Your garage door is a crucial part of your home, and knowing how to get the most out of your door can help you get the most return on your investment. This guide will look at everything relating to how long a garage door lasts before you need a replacement and what you can do to increase your door’s useful span.
The Typical Life Span of a Garage Door
How long should a garage door last? The average life span of a garage door is between 10 and 15 years. This estimate can change based on several factors, including frequency of use, the garage door’s materials, maintenance and the surrounding climate.
Cycles
One way of measuring a garage door’s life span is by the number of cycles it’s made to withstand, which is the number of times you can open and close it — opening and then closing the door counts as one cycle. Standard garage door springs are made to last at least 20,000 cycles. Tension springs are less durable and will last for anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 cycles.
The more daily cycles the springs endure, the shorter the door’s life span. For example, if you open and close your garage door about twice every day, you can expect it to function for about 14 years before needing to invest in a new one.
Materials
Garage doors can be made from various materials, and each of these materials has its own life span. Garage doors made of wood will last between 15 and 30 years. Materials like steel, vinyl, wood composite, aluminum and fiberglass will last between 20 and 30 years.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance is one of the most reliable ways of extending how long your garage door lasts. By taking proper care of your garage door, you can stay ahead of potential damage and reduce repair costs.
These maintenance tips will help you keep your garage door in top shape:
- Check for wear and tear: To conduct wear and tear checks, you need to know what to look out for. Keep an eye out for worn-out parts, loose cables, bent tracks and hinges, warped springs, rust on any moving parts, and damaged rollers.
- Listen for noises: If your garage door is making a lot of noise when it operates, you need to visually check the chain or belts. These components are likely loose if your door is making more noise than usual when it opens and closes. Any banging sounds or similar noises require professional attention.
- Apply lubrication: Lubricating moving parts is a vital part of maintaining your garage door. Use a silicone spray to allow them to move smoothly. Apply the lubricant to the hinges, tracks, rollers, springs and locks.
- Clean consistently: Spray the outside of your garage door with water to wash away dirt and grime and prevent corrosion. Inspect your door to see if it needs to be stained or repainted, and look for dents, scratches, rust and signs of damage. Additionally, check that the garage’s tracks are clear of debris.
Garage doors are heavy, weighing hundreds of pounds. They can seriously harm you when they come down with enough force. If a spring breaks while making repairs, it will release a lot of tension and send metal shards flying. Never attempt to fix the components of your garage door yourself — a professional is much better equipped to do so safely.
Climate
Your local climate is the final contributing factor affecting your garage’s longevity. Storms, heavy winds, high temperatures and low temperatures can take years off your garage door’s life expectancy. Reinforcing and insulating your garage door can reduce the negative effects of extreme weather.
How Often Should You Service Your Garage Door?
In general, you should have a professional garage door servicer inspect your garage door twice a year. Preventative care extends your garage door’s life span and reduces repair costs, so you likely won’t need servicing more often than that. However, you could need to schedule an inspection sooner than usual if your garage door exhibits signs of damage.
How to Make Your Garage Door Last Longer
Eventually, you’ll need to replace your garage door, but you can help increase its life span and get the most out of your investment by taking proper care of it. Follow these useful tips to extend the useful life of your garage door:
- Tighten loose bolts: Tightening loose garage door components is essential to extending its life span. These parts affect the door’s performance and can lead to more problems and damage if they’re loose. Keep an ear out for squeaky noises that may indicate it’s time for a professional to service your door’s bolts.
- Ensure the door is balanced: Balancing your garage door puts less pressure on it and helps ensure all parts wear equally. When different parts wear out at different times, it can become costly and time-consuming to replace them. Scheduling professional inspections can help you keep your garage door properly aligned.
- Avoid DIY repairs: Fixing some parts of your garage door yourself is generally safe — like cleaning the exterior — but a professional should cover maintenance and repairs. Having someone with the right tools and knowledge look after your garage door is the best way to get the most out of it.
- Apply weatherstripping: Weatherstripping covers the door’s perimeter, protecting it from moisture, drafts and pests. After applying weatherstripping, occasionally look for signs of damage and replace it when needed.
Schedule Garage Door Servicing With AE Door and Window
There’s a lot that can be done to maximize your garage door’s life span, and working with a garage door servicer is the best way to stay on top of your door’s maintenance and repair needs. At AE Door and Window, we can help you maximize your garage door’s useful life by providing professional servicing. Our team of garage door experts can inspect your garage door on a consistent basis, looking for and addressing any repairs that may arise.
AE Door and Window is proud to serve homeowners and businesses in the greater Cincinnati area. We provide high-quality products and services to keep your home, doors and windows in excellent condition. Keep your garage door in great condition by scheduling service from us today. Contact us to find out more about how we can help you.