Almost every part of your home has a lifespan. You can prolong the lifespans of these things by getting regular maintenance and using high-quality products. These essential parts include your roof, water heater, heating, air unit, electrical panel, and garage door.
You will want to invest in a garage door that complements the overall look of your home and makes an excellent first impression. A quality garage door will operate smoothly and provide security with minimal upkeep.
Knowing the lifespan of your garage door will help you determine when it needs upkeep and replacement. When you’re building a new home, the garage door’s longevity will help you select an appropriate door that will last for several years.
The Lifespan of a Garage Door
According to experts, several things can affect a garage door’s lifespan. A typical garage door will last between 15 and 30 years.
A garage door’s lifetime depends on several factors, including the material it’s made of, the weather, its environment, how often it is used, and how well it is maintained.
Longtime users of garage door systems know that there are a variety of factors that can affect the longevity of the system.
- Door Type: Some doors are typically more complex than others. Whether it’s a roll-up, sectional, or side hinged door, each type will have its own set of problems.
- Maintenance: If you regularly do proper maintenance on your garage door, you’ll likely extend its lifespan. It includes cleaning, checking, and initiating repair if needed.
- Usage: The lifespan of your garage door could depend on the type of springs it has. The more you use your garage door, or the harder you use the door, the closer it will get to the end of its lifespan.
- Weather and environment: If your garage is in a stormy area or if the area experiences heavy storms, your garage may experience water or wind damage.
Common Garage Door Problems
Your garage door has a lot of items that need to be inspected regularly, as even one of them is losing it can lead to a whole array of issues. A few common parts that need to be checked often are the springs, the cables, and the rollers.
1. Broken Cables
Over time, people noticed that the wire cables that raised and lowered the garage door could break or become damaged from all the openings and closings. As a result, they could also become brittle with age, which could mean snaps or fires.
2. Broken Springs
Your garage door springs can break over time. They are under pressure to pay the bills and to be a good parent, but they are really under pressure that can damage them. Once they break, your garage door won’t work the way it once did.
3. Misaligned Track
Over time, your garage door could get out of alignment, making it difficult to open and close. The door could damage the tracks on which it slides. The ways could also become damaged.
4. Worn Hardware
Over time, the hinges, bolts, and other hardware parts of your garage door can wear down and become rusty. This can make it harder for your garage door to operate correctly. You should first check if any of the hardware has become loose and tighten it regularly.
5. Worn Rollers
Rollers help a garage door glide smoothly up and down the track. When the rollers become damaged, the door may stick to the path or move in a jerky motion. It could cause other parts to become damaged. This is especially likely if you own an older home with a garage door prone to being stuck—the rollers may have been damaged over time.
Conclusion
Your garage door is a significant investment, so you’ll want to protect it as much as possible. Have a routine maintenance schedule, and inspect your garage door often to ensure it’s running smoothly and safely.
When you notice problems, you should contact a garage door repair company to fix or replace your door before the issues worsen. If you need a professional garage door service in PLymouth, MA, contact us today!
