Average Lifespan of a Garage Door: Do I Need a New Garage Door?

As we stretch into the second half of the year, you may be thinking about how to prepare your home before winter comes. It's certainly important to consider replacing your garage door if it's showing significant signs of wear and tear; however, there are many other good reasons to upgrade, too.

Here, we're talking all about how long garage doors typically last, what affects their lifespan, and considerations when shopping for a replacement door.

What Affects A Garage Door's Lifespan?

Of the pieces that complete the construction of your home, you may consider your garage door the house's mainstay. While that's true for a new door, there are ways your existing garage door may get damaged over time requiring replacement of the doors.  

Material Quality

The type and quality of the materials used for residential garage doors can significantly impact its longevity. High-quality steel, wood, and aluminum doors each have different durability characteristics.

A steel garage door is one of the most popular materials for garage doors. They're highly durable, come from recyclable materials, and their flexibility makes them a great option against high winds. A single-layer steel door can last around 15 to 20 years, while a triple-layer steel door can last as long as 25 to 30 years.

A wood garage door offers a classic, Victorian look to your home. These are great for areas you may not use often as they may be heavier than steel doors and could wear away in high-use situations. You'll need to regularly check them for rot and damage, and repaint them every few years to keep them looking their best.

Aluminum garage doors are often more durable than steel doors while offering many of the same benefits. They're naturally corrosion-resistant and lightweight. While more prone to dents and dings, with proper care, they can last up to 30 years.

All of these options offer incredible benefits that are unique from one another. Choosing the right material will depend on your needs. Generally, though, you should consider replacing your garage door after 15 to 30 years depending on the material.

Usage

A garage door's lifespan can depend on its usage. Doors used multiple times daily will wear out faster than those used less frequently.

Many people use their garage door as the primary entry into their home, whereas others may use it purely as storage or even as an additional room to their home. Understanding how you use your garage will determine how long the door will last.

What's more, garage door openers could break down based on use as well. Manual garage doors are few and far between, and in most cases, a garage door is too heavy to lift on your own. Garage door opener repair is an important aspect to keep in mind as you consider garage door replacement.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance, including lubricating moving parts, tightening hardware, and periodic inspections, can extend the life of a garage door. Neglecting maintenance can lead to premature wear and tear.

If you use your garage door often or leave it open for lengths of time, you may track in debris from the outdoors. Dirt, leaves, and twigs can build up on the tracks of your garage and damage the mechanics of the machine. This among other hardware upkeep is a necessary part of extending the life of your garage door.

Quality Garage Door Installation

Proper installation by a professional ensures that the door operates correctly and reduces the risk of early wear. Poor installation can lead to operational issues and increased wear on components.

If you've ever put together furniture yourself, misjudged how easy it would be, and then stood back to look at your crooked dresser whose drawers don't close all the way, you'll understand why it's so important to get your garage door assembled professionally.

Professional garage door service ensures that it's installed properly and that the warranty is intact.

Environmental Conditions

Exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause damage to garage doors over time. These conditions can include:

• Extreme temperatures.
• Humidity.
• Heavy rain.
• Snow.
• Salt (in coastal areas).

While a great garage door can withstand these scenarios at the moment, after years of exposure, your door will begin to break down. Mold, corrosion, holes, dents, and more can worsen.

Wood doors, in particular, are susceptible to moisture and pests.

Why Replacing Your Garage Door is Important

Because of how often you may use your garage door, you might take for granted how easily it works or how well it protects your home. If you're just now considering a replacement, here's why you should move forward.

Safety

First and foremost: safety. As the largest door in your home, your garage door should be fully insulated, close all the way, and perform normally every time. If that's not the case, your door may become a giant safety hazard.

A worn or damaged garage door can pose significant safety hazards. Malfunctioning doors can fall unexpectedly, leading to injuries or damage to property. Broken garage door springs, cables, or other components can also cause accidents because of the tension they hold and how important they are to the function of the door.

Security

An old or damaged garage door can be easier for intruders to breach, compromising the security of your home. Ensuring the garage door is in good condition helps protect it from break-ins.

Depending on how often you use your garage door, it's not uncommon to take for granted how well it works and its condition. However, a broken or damaged garage door makes it easier for pests and intruders to manipulate the machine to get in. You must also protect against intruders trying to come in through your garage.

Energy Efficiency

If your garage door is attached, it's part of your home's efficiency. When you're running your AC or heater, some of the air will seep into your garage; if the door is damaged, has dents, or gaps, then you could be wasting a lot of energy. An insulated garage door not only keeps critters out but keeps the warm (or cool) air in.

Keeping your bills down during the summer and winter months is important, and your garage door can either help or hurt your bottom line.

Curb Appeal

A garage door is a prominent feature of your home's exterior and often the first thing someone sees when they drive by your house. However, a worn or damaged door can detract from the overall appearance of your home, affecting its curb appeal and potentially its market value.

Time To Replace Your Garage Door? Design Your Own

Your garage door is the first impression many people have about your home. Whether used as one of many entry doors, storage, or otherwise, your garage door tells a story.

Standard garage doors are great at their function from insulating your home, to protecting your family. However, a custom-designed garage door can do even more such as:

• Set the tone of your home design.
• Describe your personality.
• Improve the resale value of your home.

With millions of homes out there, yours can stand out from the rest. After designing a custom door, a team of Amarr professionals will help to safely install it, securing your home and your warranty.

Stop worrying about a broken spring, a roller that's not working right, or garage door parts that are long obsolete. Garage door replacement by Amarr can change your home for the better. Design a unique garage door now.