How Long Do Garage Doors Last on Average?

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how long do garage doors last

Have you been looking at your garage door, realizing you’ve never replaced it and wondering “how long do garage doors last?”

There are a number of factors at play that affect garage door lifespan.

Nobody wants to spend money on repairs on home improvements when the costs involved are avoidable. Read on to discover the things that affect how long a garage door lasts, as well as what you can do to extend the life of your garage door.

Frequency of Use

Probably the biggest factor in affecting how long garage doors last is how often you use them. More specifically, the torsion and extension springs which help your garage door open and close smoothly are the elements most affected by wear and tear. These springs are built to last, and their lifespan is measured in cycles – one cycle is your garage door opening and closing once.

Most springs are designed to last up to 10,000 cycles, which depending on how frequently you use them, means they will last anywhere between 3 years for multiple uses per day, and 13 years for 1-2 uses per day. Replacing these springs are a great way to add to the lifespan of your garage door.

Local Climate

Weather will play a part in determining how long garage doors last. Climates with lots of rain will increase the risk of rust, whereas sunny climates may fade the paint, causing the garage door to look unsightly.

Climates that have large fluctuations in temperature can also take some life away from the components of a garage door – metal expands in heat and contracts in cold. Over time this can cause warps in the runners, leading to the garage door not opening and closing smoothly.

Quality of Materials/Workmanship

More premium materials, from the small components like springs to the type of paint used to coat and protect the door, will undoubtedly extend the life of a garage door. Make sure to look into what type of garage door will work best for your needs.

However, the quality of workmanship is also an important factor.

It is all well and good to have excellent materials but if the garage door is installed poorly or without due care, this can be a huge issue as the garage door gets older. Gaps in the frame, loose fixings, and incorrect measurements can be a real headache so it makes sense to find a reputable company to install your garage door, such as Direct Service Overhead Garage Doors.

There is No One Answer to “How Long Do Garage Doors Last”?

With all this in mind, it is safe to say that a garage door with quality installation and average use should last 10-15 years. However, with proper maintenance and upkeep, they can last a lot longer.

You may need to replace some parts before others, and touching up the paint can help both in the aesthetic of the garage door, and it’s protection from the elements.

Look After Your Garage Door!

Perhaps you are reading this because you’ve asked the question “how long do garage doors last?” after seeing your own garage door looking old and rusty, ruining the aesthetic of your house. Hopefully, the information in this blog has shed some light on that question, as well as given you the encouragement to take care of your garage door and extend its lifespan.

Check out some of the other articles in this blog for great household maintenance and repair tips.

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