Lifespan of Garage Doors & Openers

The lifespan of Garage Doors and openers is influenced by various factors, notably the material and maintenance they receive. One crucial factor and functionality is the torsion springs, which last between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles. Or, upgrade to our high cycle spring for more than twice the life of a standard torsion spring.

Factors That Influence the Lifespan of Your Garage Doors

Materials

Getting a high-quality, well-insulated door will improve the life of your garage door. Upgrading to a high-cycle and more energy-efficient can make your garage door last longer. The more you invest in your door, the more you’ll get out of it.

Choose a trusted brand for your new garage door and installation, and you’ll get a garage door you can depend on for years.

Style of the Garage Door

The style of garage door you choose for your home will significantly influence how your home looks and your level of satisfaction with your garage door.

Some styles are timeless, others are not. Trendy garage doors can date your home, which could lead you to replace it faster than you would otherwise.

Maintenance

Regular, annual garage door maintenance is essential to keeping your garage door working for years. Neglecting it allows minor issues to escalate into significant damages, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacements.

Annual maintenance reduces repair costs and extends the lifespan of your garage door. Also, you can go through your garage door maintenance checklist to keep your door in good condition.

Usage

The frequency of use of a garage door can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of the home or business where it is installed. In some cases, a garage door may be used several times a day, while in others, it may only be used a few times a week.

Overall, the frequency of use of a garage door can impact its lifespan, as more frequent use can lead to more wear and tear over time.

Weather

Weather and environment play a significant role in a garage door’s life. A door exposed to harsh sun, wind, or rain may not last as long as a door that is protected from the elements. Some materials are more prone to dents and scratches than others, so debris or hail might damage your door.

Additionally, the more extreme the temperatures and weather in your area, the more strain your door will be under. Choose a door that can withstand your environment, as severe weather can take its toll on a door’s life span.

Like your garage door, the opener life span isn’t the only factor to watch out for when considering a new garage door. The life span of a garage door opener depends on the model you buy and how well you take care of it.

Inspect your opener regularly to avoid expensive problems. Eventually, you may run into issues that need professional attention.

Signs your garage door opener needs replacing:

Unusual Sounds

Perhaps you’ve grown accustomed to the scraping sound when the garage door opens every morning. Yet, loud noises indicate a problem with your garage door opener. You may need to upgrade your garage door opener if you hear grinding, screeching, or rattling when your door is in motion.

Rollers. When rollers begin to degrade, the door may start moving less smoothly in the tracks. This will increase the strain on the opener and reduce its lifespan. Rollers come in various materials, but plastic, steel, and nylon are the most common. Plastic rolls only last a few years, steel rollers with ball bearings last between 10 and 15 years, and nylon rollers last 12 to 20 years.

Tracks. The tracks house the rollers and guide them so the door opens smoothly. The door’s movements may become jerky if the tracks are warped or otherwise damaged. This will put more strain on the opener.

Springs. Springs help keep the door balanced when moving. If broken or damaged, this can seriously increase the wear on your opener or cause it not to work.

Cables. Frayed or otherwise weakened cables can break while the door is in motion. This could result in the door going off the tracks, which could severely damage multiple components of the system, especially the opener—cables usually last eight to 10 years.

Difficulty Opening

Your garage door’s motor relies on a system of springs and pullies to open and close. A defective garage door opener cannot lift your garage door properly.

A difficulty opening might:

• Get stuck up, down, or in between.
• Open halfway and reverse.
• Move very slowly.
• Lift the door unevenly.
• Shake while opening.

If you notice any of these signs, you will likely need a garage door opener service or a new system.

Outdated Technology

If your garage door opener is stuck in the past, you can return it to the future with a new Overhead Door ™ Brand opener. Modern garage door openers have amazing new features and accessories to make your life easier.