How Long Do Garage Doors Usually Last?

Garage doors provide your home with essential security, access and curb appeal. A working garage door is a must — but keeping track of its maintenance and replacement needs can be challenging. Knowing how long garage doors usually last can help you better understand how to care for your garage door with necessary replacements and upkeep. 

This article will help you earn more about the average garage door life span and how to extend the life of your door. Keep your garage door and opener in tip-top shape with our garage door guide. 

What Is the Average Life Span for a Garage Door?

The average life span for a garage door is typically 20 to 25 years. How long yours lasts will depend on conditions like its quality and how you use it. You can expect a well-installed, high-quality door that receives the proper care to last much longer than a poorly maintained, lesser-quality one. 

Some factors that can influence your garage door’s life span include: 

• Quality: High-quality doors will last longer and provide better insulation than low-quality doors. A higher-quality door is typically more expensive, but since they need fewer repairs and will hold up longer, you often save money in the long run. A good garage door will stand up to many uses and regular wear and tear. 
• Material: Some materials last longer than others. Aluminum and steel doors can last up to 30 years. Wood doors have similar longevity but need more frequent upkeep.
• Climate: The climate conditions in your area can also contribute to the garage door’s life. High heat, storms and high winds can beat against your garage door and its components, weakening them or causing damage. 
• Care: Regular inspection and maintenance will keep your garage door in good condition for a long time. Fixing issues and tending to door parts means your door will stand up better to long-term wear and tear. 
• Use: The more you open and close your garage, the more wear it takes on. For example, most torsion springs have a limited cycle life of around 10,000 opening and closing cycles. If you use your garage door three times a day, that’s over 1,000 cycles per year. After ten years, your springs will need replacing. The more you use your garage door, the sooner it will need work. 

How Long Does a Garage Door Opener Last?

Garage door motors usually last around 10 to 15 years. The opener is essential to your garage door’s operation and security, so you’ll want to regularly maintain and repair your opener to ensure it’s operating at its peak. If you’ve been experiencing problems with your motor, call a professional to check it out — you don’t want to get stuck with a malfunctioning or broken opener. 

However, your garage door opener life span isn’t the only reason to replace a motor. As technology improves, newer openers might have better features, improved construction and longer life spans than your existing motor. Updating your opener can enhance your home’s security and garage door access. If your opener is middle-aged or older, consider upgrading to a new one with more advanced, recent technology. 

How Often Should a Garage Door Be Replaced?

As your garage door ages and takes on more wear and tear, it will need regular repairs. Once it reaches a certain age, it might insulate your garage less efficiently or start working incorrectly. 

So when is it time to replace a garage door instead of sticking to repairs? Talk to a professional about replacement options if: 

• Your door is 20 years or older.
• Your door sags.
• Your garage door is extremely noisy or creaky. 
• You’re making frequent repairs.
• Your wood garage door is warped, chipped or cracked.
• Your aluminum garage door has lots of dings and dents.
• Your door doesn’t open or close correctly.
• You want an insulation or curb appeal upgrade.

6 Tips to Make Your Garage Door Last Longer

Garage doors do wear out over time. While you’ll have to replace your garage door at some point, there are steps you can take to help extend the life of your door. With regular at-home maintenance, you can improve the condition of your entry and keep it working for much longer.

As your garage door ages, minor issues with the door and motor may appear. Regular maintenance will help you recognize and resolve small issues before they can grow into big problems. Establishing a maintenance schedule also enables you to keep your garage door’s components working smoothly, reducing their wear and tear. 

You can keep your garage door in top shape and maximize its life span with these six tips:

1. Do a visual survey: Check your cables, tracks and parts for visible damage. Test them out to ensure everything is working correctly. If they aren’t, call a professional for assistance. 
2. Clear away debris: Remove dirt, dust and debris from the tracks and door parts. If waste builds up in garage door tracks, it can prevent them from working. Carefully clear away debris and gently wipe away dust and dirt with a damp rag. 
3. Lubricate the components: Use a garage door lubricant on the springs, chains, rollers and screws to keep everything friction-free and smooth.
4. Tighten the hardware: Bolts and brackets can loosen with the vibration of the garage door. Carefully tighten your hardware but watch out for overtightening, as this can cause other issues for the door. 
5. Replace the weatherstripping: Weatherstripping helps seal bugs, animals and the elements out of your garage. If the weatherstripping is old, cracked or chipped, you should replace it to improve the insulation and security of your garage. 
6. Get an annual or biannual inspection: You should get a professional inspection every year. While regular maintenance will help keep your door in good condition, you also need professional eyes on your garage to help catch any potential problems. Technicians have the experience and training to see subtle issues and advise you on the best options for your door going forward. Whether you need repairs or a replacement, a professional will have the best information for you. 

Contact King Door for a New Garage Door Today

You depend on your garage door to keep you and your home safe — don’t settle for anything but the best. If you need premier garage door replacement, installation or maintenance, trust King Door in Kern County, California. 

With over 38 years of experience, our expert team delivers premium services efficiently and affordably. You can trust our team to give you high-quality service and help you find the new garage door you’ve always wanted. 

Unsure which garage door style you’d like? Come check out our 4,000-square-foot showroom. See our superior garage doors in person and explore our many available options. If you need top-quality garage door assistance, schedule a service or request an estimate with us today!