Garage doors typically last an average of 15 years, but some can last much longer with maintenance, repairs and upkeep. Solid wood and fiberglass garage doors tend to last the longest, while wood composite garage doors usually have shorter lifespans.
Installing and owning a garage door is an investment in your home or business. Garage doors add beauty and value to structures, but they can also be relatively expensive. Because the replacement cost for a garage door can be high, many homeowners and business owners find themselves asking, “How long do garage doors last?”
Exploring Garage Door Lifespans: Key Factors and Considerations
Garage doors offer convenience and security for homes and businesses, so it only makes sense to want a garage door to last as long as possible. While factors like manufacturing material and usage play parts in how long garage doors last, a garage door’s lifespan can also be affected by climate and maintenance.
Material Matters: Steel, Wood, Aluminum, & Fiberglass
As you might imagine, different materials provide varying levels of durability and can affect the service life of a garage door. In general, wooden garage doors and doors made of fiberglass last the longest, and materials with less density, such as aluminum doors, last the least amount of time.
Climate & Environmental Impacts on Durability
The climate in which your garage door operates can also affect its lifespan. Climates that experience extremes in temperature or very high humidity can lower the service life of a garage door. According to U.S. News Real Estate, fiberglass garage doors are good for salt-air climates, making it important to consider the unique factors that affect your local climate.
Daily Usage Patterns and Wear Rates
Even though modern garage doors and openers are better than ever, usage and wear can affect the service life of a garage door. Heavy daily use or improper use of your door or opener can lessen the service life of a garage door.
Preventive Maintenance and Service Intervals
As with any system at your home or business, preventative and routine maintenance are necessary if you want a garage door to last. While various maintenance tasks have different recommended intervals, it’s generally a good idea to inspect and service your garage door at least once every six months.
Installation Quality and Balance Checks
Even if a garage door is of good quality, improper installation or issues with things like balance can lessen the service life of the door. It’s important to partner with a professional for proper installation and balancing to avoid accidents and injuries.
Manufacturer Warranties & Expected Lifespan Ranges
Most garage door manufacturers offer warranties and may also provide expected lifespan ranges on their products. Homeowners and business owners are encouraged to review this information prior to making a purchase decision.
Recognizing the Signs: When to Replace Your Garage Door
Garage doors that are nearing the end of their service life or that are experiencing problems that can lessen their lifespans will often show symptoms before total failure. Be on the lookout for signs like difficulty opening and closing, grinding noises coming from your opener, changes in balance and tension or gaps and cracks on or around your garage door. According to The Spruce, these can all be signs that it’s time service or replacement.
Climate Considerations: Impact on Garage Door Lifespan
As mentioned, your local climate can affect the operation and expected lifespan of your garage door. While you can’t change your local climate, you can replace your garage door with a model made of materials better suited to your climate.
Visible Damage: Cracks, Warping, and Rot
Hot, humid climates or climates that experience a lot of rainfall or snow can lead to rot and cracks in a garage door. Some damage can be repaired, but excessive damage may warrant garage door replacement.
Excessive Noise or Vibration During Operation
When a garage door is improperly installed or balanced, it may experience vibration during operation. Excessive vibration may loosen fasteners and cause the garage door to fail. Although preventative maintenance is your best first step, replacing a garage door that has multiple issues may make more economic sense.
Energy Efficiency Drops & Insulation Failures
Many modern garage doors feature insulation that can help regulate indoor temperatures., but this insulation doesn’t last forever. Instead of trying to replace the insulation in a garage door, it may make more financial sense to simply replace the door with an updated model.
Frequent Breakdowns and Escalating Repair Costs
If you experience frequent breakdowns and require regular repairs, you may need to think about replacing your garage door to avoid mounting costs that will likely continue to pile up.
Safety Concerns: Outdated Springs, Sensors, & Openers
Outdated equipment, like springs, sensors and openers, can be a safety hazard. Although preventative maintenance can stave off some of these issues, replacing a garage door with multiple problems can improve safety.
Outdated Style and Reduced Curb Appeal
Even if your garage door still functions properly, it may reduce curb appeal due to having an outdated style or color. Consider replacing your garage door if it is dragging down your property’s perceived value, especially if you plan to sell your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you replace your garage door?
You should replace a garage door if it becomes unsafe, inoperable or too expensive to repair. Most experts recommended considering replacement every 15-30 years as well.
What is the average life of a garage door?
The average lifespan of a garage door is between 15-30 years. According to Angie’s List, the average garage door opener lasts around 10-15 years. Wear, climate, damage, maintenance and other factors can all affect the lifespan of a garage door and its opener.
How do you know when your garage door needs to be replaced?
You can know when to replace a garage door by inspecting its condition and operation. Replacement is often a good idea if a garage door has significant safety issues or if the cost of repairs is higher than the cost of replacement.
Is it worth repairing a 20 year old garage door opener?
It may be worth repairing a 20-year-old garage door opener if the opener does not have significant problems. To make an informed decision, compare the cost of replacement and the expected service life of a modern opener against repairing your older model.
