Some people are under the impression that a garage door will last the life of the house, but is that true? Just how long will garage doors last? Many manufacturers claim that with proper maintenance a garage door should last 15 to 30 years. If you have neglected your garage door, however, you might only get ten years of use before springs and other mechanical parts start breaking or wearing out. [bctt tweet=”Your garage door plays a big part in your home’s appearance and security, but the same door won’t last forever.” username=”wdlsgaragedoor”]
Life Expectancy of a Garage Door
There are quite a few factors that come into play when determining the life expectancy of a garage door. Here are some of the main considerations in figuring out whether it is time to replace your garage door (or have it serviced).
Garage Door Factors
How long your garage door will last is comprised of many components. Here are some to consider.
- Price – Yes, the old adage “you get what you pay for” certainly pertains to garage doors. The better quality garage door, the longer its lifespan.
- Usage – The spring mechanism of the garage door is the most important factor when figuring out how long your garage door will last. A standard garage door is said to have a design life of 20,000 cycles. If you open your garage door twice per day, every day, you can expect your garage door to last approximately 14 years.
- Maintenance – Whether you or a garage door professional provide regular maintenance to your garage door makes a considerable difference in the lifespan of your garage door.
Garage Door Maintenance
As mentioned above, with proper and regular garage door maintenance, you can help your garage door last a long and healthy life. Here are some suggestions to help you maintain your garage door:
- Several times per year wash the outside and interior of your garage door to remove built-up dirt and grime.
- Keeping critical moving parts well lubricated is an important part of maintaining your garage door and should be done every three months.
- Replacing worn out parts is another important factor. Have a garage door inspection once a month to make sure springs, rollers, chains, the track, or other parts need replacement or repair.
When to Replace Your Garage Door
If your door is old and not working well, replacing it is the perfect option. If there has been damage or parts are constantly needing repair or replacement, it would be beneficial to replace the garage door with a new one in order to prevent future hazards.
Getting the Most from Your Garage Door
There is no definite age or way to say how long your garage door will last, but with proper maintenance and care, your garage door’s life can be maximized to its full potential.
To learn more about how long your garage door will last, Contact Us.