In the market for a new garage door and want to save some money? Or maybe you've found a used one for sale and are considering it as a replacement? Whatever your reason for wanting to buy a used garage door, it's worth taking some time to think carefully and consider whether it's really worth it. Just like repairing a garage door yourself might not be the best idea, buying a used garage door might not be the best choice you make. To help you make a more informed decision, we've listed some things to consider when buying a garage door, what to check if you decide to buy it, and our expert opinion on whether buying a used garage door is really worth it.
Points to Consider When Buying a Used Garage Door
First, when considering buying a used garage door, you need to consider the aesthetics of the door. You need to make sure it looks good on the front of your house and, more importantly, is the right size. It's common to have many different widths and heights, so make sure it's right for your garage.
Remember, not all garage doors are the same. By far the most common problem encountered by used garage door buyers is buying a garage door that is too large or too small. Size is a key factor when picking out a used garage door, and choosing a door that's too big or too small can mean losing money. You'll also want to check your old garage door and the headroom of the old door you're considering. Some doors require more space to operate than others, so just because a door is the same size doesn't necessarily mean it will work in your garage. You need to consider the extra clearance required to install the track and garage door opener, choosing a garage door with too much or too little clearance can result in expensive modifications or another waste of money.
What to Check When Buying a Used Garage Door
If you've decided to buy a used garage door or have an idea, there are still a few things worth checking before pulling the trigger. First, you need to make sure that the garage door you are considering buying is less than ten years old. Garage door security features, standards, and designs change every year. So, buying a used garage door made in the past decade can at least ensure relative safety.
You also need to check for obvious things like wear and tear. This could be rust on a steel garage door, or cracks and split panels on a wood garage door. If you notice any such wear, we recommend that you then walk away. However, if all is well, it's time to dig in and check for worn or damaged hardware. This includes rollers, hinges, screws, bolts, weather strips, and most importantly, springs. While it may seem relatively inexpensive to replace rollers, hinges, screws, bolts, and weatherstrips on a used garage door, it can add up quickly and your bargain may not end up being such a good deal. Replacing a damaged garage door spring is best left to the professionals.
On the topic of springs, you'll want to check with the previous owner for details such as whether they were original springs, and when they were last replaced. If they are older, you may want to consider replacing them when installing the door.
Is buying a used garage door really worth it?
Speaking of installation, this is best left to the professionals, mostly for safety reasons. If you are not 100% sure what you are doing, the chances of getting injured while installing your garage door are very high. So, is buying a used garage door really worth it? In short, no. You may have to consider hiring a professional to install the old door, so unless you're getting almost nothing, you probably won't end up saving much, most garage door pros will agree, although you'll probably save some money at first. , a used garage door will eventually cost you more than it's worth in the long run. Aside from the fact that you won't get a warranty or warranty on a used door, it simply doesn't give you the peace of mind that a new garage door offers in terms of safety, reliability, and performance. Do yourself a favor and at least check the supply and how many new doors are installed. Most people are surprised by their price, and after all costs are factored in, used doors often don't look like a bargain at all.
