Find out if it’s time to replace your garage door
For homeowners looking for both practicality and durability in their property, the longevity of a garage door is a crucial factor to consider. Knowing how long a garage door lasts allows you to make informed decisions about upkeep, repairs, and a potential replacement. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the life span of a garage, so you can get the most out of your investment.
Typically, a garage door that is properly cared for can last for 15 to 30 years. The life span can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of materials, usage patterns, maintenance practices, and environmental conditions.
The type of material also makes a difference in overall durability. For example, steel garage doors are renowned for their long-lasting properties, as single-layer steel garage doors can endure for approximately 15 to 20 years, and triple-layer steel garage doors may even last for 25 to 30 years. While wood may require more rigorous upkeep, it can have a life span of 20 to 30 years.
The amount of use a garage door has will also play a crucial role in its life span. A door that is constantly opened and closed may experience more wear and tear. Regular maintenance, inspections, and prompt handling of any issues can help ensure optimal functionality, and extend the life span of your garage door. Environmental factors–like extreme temperatures, humidity, and exposure to corrosive elements–can also have an impact.
The type of material used to construct the garage door will impact its longevity. On average, a garage door lasts 15 to 30 years.
Below is a breakdown of the average life span of a garage door based on its material.
| Material | Life Span (Years) |
|---|---|
| Steel | 15–30 |
| Wood composite | 15–20 |
| Solid wood | 20–30 |
| Aluminum | 15–25 |
| Fiberglass | 20–25 |
While the material used in the construction of a garage door is an indicator of its longevity, many other factors contribute to how long a door will function.
Material Quality: High-quality materials, such as solid wood or durable steel, have an increased likelihood of withstanding the effects of weather, wear, and tear over an extended period of time.
Installation: Hiring a local garage door company for installation ensures all components are aligned correctly, reducing the risk of malfunctions and premature wear.
Proper Sizing: A garage door that is fitted precisely to its opening size will experience less strain and premature wear, whereas doors that are improperly sized may be subject to excessive stress, which can result in faster deterioration.
Design: Enhanced features can make a difference, such as insulation and weatherstripping, and safeguard the doors from harsh environmental elements. Installing advanced opening mechanisms can reduce stress on the door's components.
Usage: Longevity is affected by the frequency of the doors opening and closing daily. Garage doors in high-traffic locations such as busy households or businesses are more likely to wear down quicker and could need increased maintenance.
Environmental Conditions: Garage doors may suffer from wear and tear due to extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, and high humidity. Garage door components can corrode from elements such as salt in coastal locations.
Maintenance: Maintaining a garage door regularly is crucial for preserving its condition. This involves lubricating its moving parts and thoroughly inspecting and replacing worn components. Failing to perform maintenance tasks may result in increased wear and a shortened life span for the garage door.
To ensure your garage door has a long life span, a combination of proper usage, consideration for environmental factors, and regular maintenance is essential.
It’s important to create a maintenance schedule for the parts of a garage door and arrange garage door tune-ups. Lubricating the hinges, rollers, and springs to reduce friction and wear is crucial. You should also inspect the garage door for signs of damage, rust, or wear and address problems immediately. You should also periodically replace the weatherstripping.
While you may be able to DIY some repairs, it's often best to hire a garage door professional. The average garage door repair cost ranges between $150 and $360.
You can also consider painting your garage door to provide an extended life span. If you don't know how to paint a garage door, you can hire a professional painter for the job. The cost to paint a garage door ranges between $100 and $250 per project.
Take your local climate into account, too. Install a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity and install insulation in cold areas. Opting for a high-quality door from a reputable manufacturer, and having it professionally installed, can also provide a solid foundation for long-term durability.
Avoid stress on the door's components by using it too often or unnecessarily. The garage door opener life span is about 10 to 15 years, so caring for this mechanism is essential.
If you tend to enter and exit your home primarily through your attached garage, it's time to break that habit and use your house doors instead. If you open and shut your garage doors between five and 10 times per day, you'll have to replace the springs every two to three years. Try to keep your garage door up-down cycles to twice daily—you'll get seven years or more out of your springs.
Numerous indicators may suggest that it is time to consider a replacement for your garage door. The first obvious sign is the presence of visible damage or extensive wear and tear on the door’s panels. This could manifest in the form of warping, cracking, or rusting, all of which could compromise the insulation and security of your garage. Additionally, if the door is no longer able to seal properly or if noticeable gaps exist, it could pose a security risk.
Depending on the materials and maintenance, the typical life span of a garage door could range from 15 to 30 years. Therefore, if your door has exceeded its useful life, it may be more practical to invest in a new one instead of addressing recurring problems. Furthermore, with advancements in technology and safety standards, upgrading to a newer model could result in improved security features and energy efficiency.
Ultimately, a thorough inspection by a local garage door pro is crucial in assessing the door's overall condition and functionality. This inspection can guide your decision on whether you should repair or replace your garage door. The average cost of a garage door replacement is between $500 and $2,000. Depending on the type of garage door, a garage door panel replacement ranges from $350 to $700.
