Garage Door Opener Repair Vs. Replacement
Does your garage door need a new opener—or a repair? According to Popular Mechanics, most garage doors in the US open and close an average of 1,500 times annually. This constant opening and closing motion can cause opener-ending wear and tear. If you're not sure whether you need to replace this device with a new model or if garage door opener repair is the right way to go, take a look at the questions below.
How Old Is the Opener?
While age isn't the sole predictor of replacement, combined with other factors it can play a primary role in your decision-making process. The average life span of a garage door opener is between 10 and 15 years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Even though this is a typical age range, it doesn't define your opener's life expectancy. A 15-year-old opener that recently had its first failure may not require a replacement. But an older model that constantly breaks down or requires several service calls a year is ready for a replacement.
Does the Opener Do Everything You Want It To?
What do you need in an automatic opener? Some homeowners want the basics—an opener that does what the name implies and opens (and closes) the door. Other homeowners may want additional features, such as remote or smart home uses. If your door does everything you want or need it to do and it stopped working, is damaged, or has the first signs of wear, a residential garage door opener repair is a cost-effective option. Homeowners who want an upgrade to a newer model, extra features, or a more powerful door can use the damage or breakdown as a reason to explore a replacement.
What Does the Professional Say?
Garage door automatic opener and mechanism replacement is never a do-it-yourself job. Garage doors are heavy, complex parts of a home. Failure to fix an opener correctly could result in an injury (such as electric shock or a door that falls on someone who walks underneath it), additional damage, or an energy efficiency issue. If you aren't a professional, don't attempt to assess the opener or repair it on your own. Contact a garage door opener contractor as soon as a problem starts. If you allow an opener issue to persist, the problem could grow and result in the need for a replacement. The contractor will come to your home and inspect the opener for signs of damage or a malfunction. After they diagnose the issue, the professional will help you to understand the best next step—repair or replacement.
For more information, contact a garage door opener repair service in your area.