Whether your garage door recently stopped working or you’re getting a new garage door installed, you may be wondering how long a garage door should last. This will depend on a number of factors, including the type of garage door you choose and how often it’s used. Here’s a general overview of how long you can expect the typical lifespan to be for different types of garage doors.
The Average Lifespan of a Garage Door
In general, a garage door may last anywhere from 15 to 30 years or longer. Many different components contribute to a functioning garage door, including tracks, springs, and the panels on the garage door itself. As the door is opened and closed, these parts will eventually start to deteriorate from the wear and tear, just like any other part of your home. The garage door is also likely the largest moving part of your home, so the different components do a lot of heavy lifting in the lifespan of the garage door.
What About Garage Door Openers?
Many homeowners have automatic garage doors that they open and close with a switch or remote control. These garage door openers have a lifespan of their own, which is typically 10 to 15 years. If your garage door opener has stopped working, it may simply need to be repaired or replaced, rather than the entire door needing work. If you’re not sure if the garage door or the opener is at the end of its lifespan, a professional garage door company can provide you with a professional assessment.
What Impacts the Lifespan of a Garage Door?
As you can see, the lifespan of a garage door has quite a wide range. Many factors impact how long your own garage door will last. Some of the key factors involved include:
- Usage of the door – How often you open and close the garage door will also determine how much wear and tear it endures. For instance, if you only open and close the door twice each day, you may see a longer lifespan of 14 years, whereas someone who constantly opens and closes their garage door 8 times or more every single day may only see a lifespan of 3 years. The typical garage door springs are designed to handle about 20,000 cycles of opening and closing. After that, the springs may need to be replaced to restore functionality to the garage door rather than requiring the entire garage door to be replaced.
- Quality of the door – The quality of the garage door itself will also play a role in its longevity. A higher-quality garage door will be designed to better withstand the elements, including harsh storms, constant sun exposure, and extreme temperature changes. The environment you live in can take a toll on the garage door as well, so a high-quality door is a must.
- Quality of the installation – How well the garage door is installed in the first place will also determine how long it lasts. If everything is properly aligned during the garage door installation, the moving components will function properly without issue. Any slight misalignment may result in uneven wear or premature wear, shortening the lifespan of the garage door.
If you’re experiencing issues with your garage door, give DGD Garage Doors a call. We provide comprehensive garage door repairs, replacements, and maintenance services to ensure your garage door is looking and performing at its best.
