Buying a home that includes a garage is a big investment. A garage door can take up to 40% of one side of your home. If and when you do buy the home, do your best to find out how old the garage door is. Once you have that information, it will help you know how long you have left with that garage door and garage door system before you have to replace your garage door.
How Long the Typical Garage Door Will Last
The short answer, most doors will last 15 to 30 years by most manufacturers’ standards. Yet when you look at that number, that is a pretty big gap, by double of years to be precise. Why such a big gap? This is because there is a lot of determining factors in determining the lifespan of the garage door.
What Determines How Long Your Garage Door Will Last
One of the biggest factors in how long your garage door will last is the type of material used in its construction. The most common materials used for garage doors are steel, wood, and aluminum.
- Steel doors tend to last the longest, with an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years. They are durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and require minimal maintenance.
- Wooden doors, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. They are susceptible to rot, warping, and cracking due to changes in temperature and humidity. However, they provide a natural and warm aesthetic appeal that many homeowners prefer.
- Aluminum doors have the shortest lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. They are lightweight, rust-resistant, and require minimal maintenance. However, they are not as durable as steel doors and can dent easily.
Another factor in the lifespan of a garage door also depends on how well it is maintained. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts, tightening loose screws and bolts, and keeping the door clean, can significantly extend its lifespan. Neglecting maintenance can cause parts to wear out quickly and lead to costly repairs or replacement.
Frequency also plays a part, The more frequently it is opened and closed, the more wear and tear it will experience. Therefore, a garage door that is used several times a day will have a shorter lifespan than one that is used only a few times a week.
You also have to take into account of your environment also affects the lifespan of a garage door. Here in Houston, the weather can be extreme. Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight, and exposure to saltwater or other corrosive substances can cause the door to deteriorate quickly. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, it is essential to choose a garage door material that can withstand those conditions.
Replacing Your Garage Door
Now, how do you know when it’s time to replace your garage door? Here are some signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement:
- Age: If your garage door is approaching its expected lifespan, it’s time to start considering a replacement. Waiting until it breaks down can be more costly in the long run.
- Damage: If your garage door has significant damage, such as a dent, crack, or broken panel, it may be more cost-effective to replace it than to repair it.
- Noise: If your garage door makes loud, unusual noises when opening or closing, it could be a sign that some parts are worn out and need replacement.
- Safety: If your garage door does not have safety features such as sensors or fails to close properly, it’s time for a replacement to ensure the safety of your family and property.
- Aesthetics: If your garage door looks outdated, faded, or does not match the style of your home, it may be time for a replacement to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Garage Door Springs
Another part of your garage door system you should keep track of is your garage door springs. Your torsion springs are what keep your garage door from just slamming down as they help the door defy gravity to open and close. The lifespan of a garage door spring is measured in garage door cycles, with the garage door going up and down one time considered a cycle. Most garage door springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles.
The life expectancy of a 10,000-cycle spring translates these estimates based on daily usage.
- Two times daily should last about 13-14 years
- Four times daily should last about 6-7 years
- Six times daily should last about 4-5 years
- Eight times daily should last about 3 years
Once your garage door spring does break, do not try to fix them yourself. It can cause you more damage and issues than you started off with. Call a professional to replace your garage door spring. It will save you time and money in the long run.
Garage Door Openers
The garage door opener is another piece that you really should know the age on. The lifespan of a garage door opener will depend on various factors, such as usage, maintenance, and quality of the device. Generally speaking, a well-maintained garage door opener from a reputable brand like LiftMaster can last for up to 10 to 15 years, while a cheaper and poorly made model may only last for 5 to 10 years.
Factors That Wear Down a Garage Door Opener
Usage
- The more you use your garage door opener, the shorter its lifespan will be. Every time you open or close your garage door, you’re putting stress on the motor and other components of the opener. This wear and tear will accumulate over time and eventually lead to failure.
- If you use your garage door opener multiple times a day, such as if you have a large family or run a home-based business, you can expect the device to wear out sooner. On the other hand, if you only use your garage door opener a few times a week, it may last longer.
Maintenance
- Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your garage door opener. Like any mechanical device, a garage door opener needs to be lubricated, adjusted, and inspected on a regular basis to keep it functioning properly. One of the most important maintenance tasks is lubrication. The moving parts of a garage door opener, such as the chain or belt, need to be lubricated periodically to prevent friction and wear. Other maintenance tasks include adjusting the tension of the chain or belt, tightening screws and bolts, and inspecting the safety sensors.
Quality
- The quality of the garage door opener is another factor that affects its lifespan. A well-made opener from a reputable brand will generally last longer than a cheaper and poorly made model.
Now, why do we mention parts other than the garage door? Because in order to get the most out of your garage door and extend its lifespan your garage door parts need to be regularly maintained as well. If you want to know more about getting the most out of your garage door, read our post, Extend the Life Of Your Garage Door
Spectrum Overhead Door LLC has been serving Houston area garages for over 16 years with award-winning garage door repair service. Call either 281-748-9542 or if you are closer to East Houston 713-557-3407 for a free quote today with no trip charge!