Even the most well-maintained garage doors will inevitably reach the end of their service life. It’s important for homeowners to understand how long they can expect their garage doors to last so they can plan for replacement.
This blog covers everything homeowners need to know about how long their garage doors will last.
Average Life Span of Garage Doors
It’s difficult to determine a set average life span of a garage door since longevity estimates are based on usage. However, most experts agree that the average garage door should last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the quality of the materials, maintenance schedule and local climate.
Automatic garage door openers will need to be replaced sooner, with an average life expectancy of 10–15 years.
The most significant factor in determining the life span of your garage door is its spring mechanism. Standard garage door springs are designed to withstand 20,000 cycles, while tension springs may only last between 5,000 and 10,000 cycles.
A cycle is when a garage door is opened and closed one time. The more cycles that are completed daily, the faster the springs will wear down. Below is a chart that illustrates the relationship between daily cycle completions and garage door life expectancy:
| Daily Cycles | Average Life Span |
| 2 | 14 years |
| 4 | 7 years |
| 6 | 5 years |
| 8 | 3 years |
Extend the Life of Your Door
The best way to extend the life of your garage door is through continued maintenance. A garage door maintenance plan will help extend your door’s service life and prevent costly repairs.
During garage door maintenance, our technicians will:
- Clean and lubricate critical components, including springs, hinges and rollers
- Repaint wooden doors (if applicable)
- Inspect garage door sensors
Another great way to protect your garage door investment is by reacting quickly to repair needs. Putting off necessary repairs can cause your door to deteriorate faster.
Contact a garage door repair technician at the first sign of needed service to avoid premature replacement.
When To Replace a Garage Door
In some cases, repairs aren’t enough to salvage your garage door system. It’s important for homeowners to recognize when it’s time to replace their garage doors so they can prepare accordingly. Below are a few signs that it’s time to install a new garage door:
3 Signs Your Garage Door Is Ready To Be Replaced
- You’ve had repeat repair requests for multiple malfunctioning or broken parts.
- Your garage door is over 15 years old.
- You have an outdated door that lacks modern energy efficiency and safety features.
Trust Overhead Door Co. of Greater Cincinnati™ for Garage Door Replacement
Overhead Door Co. of Greater Cincinnati has proudly offered the industry-leading garage door services families have trusted for generations. As one of the most recognized and respected garage door companies, customers know they can trust our team to provide the quality work and service they deserve.
Whether you need garage door replacement, repair or maintenance, we can help with all your service requests.
Schedule garage door services in Hamilton, OH, by calling (513) 394-6938 today.
