s exterior, improve your curb appeal and up the value of your property.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Newer garage doors come with the option of better insulation. This can be worth the investment of a new door as it can help with regulating the temperature inside your garage and even inside your home. This can reduce your utility bills!
Long-Term Cost Saving
By replacing your garage door you will be investing in the long-term functionality of your door, especially if your current door is getting up there in age. Newer doors are made with better materials that are more durable and lower maintenance. You reduce your chance of needing repairs any time in the near future which will ultimately save you money. Another positive is that most new garage doors will come with warranty, ensuring that many issues will be covered if they pop up.
In conclusion, it is easy to initially see replacing one panel as more cost effective and the best solution to a damaged door panel but when considering all of these points, opting for a full garage door replacement is often the superior option and can save you money long term.