If your garage door is in good shape, even if it’s a little older, you may not be interested in replacing it. However, sometimes it might be worth considering whether the time and effort of repainting it is worth it. Choosing which option is best can take some serious thinking and decision making. We are here to help you with that decision.
Below are some points that you should keep in mind while you go through the process of deciding what is right for you.
Consider how old your garage door already is
It doesn’t matter whether you have a metal or wooden door. It also isn’t just the appearance that you should judge. What is most important is ensuring the safety of your family and yourself. When it comes to metal, it’s usually steel, and can come with or without insulation. Even with a wooden door that may be a bit worn, the door isn’t the most important thing. What is inside and behind the door is what you need to think about.
Before going any further, take a look at your garage door hardware system. Is it as old as the door is? Do you see many rusted components? Make sure to look at the parts on the bottom of the door. If you do see lots of rust there, you need to seriously consider the possibility that you should switch out the entire system.
Those who have wood doors need to know that it isn’t uncommon for an older door to be heavier as time passes. This is because wood can absorb moisture. If the outside surfaces are made of a thin plywood, this is called a sandwich garage door. In most cases, the inside consists of polystyrene or mineral wool as insulation. The former will absorb some moisture, but the latter will absorb a whole lot of it.
On the other hand, if the wood door is solid or has a solid exterior, the exterior needs a specific amount of moisture to avoid splitting. This applies even if you have varnished it in the past. Wood is required to breathe or else it will fall apart most easily.
Think about your investment in terms of time
You may be surprised to find that while repainting a door isn’t difficult, it does often take a large amount of time to do properly. You will want to spend time finding a paint that either matches its current hue or the shade of the rest of your house. This will ensure the best aesthetic appeal with the door.
You also want to be absolutely sure you have the time to set aside to do the job and that the weather is reasonable, so you can paint it. Having a paint job that is badly done can make your garage door look worse than not painting it at all. You’ll also want sufficient time for the paint to dry. This can vary based on the humidity level, temperature, and type of paint that you use. The best option is to wait until the weather is nice before starting the project. You want dry weather and a temperature between about 60F and 75F (15C and 25C). If it’s raining or there is tons of sun, you should wait to begin. If the color you are using is different from the current one, or if there is rust on your metal door, you also will need to properly prepare the surface. Applying a coat of primer will also give you the best results, as it helps the paint adhere to the surface more easily.
If you don’t have a ton of extra time, you still have options. If your door is metal and there are no repairs to be done, such as small dents, a painter who specializes in home exteriors can be hired to do the job for you.
I think I understand the basics. What cost am I looking at if I choose a new door instead?
It may surprise you to find out that a single door for a vehicle garage usually will cost around $1000. If your garage door opener still works like new and has no issues, it can be reused and set up to manage your new garage door.
Ready to move forward?
For those who are interested in more information, you can contact us. We are professionals in the garage door field and understand the systems from top to bottom. We can provide advice and answer any questions you have. We can also determine the best option for you and your budget. If needed, we can easily send you a quotation by email.
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