Did You Just Buy an Older Home? Garage Door Replacement and Your Investment

Are you buying a new home with an older garage door? Take a look at what you need to know about this type of door, exterior aesthetics, and home improvement upgrades that can add value to your investment.

Do You Need To Replace s Garage Door on an Older Home?

Is your newly purchased home decades old? Does this mean the current garage door needs to go? Before you make a decision one way or the other, consider:

• What shape is the current door in? A high-quality older garage door may only need minor professional maintenance. If you're not sure whether the door is in more than just decent shape, schedule an inspection appointment with a contractor.
• How old is the door? The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors notes that the average lifespan of a garage door is 20 to 25 years. If the door on your new home is more than two decades old, you may want to replace it.
• Does the garage door look out of date? Aesthetics are an important part of this decision-making process. If the door screams 1980s or just looks out of place with the rest of the exterior, it's time for an upgrade.
• Does the door work? If the door is non-functional, you may need to replace it and the opener.
• Is the door energy-efficient? A draft or heat exchange through the garage door can affect your interior home comfort level and your HVAC bills. If the door isn't energy-efficient, you may want to replace it with an insulated model.
• Does the door have visible damage? An older door with years of dents, dings, peeling paint, and scuff marks can impact your new home's curb appeal. If your garage door has visible damage or signs of wear, consider a replacement.

You may also want to replace the garage door if you plan to renovate your new investment's exterior. An older door may look off or out of place with a new home facade.

Which Garage Door Should You Choose for an Older Home?

The answer to this question depends on your older home's exterior, its energy needs, and whether you will renovate, repaint, add siding, or do any other work to the outside of the property. If you're not sure where to start, think about:

• Energy leaks and air, heat, and cold transfer issues. Older homes tend to have drafts. If the home hasn't had an energy audit or insulation updates, it could easily leak heated or cooled air. If this is the case, you may need an insulated steel or full wood door.
• Exterior appearance. Does your older home have a classic aesthetic that you want to preserve or historical exterior value? Instead of a modern glass or steel door, you may want to choose a traditional wood or wood veneer option.
• Investment upgrades. Even though you just moved in, you could sell your home in the future. Turn your older home into a true investment with a door that allows you to recoup some of your initial purchase costs.
• Other changes. How will you change the exterior of your older home now or in the future? If you plan to modernize the facade of a traditional or classic-style home, consider a more contemporary style garage door.

You don't have to go through the selection process alone. A qualified garage door contractor can walk you through each step—from choosing the best material and model for your older home's needs to installing the garage door and a new opener.

Do you need help choosing or installing a new garage door? Contact Armor Overhead Door for more information.