We fix far more doors than we replace, and we'll always tell you when a repair is the smarter money. But there are cases where pouring cash into an old door doesn't pay off. Here are the six.
1. Rust has gone through the panel
Surface rust can be treated. Once corrosion perforates the steel skin — common on older coastal doors — the panel loses structural strength and paint won't bring it back.
2. You've paid for three or more repairs in two years
When springs, rollers, cables and panels all start failing in sequence, the whole system has reached end of life. Add up the last two years of invoices before approving the next one.
3. The door has no impact or wind rating
Older non-rated doors are the weak point of the house in a hurricane and cost you a wind mitigation credit every year on your insurance.
4. Multiple panels are dented or bowed
Single panel replacement is cost-effective. Once two or three panels are damaged — or the model is discontinued and panels no longer match — replacement usually costs less than the patchwork.
5. It's uninsulated and the garage is livable space
Gyms, workshops and converted garages are common here. An insulated door with a proper seal makes a real difference in heat and noise, and it isn't something you can retrofit well onto a thin single-layer door.
6. You're selling
A garage door is often a third of a home's street-facing surface. A modern flush-panel or woodgrain door is one of the highest-return cosmetic upgrades before listing.
The bottom line
Not sure which side of the line you're on? We'll give you both numbers — repair and replace — and let you decide. No pressure, no scare tactics.