Garage doors are essential to our everyday lives. They are an entryway for your garage and house as well as a way to safely store your car and other items. They also serve cosmetic purposes like enhancing the overall appearance and curb appeal of your home.
With so many benefits, you don’t want your garage door to undergo too much wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance so you can prevent costly damage and increase your garage door’s lifespan. Learn more about maintaining and repairing your garage door and how to know when it’s time for a replacement.
Table of Contents
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF A GARAGE DOOR?
Most garage doors last between 15 and 30 years, though really it depends on the door, you and your environment.
The lifespan of your garage door is determined by a variety of factors, including:
- Usage: The type of springs you have determines how many open/close cycles your garage is good for. The more you use your garage door, the closer you come to the end of that cycle, and the shorter the lifespan will be.
- Care: If you practice garage door maintenance on a regular basis, your door will likely have a longer lifespan and age more slowly.
- Quality and price: If you purchased a high-quality door from a trusted retailer, your door will most likely live longer than lower quality garage doors. Typically, the more you pay for a garage door, the better the quality.
- Local climate: San Diego can sometimes experience inclement weather like storms, hail and high winds. As a result, your garage door may take some damage that could potentially lower its lifespan.
LIFESPAN OF AUTOMATIC VS. MANUAL GARAGE DOORS
Both automatic and manual doors can last well over a decade with proper care. Typically, manual garage doors have longer lifespans than automatic doors since they have fewer parts to take care of. Today, most houses use automatic doors on their garages, which require more regular maintenance to keep them working for a long time.
Automatic garage doors can last decades, depending on the lifespans and quality of the automatic door parts. Garage door lifespan is measured by daily use. A garage door that opens twice a day will likely last twice as long as a garage opened four or more times a day.
For automatic garage doors, the life of each set of door components is in cycles. The lifespan is around 10,000 cycles or seven to 10 years for basic torsion springs if the door opens twice a day. Better springs stand up to more cycles, lasting many more years. You can expect to have your garage door for many years if you:
- Check it regularly.
- Lubricate the moving parts every few months.
- Perform yearly maintenance.
- Replace parts at the end of their cycles.
DOES THE STYLE OF THE GARAGE DOOR MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
The garage door material can influence how long a garage door lasts. Well-maintained aluminum garage doors can have lifespans of up to 30 years. Similarly, a high-quality, cared-for steel garage door can also last 30 years with the right attention.
Wooden garage doors can last for years if you put the proper time and maintenance into them. Wood doors need to be checked for rot and damage to prevent warping and other problems. They should have a weatherproof protective coating, and you should apply a new finish every few years to maintain their appearance.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR GARAGE DOOR LAST LONGER
To make your garage door last as long as possible, a professional should check the door for damage and maintenance once a year. These tuneups keep your door running smoothly and safely, giving you more value from your investment.
Perform an at-home inspection with a garage checklist every six months for the longest garage door lifespan possible. This includes:
- Washing and cleaning the door, track and windows.
- Lubricating the hinges, lock and keyhole, metal rollers, armbar, bearing plate and springs.
- Checking the operating systems for any chips, cracks and damage.
- Testing and cleaning photo-eye sensors.
- Inspecting the garage door opener, weatherstripping, remote and batteries.
- Trying the door function and balance.
Regular at-home and professional maintenance is the best way to maximize your garage door’s lifespan so you can enjoy your door for years to come.
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR GARAGE DOOR
Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine whether your garage door has reached the end of its lifespan. Luckily, there are a series of factors you can take into consideration to decide whether you should replace your garage door.
If your garage door is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it may be time to invest in a new one:
- The door is not functioning properly
- Your wood door is cracked, damaged, warped or peeling
- Your aluminum door has dents and dings
- You notice rusted or broken parts
- The garage door sags
- The door is noisy or slow to open or close
- You want better insulation for a more climate-controlled garage
ENJOY A NEW GARAGE DOOR FROM EASY OPEN DOOR
If you’re looking to install a new, high-quality garage door to enhance the curb appeal or functionality of your home, turn to the professionals at Easy Open Door.
We specialize in garage door installation, sales and repairs, so we can set you up with the best garage doors on the market.
Our company has been in business for almost 40 years in the San Diego County area, so you can trust us with all of your garage door needs.
To get started, request an estimate or schedule service today.
