When it comes to garage doors, you want to be able to rely on them to last. After all, they play an important role in protecting your property and possessions from weather damage, pests, theft, and more. But, like all systems in your home, garage doors are destined to break down and will eventually need to be replaced.
But how long can you expect your garage door to work? Read on to learn what factors affect a garage door’s lifespan, what you can do to extend it, and how you can tell when it’s finally time to fully replace it.
How Long Should My Garage Door Last?
On average, a garage door can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, with most falling in the 20 to 25 year range. However, their lifespans largely depend on a handful of factors, including things like how much you use it, weather conditions, frequency of maintenance, and more. By understanding how and why certain things can impact your garage door, you’ll be better prepared to keep it operating.
5 Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Garage Door
Amount of Use
This may seem obvious, but the more you use your garage door, the quicker it’s going to wear out! That’s because garage door springs are only able to withstand a certain number of open-close cycles (typically around 10,000). This means that if you were to open your garage door three times a day, that’s about 1,000 cycles a year, meaning your springs will wear out in 10 years.
It’s important to note that higher-quality, heavier-duty springs can last even longer (around 20,000 to 30,000 cycles) and tend to be better for busy households, workshops, or multi-family garages. If you’re going the standard spring route, then torsion springs tend to be more durable than extension springs. However, if you’re someone who doesn’t open their door often, you don’t have to worry about this as much.
Weather Conditions
Living in Wisconsin means bracing for snow, ice, sleet, high winds, and much more. And although garage doors are tough, they can only take so much of a beating from Mother Nature before they start to break down.
And it’s not just storms or the cold that can affect your garage door: heat and humidity can, too. That’s why it’s important, when picking out your garage door, to consider things like your climate and the positioning of your garage door. Is your garage protected by trees and shade? Or is it sitting exposed, out in the open, where sun and rain can beat down on it? Making sure your door is equipped to handle the weather will extend its lifespan significantly.
Frequency of Maintenance
Your garage door is a bit like your car: it has a lot of tiny, moving parts that can require a lot of regular maintenance. It may seem like a pain, but it can actually help extend the lifespan, transforming a garage door that would have lasted 15 years and helping it last closer to 30.
This involves things like lubricating parts, tightening bolts, and replacing seals. If you don’t want to do it yourself, that’s okay! Most garage door repair companies, like Jim’s Garage Door Service, offer customizable maintenance services. There are quite a few maintenance tasks you shouldn’t make on your own, like replacing the springs, because the process can be dangerous and result in injury if done incorrectly.
Material Type
Different types of garage door materials have different durability levels, and as a result, can affect the duration of their lifespan. The most common types of garage door materials are:
- Steel: Lasts 15 to 20. Holds up against warping and requires less maintenance.
- Aluminum: Lasts 15 to 25 years. Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but more prone to dents.
- Wood Composite: Lasts 15 to 20 years. Combines the look of wood with moisture resistance.
- Solid wood: Lasts 20 to 30 years. A classic look, but requires regular sealing or staining.
- Fiberglass: Lasts 20 to 25 years. Good for humid summers and snowy winters.
In Wisconsin, most homeowners like to opt for an insulated steel garage door thanks to its price point and ability to withstand intense weather conditions.
Quality of Installation
The expected lifespan of your garage door can start as early as the day of installation. If you choose an inexperienced garage door company that installs your garage door poorly, you’re setting it up to have a markedly shorter lifespan.
Proper installation is key to ensuring that your garage door functions effectively. If not, it can wear down on important components such as the springs, roller, or trucks, and cause them to break prematurely. (At Jim’s Garage Door Service, our team of experienced garage door experts will always take the time to install your garage door with care, so that it can last as long as possible.)
How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Garage Door
It can be extremely frustrating to have to spend the time and money replacing a garage door that wore out too fast. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to increase the lifespan of your garage door, including:
- Scheduling yearly professional maintenance.
- Lubricating the moving parts twice a year.
- Keeping sensor eyes cleaned and aligned.
- Sealing the door surface when necessary.
When Should You Replace Your Garage Door?
Oftentimes, problems with your garage door can be fixed with a simple repair. However, there will come a time when you can’t keep patching up something that’s broken, and you’ll need to replace your garage door. Keep a lookout for these warning signs that your garage door needs to be replaced:
- Frequent repairs: If your garage door is frequently breaking down and requiring repairs for a wide range of issues.
- Visible damage: If your garage door looks warped, cracked, or broken in numerous spots. A single panel can often be replaced, but if it’s several, you may want to fully replace it.
- Safety concerns: If your garage door has faulty sensors, is heavy, or opens and closes inconsistently, it can pose hazards.
- Outdated features: If you want to update your security, add more insulation, or even control your garage door remotely, you may want to replace it.
Trust Jim’s Garage Door Service for High-Quality Garage Door Installations
Are you unsure if your garage door is at the end of its lifespan? Then the team at Jim’s Garage Door Service is here to help! We pride ourselves on giving homeowners in and around Racine, Wisconsin, honest recommendations they can rely on. Just contact us today to get started on your free, no-obligation consultation and estimate!