A common challenge faced by any commercial facility is breakdowns with its commercial doors. Whether you have a single loading dock door or an entire bay, keeping them in top working condition is essential for maintaining efficiency and productivity.

When you have a commercial door that is giving you issues, you have two avenues: repair or replace. Which one of these is a better option for your business will depend on different factors. In this blog, we’ll explore the costs of repairing vs replacing so you can make a more informed choice.

The Factors You Need to Consider When Repairing or Replacing Your Commercial Door

Ultimately, whether or not you should call for repairs or spring for a full replacement comes down to a variety of different factors. A highly experienced commercial door technician from Creative Door Services™ can inspect your door and offer more detailed advice on which route you should take. 

The Age of the Door

One of the biggest factors in deciding to repair or replace your commercial door is its age. Commercial doors have a lifespan of 20 years. After that time, they are more prone to breakdowns, which increases your operational costs due to needing to repair your door more frequently.

Regardless of your door’s age, your commercial doors need to be serviced once a year to keep them operating at optimal performance, just like with your vehicle fleet.

The Extent of the Damage to Your Door

Age may play a major role in determining when to replace your commercial door, but the extent of the damage is just as important. If the damage is severe enough, even a newer door may be beyond repair, and you’ll want to seek a replacement instead.

As a general rule, if the cost of repairs exceeds 50% of the price of a new door, a full replacement is the smarter, more cost-effective choice.

How Often Do You Need Door Repairs?

The damage does not need to be major for it to be a sign that it’s time to replace the door. Frequent breakdowns can disrupt your operations, costing your business valuable time and money. 

If you’re regularly calling for repairs, it’s more cost-effective for you to invest in a new and more reliable commercial door. Upgrading now can save you from ongoing expenses and unexpected downtime.

Upgrade for Better Energy Efficiency

Over time, frequent small repairs can start to affect the energy efficiency of your commercial door. Air leaks and poor insulation can drive up your heating and cooling costs, reduce productivity, and decrease revenue. 

Investing in a new, more energy-efficient door will help lower your utility costs, maintain a more comfortable indoor environment, and maintain productivity. 

Modernize Your Business with an Updated Door

Upgrading your commercial door to a new model can boost more than just your energy efficiency, it can also help improve your building’s curb appeal and create a strong first impression for potential customers. Maintaining a professional and inviting appearance is a key part of attracting customers, especially in competitive retail spaces. 

When to Repair vs. When to Replace

There isn’t one simple rule that tells you when replacing your commercial door is more cost-effective than repairing it. In general, you should go down the repair route when:

1. The damage is relatively minor and can be fixed without significant expense or labour. 
2. The door is older but still in good condition. Repairing it may be a good option for extending its lifespan.
3. The cost to repair the door is much lower than the cost to replace it. Keep in mind the 50% rule—if the repair cost is less than 50% of the replacement cost, you can go ahead with the repairs.

When Should You Replace Your Commercial Door?

A good rule of thumb for determining when it’s time to replace your commercial door includes the following:

• Severe Damage – If the door’s structural integrity or safe operation is compromised, replacement is the smart option.
• Poor Energy Efficiency – Older doors with inadequate insulation can drive up heating and cooling costs. Upgrading to an energy-efficient model can lead to significant savings.
• Outdated Appearance – If the door no longer complements the rest of your building’s design, replacing it can enhance curb appeal and create a more professional look.
• Inadequate Security – If the door’s security features are outdated

By identifying these signs early, you can invest in a commercial door that improves safety, efficiency, and aesthetics while reducing long-term costs.

Repair or Replace? We’ve Got You Covered

Whether you repair or replace your commercial door ultimately comes down to your needs and your budget. For example, you may want to replace your door to help boost your security and efficiency, or you may want to try and extend your current door’s lifespan with repairs. 

Whatever you choose, Creative Door Services™ can support you. We have decades of experience in finding the right solutions for every challenge. From expert installation to proactive planned maintenance and reliable repairs, we provide comprehensive services to keep your business running smoothly.

Prevent Costly Repairs & Extend Your Door’s Lifespan with Planned Maintenance

One way you can extend your door’s lifespan, maximize performance, and reduce the amount of money you spend on repairs is through our comprehensive regular planned maintenance programs. 

A planned maintenance program from Creative Door Services™ ensures that your commercial doors are kept in top condition while minimizing disruption to your productivity. Our expert technicians thoroughly inspect all components of your commercial doors for wear and tear, test functionality, and provide a detailed report with proactive recommendations—helping you avoid costly repairs down the line.

Creative Door Services™ Has the Commercial Door Solutions for You

When it comes to commercial door repairs and replacements, you can trust the experts at Creative Door Services™. For over 55 years, we’ve been providing businesses across Western Canada with top-quality brands, expert service, and tailored solutions for commercial doors, dock equipment, openers, and more. Our team is dedicated to delivering reliable, long-lasting results that keep your operations running smoothly.

Need professional commercial door repair or replacement? Contact us today—we’ll help you find the best solution for your business!

You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba. We look forward to working with you.