Our home is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make, and as such you want to protect the value of that investment for as long as you own it. Few people however consider how their garage door influences the value of their home until it becomes a problem. Just like a roof that has a very specific lifespan, so does your garage door. Ask the average person how long their roof should last and they can tell you 25-30 years. Ask them how long should a garage door lasts and you most likely hear, “I don’t know.”
How Long Does a Garage Door Last?
The longevity of a garage door is based around usage, but most experts believe the average garage door should last between 15+ years, depending on construction quality, maintenance and local climate conditions.
One of the most important components in a garage door assembly is the spring mechanism, which includes the torsion springs and extension springs. A standard garage door spring has a design life of 10,000 cycles. A cycle represents opening and closing the door one time. Obviously, the more the door is used, the sooner the springs will break down. Below you can see the life expectancy of a 10,000 cycle spring determined by daily use:
- 2 times daily = about 13.7 years
- 4 times daily = about 6.8 years
- 6 times daily = about 4.6 years
The Importance of Garage Door Maintenance
You can extend the natural lifecycle of your garage door and the related components by adhering to a simple annual preventive maintenance program. A garage door that is well-maintained will last longer and require fewer costly repairs.
If your garage door is making unusual noises or experiencing performance issues, the services of a professional garage door technician may be required. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Trained technicians have the skill and experience to service your garage door and identify potential problems before an unexpected breakdown occurs.
Additional Resources on Garage Door Tips and Tricks:
- How to Check the Balance of Your Garage Door
- 10 Cool Garage Door Designs and Automation Ideas
- How Much Value Does a Garage Door Add to Your Home
- Common Garage Door Myths
