Car Vs. Garage Door? The Do's and Don'ts to Follow After Backing Into Your Door

After you make sure that you and anyone else in the car is safe, visibly assess dents, cracks, or other obvious signs of damage. If possible, take pictures of the damage. The contractor may want to see these photos before they schedule an appointment.

Not only should you wait for the contractor to physically inspect the door, but you should also wait for the professional to use or assess the automatic opener. If the automatic opener is fully functional, it could force a damaged door up or down. This could also add to the existing issue or it could damage the opener.

If the door is salvageable, you will need to hire a contractor who works with the brand/manufacturer. This type of contractor should have access to the replacement parts that your door will need. But if the damage warrants a replacement, you will need to choose a pro who carries the type, style, or brand you want for your home. 

Unlike a replacement for aesthetic reasons (such as a home exterior upgrade), you won't have days, weeks, or months to find a contractor. A damaged door that doesn't close completely is a home security risk and safety hazard.

Even though you need to hire a contractor as soon as possible, you don't necessarily need to choose the first garage door professional who responds to your phone call. Ask friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers for referrals. Local community social media groups or neighborhood pages can also help you to find a reputable garage door contractor who can meet your needs. 

While car-to-door collision damage may not appear significant to the untrained eye, a garage door technician may find major safety, function, or appearance issues. Instead of researching repairs (and the cost of smaller replacement parts) before the contractor arrives, wait for a professional evaluation. What you thought was a minor problem might actually require a replacement — and vice-versa.

• The damage is extensive. Did your car create a hole in the door or an SUV-sized indentation? Significant or extensive damage is likely to require a full door replacement. Depending on the extent of the issue, you may need to replace the track and opener. 
• Your door is at the end of its lifespan. Damage plus an older door may equal the need for a replacement. The average residential garage door's lifespan is between 20 and 25 years, notes the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. 
• You were ready to remodel. Were you already in the planning stages of an exterior home renovation? Instead of repairing a door only to replace it in a few months, start your upgrade now. 
• The door has signs of wear. Even though 20 to 25 years is the norm for a garage door lifespan, some products show signs of wear earlier. If your door is younger than two decades but has visible wear, replace it after this type of incident.

Along with these factors, you may also want to consider a replacement if your now-damaged door was never energy efficient. Home heating costs make up 29 percent of the average homeowner's utility bill, and AC use costs Americans a collective $29 billion annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A new insulated garage door can help to cut these costs and reduce your home's energy usage.

Do you want to learn more about garage doors and your options? Contact Edgemont Garage Doors for more information.