Whether your garage door gets a lot of use or typically stays shut, the system will eventually degrade enough to warrant a replacement. How many years does a garage door last? The answer depends on several factors.
Understanding the lifespan of your garage door and the factors that contribute to its longevity is crucial to your safety and the door’s performance. Here, our team at Garage Door Doctor shares the average garage door’s lifespan and how to ensure you can enjoy your system for years.
The Average Lifespan of Garage Doors
How many years does a garage door last? A typical garage door lasts 15 to 30 years, but the timeframe will vary depending on factors like materials.
Average garage door lifespans according to Amarr are as follows:
- 15 to 30 years for steel garage doors
- 15 to 25 years for aluminum garage doors
- 20 to 30 years for solid wood garage doors
- 15 to 20 years for wood composite garage doors
- 20 to 25 years for fiberglass garage doors
Continue reading: What’s The Best Material for a Garage Door?
The Impact of a Garage Door Opener on the System’s Lifespan
Although material type is a key factor in estimating how long a garage door will last, it’s not the only one. For instance, home remodeling can be a reason to invest in a new garage door in Bloomington, Indiana if you want an upgraded system or an aesthetic change to boost curb appeal. If this is the case, you might change the door before the end of its lifespan.
Other factors contribute to garage door lifespans, including the following:
- Installation quality: You might try to save money by installing your garage doors yourself. Unfortunately, without the proper experience or tools, you could compromise the whole system and increase safety risks.
- Material quality: A high-quality door will last longer than a low-quality one. Yet durable materials like steel and solid wood are more wear-resistant than softer choices like wood composite and aluminum.
- Design elements: Certain features like weatherstripping and insulation can protect the door from damage and wear due to local climate conditions.
- Environmental conditions: Environmental factors like high humidity, extreme temperatures, and constant temperature fluctuations can corrode or damage the door’s metal components.
- Usage: Do you use your garage door daily? If so, the system may wear down quicker than expected.
- Structural damage: If your garage door has extensive damage that impacts its performance or appearance, you may need to replace it before its expected lifespan ends.
How To Extend Your Door’s Lifespan
The answer to “How many years does a garage door last?” is at least 15. Yet, you should perform regular maintenance tasks to ensure the optimal life expectancy for your system. Your maintenance schedule should include annual and seasonal inspections.
Follow these tips to care for your garage door properly.
Examine Safety Features
The door system should have sensors to trigger an auto-reverse function if something is in the way of the door as it closes. Checking these sensors to ensure they’re clean, unobstructed, and undamaged is essential for your safety and the door’s performance.
Test the Door’s Balance
Proper alignment is essential for smooth operation. To test balance, put the system in manual mode, lift the door halfway, and let it go. If you detect movement, the door lacks balance and alignment.
Check Springs and Other Door Parts for Wear and Tear
Your system will have springs to hold its weight as it moves. Torsion springs are over the door, and extension springs are along the sides of the horizontal tracks.
These components need regular inspections for damage and corrosion. Periodically lubricating them with white lithium grease can ensure good performance.
When inspecting components, don’t forget about the garage door opener. Most garage door openers last for ten to 15 years. This vital part helps open and close the door, so contact a qualified technician if you notice issues with the garage door opener’s motor.
Contact Our Garage Door Company To Keep Your Door Working Correctly for Longer
Knowing the answer to the question “How many years does a garage door last?” will give you an idea of what to expect with your garage door system. Still, regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential. Otherwise, your door might have premature wear and tear, which can jeopardize its performance, safety, and visual appeal.
Turn to our garage door professionals in Indianapolis to repair, maintain, or replace your garage door. At Garage Door Doctor, we can service all door types thanks to our years of industry experience. We offer quality garage door components and solutions for your convenience, so call 317-342-4995 to request assistance.