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How Long Do Garage Doors Last [5 Ways To Make Them Last Longer]
How to ensure your garage door lasts longer?
Your garage door may be something that you use every day however, how often do you think about looking after and actually maintaining it?
Typically you will just use and use and use your garage door until it eventually becomes rusty, tough to open and eventually breaks down. Nevertheless, what if you actually chose to maintain your garage door and look after it?
Fortunately, throughout this article, we will discuss how long a garage door will last on average plus some tips on how you can ensure that your garage door works for years beyond that; maybe even decades!
If you are looking for a new garage door in South Wales, call us today on 029 2061 4858 to learn more about our different types of long-lasting garage doors and get your no-obligation quotation.
How long do garage doors last?
Unless something unexpected occurs, your garage door should last 20-30 years on average. Garage door openers will remain working for around 10 – 15 years before they will need replacing.
When it comes to different factors that will effect the average lifespan of your garage door, there are plenty of different things you need to consider. This includes how often you use your garage door; how well you maintain your garage door and the quality and type of garage door you have installed within your home.
Throughout this article, we will provide you with some tips and tricks on how to ensure your garage door lasts longer than 30 year average!
5 ways to make your garage door last longer
As one of the leading new garage door providers in Cardiff and South Wales, it is fair to say that we know our thing when it comes to maintaining your garage door and ensuring it lasts longer.
Therefore, we have created a list of five of the things you need to do to ensure your garage door lasts longer. These include:
- Regular maintenance
- Lubrication
- Balance and alignment
- Weather sealing
- Clean and paint
1. Regular maintenance
One of the best ways to ensure your garage door lasts longer is to perform regular maintenance at least every six months. Start with a visual inspection of the door panels, looking for damage such as dents, cracks, rust or rot.
From here examine the tracks for debris and alignment issues. You also want to check the torsion or extension springs for wear and the lifting cables for fraying. This is often something which gets ignored.
From here check the rollers and hinges for damage and examine the weather seals for cracks or gaps. Operate the door to ensure it moves smoothly and quietly, performing a balance test by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door to see if it stays in place.
Test the auto-reverse mechanism using a solid object and check the photoelectric sensors. Tighten any loose fasteners, inspect the opener and its mounting points and check the wiring for any damage.
By checking all parts of your garage door, you can get a good gauge of any current problems and anything you will be needing to fix in the next few months. From here you can schedule the repairs and ensure your garage door continues to work efficiently.
2. Lubrication
Another way you can prolong the lifespan of a garage door is by using lubrication. To lubricate your garage door and ensure it works efficiently start by cleaning the tracks to remove any dirt and debris, ensuring they are clear for proper movement.
From here use a high-quality, silicone-based lubricant rather than grease because this can attract more dirt and cause you more issues than it is worth. From here apply the lubricant to all moving parts, including the rollers, hinges, springs and the armbar.
For the rollers, lubricate the bearings thoroughly, but if you have nylon rollers, avoid lubricating the nylon itself. Spray the hinges at the pivot points and apply a light coat to the springs, ensuring they can move without friction. Lubricate the lock mechanism if your door has one, ensuring it functions smoothly.
Also, lubricate the chain or screw drive on the garage door opener, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Perform this lubrication process at least twice a year, or more frequently if you notice any squeaking or resistance in the door’s movement. Regular lubrication reduces wear and tear, prevents rust, and helps the door operate quietly and efficiently, ultimately extending its lifespan.
3. Balance and alignment
Keeping your garage door balanced and aligned is another important garage door maintenance task that can improve the average life expectancy of the garage door. To check the balance, disconnect the opener by pulling the release handle, usually a red cord and manually lift the door to waist height; it should stay in place. If it moves up or down, it indicates an imbalance that requires professional help.
Next, inspect the tracks for alignment issues by ensuring they are parallel and free from bends or gaps. Tighten any loose brackets that hold the tracks to the wall and ceiling. Observe the door as it opens and closes; it should move smoothly without any jerking or unusual noises.
Misalignment can cause uneven wear and put extra strain on the opener. If you notice any significant issues with balance or alignment, such as the door not staying in place or tracks that are visibly out of line, it’s best to call a professional technician.
Regularly checking and maintaining the balance and alignment of your garage door helps prevent excessive wear on components and extends the door’s lifespan.
4. Weather sealing
Keeping the weather out of the inside of your property is one of the jobs of a garage door however as it gets older, the natural elements can look to get inside and without maintenance and repair this can cause you problems.
Begin by inspecting the weather stripping along the bottom of the door and around the sides for any cracks, tears or signs of wear. Replace any damaged or worn seals promptly. Clean the area where the weather stripping contacts the door to ensure a tight seal, removing any dirt or debris that could cause gaps.
For the bottom seal, measure the width of your garage door and cut the new seal to fit, then slide it into place or attach it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Side and top seals can usually be nailed or screwed into the door frame. Check the seals periodically, especially before extreme weather seasons, to ensure they remain intact and effective. Well-maintained weather sealing not only keeps your garage cleaner and drier but also helps to maintain a more stable temperature, reducing energy costs and protecting stored items.
5. Clean and paint
There is nothing better than a quick clean and fresh dash of paint to spring the life back into the appearance of your old garage door. A simple facelift can make the garage appear so much more nicer and give your home that extra special touch.
Start by washing the door with a mixture of mild detergent and water, using a soft brush or sponge to remove dirt, grime, and any built-up residue. Rinse thoroughly with a hose and allow it to dry completely. Inspect the door for any signs of rust, peeling paint, or other damage. For metal doors, sand down any rust spots and apply a rust-inhibiting primer before painting.
For wooden doors, sand rough areas and fill any cracks or holes with wood filler. Choose a high-quality exterior paint that is suitable for the material of your door, and apply it evenly using a brush or roller. If your door has multiple panels, paint each panel individually to avoid streaks and ensure even coverage. Apply at least two coats for best results, allowing sufficient drying time between coats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should now be able to provide sufficient maintenance and care to your garage door so that your garage door is working more efficiently for years to come. I would recommend, creating a maintenance schedule where you look to provide the required fixes every 6 months or so.
With simple repairs and maintenance following the five tips mentioned in this article, you can ensure that your new garage door system functions for years to come without the risk of rust or damage. Just remember not to reverse your car too far back into it and you should be all good!
If you are in search of a new garage door for your property in South Wales look no further than Access Garage Doors. We stock a wide selection of high-quality garage doors including up & over garage doors, sectional doors, roller shutters, automation and slide doors.
If you require repairs and spares, we also offer efficient and effective repairs and a wide selection of spare parts so you can also amend and fix your broken garage door.
To learn more about our different types of garage doors and get your free, no-obligation quote, speak to a member of the team on 029 2061 4858.