As we enter the peak of hurricane season here in Central Florida, homeowners are rightfully checking their lists: shutters are ready, supplies are stocked. But what about the single largest and most vulnerable opening in your home? Your garage door.
A failing or non-rated garage door can be a catastrophic liability during a storm. This raises a critical question for many homeowners: is a simple repair enough, or is it time to replace the entire door?
Making the right choice can be tricky, but at Best Panel Garage Doors, we believe in providing honest assessments to ensure your home is secure and your investment is sound. Let’s break down when to repair versus when to replace.
Not every issue demands a full replacement. Repair is often a smart, cost-effective option for a garage door that is otherwise in good structural condition. You should consider a repair if you're dealing with:
Isolated Panel Damage: A single dented or damaged panel from a minor impact can often be swapped out.
Worn-Out Parts: Noisy operation can frequently be fixed by replacing worn rollers, hinges, or by performing a professional tune-up.
Opener Malfunctions: If the door itself is in good shape but the opener is faulty, a simple opener repair or replacement is all that's needed.
Aging Weather Seals: Replacing brittle or cracked weather stripping is a simple repair that can improve your door's seal against wind and rain.
The key takeaway: These repairs are perfect for maintaining a healthy door. However, they will not make an old, non-rated door strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Sometimes, a repair is like putting a bandage on a problem that needs surgery. Investing in a new, modern door is the safest and most logical choice when you see these red flags:
No Wind-Load or Impact Rating: If your door is older (15+ years) and has no visible sticker indicating it meets Florida's wind-load or impact-resistance codes, it is a significant risk.
Widespread Damage or Rust: Multiple dented panels, significant rust along the bottom section, or cracked/warped wood panels compromise the entire door's strength.
Constant Breakdowns: If you're calling for repairs every few months, the long-term cost is likely to exceed the price of a reliable new door.
Obsolete Parts: If matching panels or specific parts for your old door are no longer available, a full replacement is your only option.
Investing in a new hurricane-rated door from Best Panel Garage Doors is about more than just replacement—it's a major upgrade for your home.
Unmatched Storm Protection: Gain true peace of mind knowing your door is engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds and impacts, protecting your home and family.
Potential Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer significant discounts for homes with certified wind-mitigation features, including a hurricane-rated garage door.
Improved Energy Efficiency: Modern insulated doors can keep your garage cooler, reducing heat transfer into your home and lowering your A/C bills.
Enhanced Curb Appeal & Home Value: A new garage door offers one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project.
The worst time to discover your garage door is a liability is when a hurricane watch is issued. By then, schedules are packed and inventory is limited. The time to make a smart decision is now.
Let the experts at Best Panel Garage Doors provide you with an honest, professional assessment. We won't sell you a new door if a reliable repair is all you need, but we will always be upfront about the risks if your current door isn't safe for a Florida storm.
Contact Best Panel Garage Doors today to schedule your Hurricane Readiness Inspection. We’ll help you decide whether to repair or replace, and provide a no-obligation quote to ensure your home is secure this season.
Call Us Now: 4078429048
Visit Our Website: www.bestpanelgaragedoors.com