A few months ago, a family in Round Rock called us about a loud screeching noise coming from their garage door. They thought it was a minor issue. Turns out, the entire door frame was warped, the springs were worn out, and the panels had deep cracks. After years of patchwork repairs, their garage door finally gave up. A simple spring replacement or track adjustment wouldn’t cut it anymore. They needed a full garage door replacement.
This isn’t uncommon. In Texas, unpredictable weather changes and daily wear and tear can take a serious toll on your garage system. In our experience, many homeowners wait too long to replace their garage doors—even when the signs are clear. This often leads to more costly repairs and safety risks. Delaying a proper replacement can lead to safety hazards, increased energy bills, and a spike in maintenance costs.
At Alibott Garage Doors Co., we handle cases like this every day across Austin and the surrounding areas. If you’re unsure whether your situation calls for a repair or a full residential garage door installation, this guide will help. Here are seven clear signs it’s time to install a new garage door instead of just repairing the old one.
Sign #1 Your Garage Door Is Over 15 Years Old
Most garage doors have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, depending on the materials, hardware, and level of upkeep. In Texas, extreme heat, sudden cold snaps, and humidity fluctuations can cause wood to swell, metal to rust, and insulation to degrade more quickly. If your current garage door is pushing that 15-year mark, it may no longer be up to modern safety or insulation standards.
Older doors often lack modern energy efficiency features, such as proper insulation or weather stripping, which can increase your home’s energy use. They may also be missing newer safety systems like auto-reverse sensors. An updated installation can improve safe operation, thermal performance (R-value), and even reduce the need for constant repairs.
Sign #2 It Constantly Breaks Down
Are you frequently scheduling garage door repair appointments? If your door seems like it’s always in need of a fix, it’s likely beyond the point of simple upkeep. Here are some signs your garage door system is failing and needs a full replacement:
- Worn-out torsion springs: These are critical for lifting the garage door. If they frequently break, it may signal overall system fatigue.
- Bent or misaligned horizontal tracks: Damaged tracks can cause the door to come off track, making the operation unsafe.
- Frayed or snapped cables: These cables help support the door’s weight. Repeated issues can signal failing hardware.
- Malfunctioning garage door opener: Frequent opener issues could mean the opener isn’t compatible with the weight or condition of the door.
- Noisy or grinding operation: Loud, unpleasant noises often point to damaged rollers, loose hardware, or unbalanced door weight.
- Sagging garage door panels: Weak or cracked panels indicate structural deterioration.
Each repair might seem minor, but these problems are usually symptoms of larger systemic wear. Over time:
- Repair costs begin to add up quickly.
- Time spent on service appointments increases.
- Risk of sudden failure grows, posing a threat to your vehicle or family members.
Instead of continuing to invest in an outdated system, a new residential garage door installation provides:
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Modern safety features (like auto-reverse sensors)
- Enhanced security and insulation
- A fresh, modern look
With the right installer and materials, a new door is a cost-effective long-term investment in your home’s safety and value.
Sign #3 It Looks Bad and Hurts Curb Appeal
Curb appeal matters, especially in competitive Texas real estate markets like Austin and the Twin Cities’ suburbs. A cracked, faded, or dented garage door can make your entire home look dated. Since garage doors are often one of the most prominent features of a home’s exterior, an outdated or damaged door can lower the visual appeal of your property.
Modern garage doors come in a variety of styles and materials—from wood to insulated steel—that can complement your home design. Whether you’re selling your home or just want to upgrade its appearance, a new door is a smart investment. A residential garage door installation can increase home value and make a great first impression.
Sign #4 It Makes Too Much Noise
Loud bangs, screeches, or grinding noises coming from your garage door aren’t just annoying; they signal that something is wrong. While some issues, like a lack of lubrication or a worn roller, can be fixed easily, loud, persistent noise might mean deeper issues with the hardware or door alignment.
Faulty torsion springs, misaligned vertical tracks, and loose mounting screws can all cause excess noise. These problems affect not only your peace but also the overall safety of the door system. If noise persists even after maintenance, it’s time to consider replacing the entire system with a quieter, belt-drive, or insulated model for a more peaceful experience.
Sign #5 It Doesn’t Open or Close Smoothly
A garage door should open and close in one smooth motion. If it sticks, jerks, or reverses suddenly, it’s a sign of deeper mechanical issues. Problems with the opener, damaged panels, or a bent track can cause the door to misbehave. These issues can be dangerous, especially if the door falls unexpectedly.
Modern residential garage doors include better balancing systems and safer components, ensuring consistent performance. When your old door struggles to stay aligned or requires constant force to move, a new installation ensures proper operation and eliminates safety risks.
Sign #6 It Lacks Safety Features
Older garage doors often fall short of today’s safety expectations. If your door doesn’t have functional auto-reverse sensors or needs to be manually lifted during power outages, it may pose a hazard to your family. Modern systems are designed for functional safety, with safety sensors that detect obstructions and emergency releases for manual control.
Professional installation also ensures that everything, from the hardware to the spring tension, is adjusted to manufacturer specifications. Safety glasses, proper tools, and trained professionals are essential for a successful garage door installation. Upgrading to a new system guarantees your door meets today’s safety and building code requirements.
Sign #7 You’re Paying More on Energy Bills
If your garage door has poor insulation or air gaps, it’s probably affecting your energy usage. In Texas, garages often serve as storage spaces, workshops, or even living areas. Poorly insulated doors let in extreme heat during summer and chilly air in winter, impacting the rooms around the garage.
A new garage door with high R-value insulation and weather seals can dramatically improve energy efficiency. Whether you choose insulated steel panels or composite wood with foam backing, the right garage door helps keep your home more comfortable and reduces the load on your HVAC system.
How Can Alibott Garage Doors Co. Help You
Don’t wait for a full breakdown if you recognize any of these warning signs. At Alibott Garage Doors Co., we specialize in residential garage door installation and offer free estimates to help you plan your next project.
Our trained professionals walk you through the entire installation process, from choosing the right garage door style and materials to completing the job safely and efficiently. We offer everything from standard steel doors to custom-designed options, complete with energy-saving insulation and upgraded hardware.
Whether you need help with a new garage door, a professional garage door opener, or simply want to understand your options better, we’re here to guide you through every step. Let us help you replace your old door with a system designed for safety, durability, and curb appeal.
Call us today at (512) 489 9877 or visit our shop at 5101 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756. Alibott Garage Doors Co. delivers expert service, quality materials, and peace of mind—all backed by local experience and a commitment to doing the job right.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a residential garage door installation usually take?
Most standard installations are completed within 4 to 6 hours, depending on the door size, materials, and any custom features.
Do I need to be home during the garage door installation?
While it’s not required, it’s helpful to be available at the beginning and end of the installation to go over final checks and ask questions.
Can I reuse my old garage door opener with a new door?
In some cases, yes—but only if the opener is compatible with the new door’s weight and meets current safety standards.
What kind of maintenance does a new garage door need?
Routine maintenance includes lubricating moving parts, tightening hardware, and inspecting spring tension and safety sensors at least once a year.