If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t give much thought to your garage door – until it stops working. And then, you probably want to know how long does a garage door last?
The answer depends on several factors, but most garage doors should last 10-30 years. But there are some things you can do to extend the life of your garage door.
Read on to learn more!
How Long Does a Garage Door Last?
Most garage doors last between 10 and 30 years. However, if you take care of your garage door and perform regular maintenance, it can last even longer.
Some common problems that can cause a garage door to fail prematurely include lack of lubrication, broken or damaged springs, and worn-out rollers or hinges. If you notice any signs that your garage door is not working properly, be sure to have it inspected by a professional technician.
How Long Does an Automatic Garage Door Opener Last?
The average automatic garage door opener should last between 10 and 15 years. But as with any appliance in your home, several factors can contribute to a shorter lifespan.
Assuming you use your garage door opener daily, one of the most important things you can do to prolong its lifespan is to perform regular maintenance. This involves giving it a visual once-over at least once a month, and more thorough cleaning and lubricating of all moving parts (tracks, rollers, springs, etc.) at least once a year.
What’s the First Thing on A Garage Door to Break?
The first thing on a garage door to break is usually the hardware. Over time, the constant opening and closing of the door can cause the screws, hinges, and other pieces to become worn and loosen. This can eventually lead to a breakdown of the entire system and require expensive repairs or even replacement of the door.
To help prevent this from happening, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your garage door. This includes checking all of the hardware for signs of wear and tear, tightening any loose screws or bolts, and lubricating all moving parts.
If you notice anything that looks amiss, don’t wait to fix it – take care of it right away! By doing so, you can help extend the life of your garage
7 Signs You Need to Replace the Garage Door
- Your garage door is more than 20 years old – If your garage door is over 20 years old, it’s time for a replacement.
- The door itself is starting to sag or warp – This is a sign that the door is no longer level and needs to be replaced.
- It’s become increasingly difficult to open and close the door – If you’ve noticed that your garage door is becoming harder and harder to open, it’s probably because the springs are starting to wear out.
- You can see daylight around the edges of the door – If there’s a gap between the door and the frame, it means the seal isn’t tight and needs to be replaced.
- The door makes loud, screeching noises when opened or closed – This is another sign that the hardware is starting to fail and needs to be replaced.
- The paint is peeling or the wood is rotting – If your garage door is made of wood, this means it’s not being properly maintained and needs to be replaced.
- The door is no longer level – If your garage door is no longer level, it means the frame has become warped and needs to be replaced.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to start shopping for a new garage door!
Steps to Make a Garage Door Last Longer
If you want your garage door to last longer, there are a few steps you can take to help prolong its lifespan.
First, make sure you perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating all moving parts, checking the hardware for signs of wear and tear, and tightening any loose screws or bolts.
In addition, be sure to inspect the door regularly for any damage,
- Clean and lubricate all moving parts yearly
- Inspect the hardware and replace anything that’s worn out
- Tighten any loose screws or bolts quarterly
- Keep the door clean and free of debris
- Check the weatherstripping and replace it if it’s damaged
- Make sure the door opener is working properly
- Test the balance of the door monthly
These steps will help ensure that your garage door lasts for as long as possible. By taking good care of it and performing regular maintenance, you can help extend its lifespan and avoid needing to replace it prematurely.
7 Reasons to Replace Your Garage Door Now
There are plenty of reasons to replace an old and ailing garage door.
New garage doors are more energy-efficient – If your garage door is more than 10 years old, it’s probably not as energy-efficient as newer models.
New garage doors are better insulated – This can help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, saving you money on your energy bills.
New garage doors are low-maintenance – With newer models, you won’t have to worry about painting or staining the door every few years.
New garage doors increase your home’s value – If you’re thinking of selling your home, a new garage door can increase its value.
New garage doors are safer – Newer models come with safety features that older doors don’t, such as automatic stop and reverse sensors.
New garage doors are quieter – If your old door is loud and screechy, a new one will be a welcome change.
New garage doors come in a variety of styles – You can choose a style that compliments your home’s architecture.
If you’re thinking of replacing your garage door, now is the perfect time to do it. With so many benefits, there’s no reason not to!
Do New Garage Doors Require Less Maintenance?
Yes, new garage doors require less maintenance than older models.
One of the biggest benefits of a new garage door is that it’s low-maintenance. You won’t have to worry about painting or staining it every few years, and it’s less likely to suffer from wear and tear.
In addition, newer models come with safety features that older doors don’t, such as automatic stop and reverse sensors.
How Long Does Garage Door Maintenance Take?
Garage door maintenance is typically a quick and easy process.
You’ll need to clean and lubricate all moving parts yearly which takes less than an hour.
You should inspect the hardware and replace anything that’s worn out, and tighten any loose screws or bolts quarterly. Again, this should only take 1-2 hours or less.
You’ll need to keep the door clean and free of debris, check the weatherstripping and replace it if it’s damaged, and make sure the door opener is working properly. Checking these things and cleaning debris takes less than 10 minutes. Replacing weatherstripping or fixing a door opener should take 1-3 hours.
You should also test the balance of the door monthly which only takes a few minutes.
Overall expect to spend 2-4 hours per year on garage door maintenance.
How Much Does Garage Door Maintenance Cost?
The cost of garage door maintenance varies depending on the type of door you have and the severity of any repairs that need to be made.
For example, if you have a wooden door, you’ll need to repaint or restain it every few years which can cost around $100.
If your door opener needs to be repaired, you can expect to pay around $150.
Tightening screws and removing debris is free and just takes your time.
Replacing weatherstripping should cost around $20.
All in all, you can expect to spend $10 a year for most years where you’re just cleaning, tightening hardware, and lubricating moving parts.
In other years you’ll spend $200 and up on more extensive repairs but these typically only occur once a decade or so.
Can You Replace the Garage Door Yourself (DIY)?
If you’re handy and have some experience with home improvement projects, you might be able to replace your garage door yourself.
However, this is a big project and it’s not recommended for beginners.
You’ll need to remove the old door and install the new one which involves working with heavy equipment (i.e. the door) and potentially dangerous materials (e.g. the spring and cable system).
How Much Do New Garage Doors Cost?
The cost of a new garage door varies depending on the size, style, and material.
For example, a basic steel door can cost as little as $500 while a custom wood door can cost upwards of $5000.
The average cost of a new garage door is around $1000.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover New Garage Doors?
Homeowner insurance typically covers damage to your garage door if it’s caused by a covered event such as a fire, theft, or severe weather.
However, it generally does not cover the cost of replacing an old or worn-out door.
Check with your insurance company to see if they offer any discounts for installing a new garage door.
Conclusion
A garage door lasts an average of 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Newer doors require less maintenance and may last longer.
If you’re handy, you can replace your garage door yourself but it’s a big project. The cost of a new garage door varies depending on the size, style, and material but is typically around $1000. Homeowner insurance typically covers damage to your garage door but not the replacement of an old one.
For more information on garage doors, please see our other articles. Thanks for reading!