Life of a Garage Door

Your home is pushing twenty years old and, as you’re admiring the new roof you replaced last year, you think to yourself: How long is the old, reliable garage door going to last? This is an important question to ask yourself because a garage door is one of the most important parts of your home. After all, it serves so many purposes: protection, security, curb appeal, and adds value to your home. So, how long can you expect your garage door to last and, more than that, how can you extend its life?

Warranty

Most manufacturers warranty new garage doors for about 3-5 years, depending on the type of door you buy.  Manufacturers like CHI Overhead Doors also warranty their parts, such as springs and other hardware, for 1-3 years. Warranties are great when the unexpected happens, and you have to replace an important part. That is why you should always get the full story about the type of warranty and conditions it may have when making a large purchase like a new garage door. 

Life of a Garage Door

Most experts estimate garage doors should last between 15-30 years. However, that range is a best-case scenario estimate. The true lifespan of your garage door depends on its type, material, quality, and age. Beyond just those variables that apply to the construction of your door, you also have to consider how often you use your door and how often you perform maintenance. 

For example, a three-layer insulated, heavy-duty steel garage door can easily last 30 years, especially with regular maintenance. On the other hand, a real wood garage door that isn’t annually resealed and checked for warping may only last 15 years. So, before you commit to a new garage door or consider when a replacement might be necessary, consider buying for quality and taking care of your door.

Maintenance

Maintenance is important and, if done correctly, will extend the life of your garage door. It’s always a good idea to have an expert come do a maintenance check, which includes:

• Checking the bottom seal
• Balancing the door (springs)
• Lubing and tightening moving parts
• Applying grease (not spray) to the motor rail
• Making proper adjustments to the garage door opener

An annual inspection performed by a qualified professional will catch early signs of an issue with your parts or door. This means you only have to cover minor expenses instead of purchasing a whole new garage door years before you were expecting. See our blog, Cleaning and Maintaining Garage Doors for specifics on garage door maintenance. Even the minor upkeep projects you can complete yourself will go a long way to extend the lifespan of your garage door. 

What About Wood Doors?

Wood garage doors do require a bit more supervision than aluminum or steel but can last just as long if properly maintained. Maintenance includes sanding, painting, and finishing the door to protect it from heat, weather, and general wear and tear. However, even though wood garage doors require more oversight, the payoff in aesthetic appeal is well worth the effort. Read our blog, Wood Doors Advantages and Disadvantages, to learn more about whether or not to invest in a wood garage door.

If this blog article was helpful to you, please like and share so that others might benefit from it, too! Also, if you need a consultation on what you can expect out of the life of a garage door, contact Aaron Overhead Doors. We would be happy to explain your options for maintenance, repair, or new doors. We can also give you a free quote on any of the services we perform for your home.