Maybe you haven’t thought about your electric garage door lately, but every part of your house has an expected lifespan. Most people know that a roof should last thirty years. The exterior paint finish should last about ten years. In comparison, the deck should last about fifteen years. And the water heater should last about ten years. But what about your electric garage door?
Estimating an electric garage door’s life span depends on various factors. These factors include the quality of the materials used, the structure of the door, maintenance service, the weather, and even the amount of usage it gets.
Since a garage door is an integral part of your home that adds value, aesthetics, and curb appeal, you want it to last as long as possible. Most electric garage doors have an average life expectancy of 15-30 years.
Let’s dive into how to maximize the life span of your garage door.
Quality of the materials
When you are buying a new garage door, look at the quality. The door panel may contain aluminum, steel, wood, or vinyl. Each of these materials has different maintenance requirements. Vinyl doors may need to be cleaned with soap and water periodically. A wood door may need sanded and repainted to avoid mold and rot.
Read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and follow them to maintain your door in the best condition.
Warranty Coverage for your Electric Garage Door
New doors generally include a warranty. Reading the manufacturer’s warranty coverage can give clues as to the length of the electric garage door’s life span. While the warranty may only be for 10 or 15 years, it is not unusual for doors to remain sturdy beyond the warranty coverage. You want to ensure you know the warranty period, so you keep up with the maintenance to protect your door while it is under warranty. Not following those maintenance guidelines can void the warranty, and you don’t want that to happen.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance will extend your garage door’s lifespan. Maintenance ensures all the door components are working correctly, including the springs, cables, and tracks. Here are some things to consider for regular maintenance:
Springs: The springs help open and close the electric garage door. You check them for wear and tear periodically. They may also require periodic lubrication to ensure continued smooth movements. Torsion springs, like those used in garage doors, typically work for several cycles (open and close). This number is around 10,000 cycles. Think about how many times you open and close your door daily – multiply that times 365 days a year. You have the approximate life span of the springs.
Tracks: The tracks keep the door open and prevent it from falling. Moisture, debris, and movement of the tracks can prevent the garage door from opening and closing smoothly. Preventive maintenance involves inspecting the tracks and removing debris. It may also require gently tapping bent areas back into shape to ensure a stable path for your door’s movement. You will also want to check the alignment and security periodically to ensure nothing is loose.
Cables: Depending on your door type, cables and pulleys safely open and close your garage doors by connecting the springs and the doors. You can prevent accidents by regularly checking for wear and tear. If you find significant wear and tear, replace the cables or call a professional to help you.
Weather and Moisture
Does your electric garage door take a beating from intense sunlight every day? Or do you live in a rainy or humid area of the country? Dryness and moisture can both impact the lifespan of your door.
You will want to inspect the garage door seal regularly to ensure moisture stays out of your garage. This inspection is simple but essential. It is critical for wooden garage doors and crucial for other types.
Your Electric Garage Door Opener
Finally, your automatic door opening system needs routine maintenance as well. It likely comes with its own separate warranty, typically 10 to 15 years. The most common replacement for your opener is the batteries in your remote.
While you may need to replace your opener long before replacing your garage door, it’s an easy and relatively inexpensive repair. It’s worth the time investment to ensure the safety and security of your home and your garage door.
Having your garage door serviced by a professional annually can keep your door operating safely and increase its life span. Give us a call today at Door Tech, and schedule your maintenance service. We can also advise you if you need a new door.