Whether you just got a new garage door or you’re thinking it’s time to replace your old one, you may be wondering what the lifespan of a garage door is. It’s a good question, and at Overhead Door Company of Portland, our decades of experience have made us well-qualified to answer. There are several variables to consider, but overall, a garage door should last 15 to 30 years.
Why the large time span? Let’s dive in.
How often your garage door goes up and down plays a role in longevity. If the door only goes up and down twice a day to match your work schedule, it will have a much longer life than a door that is used as the main entrance to your home. The more cycles a door has, the quicker the parts will wear out. That’s probably pretty obvious, but there are more complicated aspects to a garage door’s lifespan.
Consider the material it’s made from. Steel will last 15-30 depending on quality and maintenance. Aluminum runs a close second for a 20-25 lifespan, but it dents more easily than steel, which could impact its function. Both require the least amount of maintenance.
Fiberglass and vinyl are good options for humid climates, offering a lifespan of 20-25 years. Wood, if not properly maintained, will need to be replaced sooner, though it can still last up to 20-30 years with proper care of sealing or staining.
A key component of how long a garage door will last is how well it is maintained. Homeowners can add years, even a decade, to a garage door’s life with a few consistent habits. Most problems start small and get expensive only when ignored. Regular care, including yearly tune-ups, monthly checks, and seasonal lubrication, can significantly extend the lifespan of the door and its components, and it’s not too late to winterize your garage door.
Here are items that should be addressed:
- Lubricating springs, rollers, and hinges
- Tightening hardware
- Replacing worn rollers or cables when showing signs of excessive wear
- Keeping the tracks clean and aligned
Taking a closer look at each maintenance item, lubricating the torsion springs, rollers, hinges, and bearings is the single most effective step in preserving your garage door. Lubrication reduces friction, prevents rust, and lowers the strain on the opener and springs. And while the tracks don’t need lubrication, take time to wipe them down to remove dirt and debris that tend to collect.
Testing the door balance is also an important maintenance item, as an unbalanced door wears out the springs and openers. Disconnect the opener, lift the door up halfway, and let it go. If it stays in place, it’s balanced. If it falls or rises, it’s time to call a professional to make an adjustment.
Visually inspecting the parts of your garage door monthly can also add years to its life. Look for frayed cables, loose bolts, bent tracks, worn rollers, and rusting panels.
If the rollers are worn, replace them. They are an inexpensive but critical component. Worn rollers can strain tracks, hinges, and openers. Finding any of these problems early can prevent chain reactions that damage other parts of the door.
Especially in our rainy climate, plan to repaint or reseal wood doors every few years and address rust spots on steel doors. Replace cracked weatherstripping as well to keep the garage and your home, temperate.
Finally, use the garage door gently. Avoid stopping it mid-cycle, don’t overload it with storage or hardware, and remember your parents’ wise counsel: “Don’t slam the door.”
Like all good things, a garage door’s life will come to an end. Here are some signs that it may be time for a replacement:
- Frequent breakdowns or repairs
- Loud grinding or popping noises
- Sagging or cracked panels
- Slow or jerky movement
- Rising repair costs
If repairs approach 30–50% of replacement cost, replacement usually makes sense. When replacing a garage door, remember that installation quality is one of the number one factors in how long your garage door will last.
A professionally installed door will last significantly longer than a DIY installation. Similarly, having a professional tune-up at least annually will also do wonders to extend the life of your garage door.
That’s the long answer to how long a garage door will last. Our recommendation is to leave the care and worry about your garage door to the professional team at Overhead Door Company of Portland. Whether you want to extend the life of your current garage door or are looking for a replacement, we’re ready to help. Contact us for a free consultation.