Should I Replace My Garage Door After Hail Damage?

When a hailstorm rolls through, it can leave behind a trail of destruction – dented cars, broken windows, even torn up landscaping. Once these damaging natural events happen, many homeowners overlook the damage done to their garage door. As one of the largest and most visible surfaces on your home, your garage door is particularly vulnerable to hail damage. While even small dents might simply seem like a cosmetic issue, failing to replace a hail-damaged garage door can lead to much bigger problems down the road.

Compromised Structural Integrity

Garage Doors are designed to protect your home from the elements, but hail damage can weaken their structure. Even small dents and cracks will compromise the door’s ability to withstand the impact of wind, rain, and other future storms. In some cases, the damage may also affect the door’s alignment and how it opens and closes. If the door is off balance or the tracks get damaged, it can strain the opener and lead to very expensive mechanical failures.

Insulation & Energy Efficiency

Most modern garage doors come with insulation to improve your home’s energy efficiency. When hail hits, it can puncture or compress the insulation layer inside the panels, reducing its effectiveness. This can lead to fluctuating temperatures inside the garage, and even inside your home – especially if it is an attached garage. You may see a spike in heating and cooling costs if your door is no longer providing that proper seal.

Curb Appeal & Home Value

Your garage door plays an enormous role in the look of your home. Because of where it is on most homes, it makes up around 40 percent of your home’s first-impression curb appeal. A dented and beat-up door can make your entire property look neglected – even if the rest of your interior is in good shape. If you’re thinking of selling your home, first impressions matter. Replacing a hail-damaged garage door can improve your home’s appearance and potentially increase its resale value.

Insurance Considerations

Many homeowners’ insurance policies will cover hail damage, and that includes garage doors. If you wait too long to file a clam or attempt to patch it yourself, your insurance company may deny the claim or offer a lower payout. Replacing the door promptly not only ensures your home stays protected but also helps you make the most out of your coverage.

Safety Concerns

A damaged garage door isn’t only about the aesthetics of your home. It can also be unsafe. Cracked or weakened panels can collapse under pressure, and a garage door opener that isn’t working can lead to unexpected accidents. Many people use their garage door as their primary entrance, which means it has to be reliable. Even a small crack or opening in a damaged door can also lead to critters like insects, mice, and snakes taking up residence in your garage. Don’t wait for a serious issue to occur before taking action.

Replacing a garage door after hail damage isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about safety, your home’s overall value, and energy efficiency. If your garage door takes a hit in this year’s storm, or was damaged by a previous encounter, get it inspected by a professional. Reach out to Aeonic Garage Doors today for a free inspection and we’ll take care of all the dealings with the insurance company to make sure your home stays protected.