Garage doors are an essential element of daily living. They do more than only protect the access to your garage and the interior of your home. They also have a cosmetic function, making your home appear lovely. With all of these advantages, it is not advisable to let your garage door deteriorate before replacing or fixing the damaged parts.
Maintain your garage door regularly to reduce the overall expense of replacing it and extend its lifespan. But how long does it take for a garage door to wear out?
How Long Should a Garage Door Last?
Most garage doors tend to last between 10 to 15 years. This is not the standard, however. Here are some of the most common factors affecting your garage door’s lifespan.
Factors That Affect a Garage Door’s Lifespan
a. Weather and Environment
Thanks to the invention of synthetic materials and the techniques used in making a garage door, today’s garage doors are more resistant to extreme weather and temperature conditions. But there is still a need to check and make repairs regularly. This is mostly because the parts are exposed to these elements.
It is recommended that you check the tracks of your garage door regularly. There should be no dents and dings on the tracks. Those parts that are supposed to rotate should be free from rust and corrosion. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call for repair and maintenance.
b. Usage
Aside from extreme weather conditions and their effects on the garage door, its lifespan also depends on the frequency of usage. The more the garage door is used, the faster it will wear out.
c. Local Climate
Doors made of wood will most likely last longer than steel or aluminum ones. This is because of the structural integrity of wood. Garage doors in humid and rainy places are more likely to suffer damage because they are constantly wet.
d. Door Type
The design of the door and its components also affect the door’s lifespan. The sections, rollers, tracks, and hinges are all susceptible to various kinds of damages.
e. Torsion and Extension Springs
Unlike the modern doors, the existing garage doors have torsion springs. This type of spring and its hardware are quite vulnerable to damage. The typical lifespan of a torsion spring is only between 5 to 10 years. Extension springs, on the other hand, can last as long as 15 years.
f. Material
The material used in making a garage door also affects its lifespan. The types of materials used for garage doors are steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and wood. Steel is the most common material used for garage doors. Although it has a longer lifespan, it is also the most prone to rusting. Aluminum and stainless steel are also very common materials for the garage door. Both of these materials are resistant to corrosion and rust.
g. Maintenance
If you want your garage door to last for a long time, you have to maintain it regularly. You should ensure that the tracks and hinges are running smoothly, and check the springs for cracks and tears. If you notice any of these damages, call for repair and maintenance.
Conclusion
A garage door is a big investment, so you should always learn to maintain it properly. By doing so, you can help it last longer and avoid costly replacement. A garage door is not just a part of your house’s structure. It is a big investment that can help you save money in the future.
If you’re looking for the right garage door installation company, Garage Door Repair Naperville IL can help. We are a garage door company in Naperville that can help you out. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
