The garage door is one of the most important parts of your house. This is why many homeowners invest in the best doors on the market. Garage doors are not only crucial for entering or leaving your house, but they are also crucial for security. Many of us use this door more than we do the front one, therefore, you want to make sure your it is working well without any issues. You can use one door for many years without the need for replacement. It can take you up to 50 years – with proper maintenance. If you can schedule routine maintenance at least once a year, your garage door’s lifespan is greatly extended. If you leave it the way it is, you will be lucky to get 15 years from your door.
In the long run, you will have to replace the door, no matter how well you take care of it. There comes a time when constant repairs become a pain in the neck. If you notice the following signs, your garage door is giving up on you, telling you to get another one. Luckily, you will not lack someone around to help you with a correct estimate of the costs.
The lifespan of a garage door
Before we look at signs of a new door, it is crucial to understand how long a garage door should last. Generally, the door can stay strong for several decades if well maintained. But different factors affect garage doors’ life expectancy.
These include;
Construction quality
Many garage door manufacturers exist today, promising the best products. This can make it hard to know which door is the right one to get. Once you get the right door, your next worry is whether your installer has done a poor job, which could also lead to less life for your garage door. In a nutshell, if your garage door contains cheap material, or it was not installed properly, be sure to replace it sooner than later. This is why you should always consult with trustworthy professionals when buying or installing garage doors. It should cost more now, than later.
Inspection
Having your garage door inspected every year can have a huge impact on its lifespan. When a professional comes to inspect your garage door, they will check for broken parts that can be replaced before it affects the whole door.
Maintenance
Everyone knows that proper maintenance of any machine keeps it working for a long time. Garage doors have a motor, a trolley, and switches connected to the garage wall. They work together as a unit. Scheduling routine maintenance will help you keep these parts in shape. Lubricate the moving parts, clean the door with mild detergents, and consult experts in order to keep the door working well.
Local climate
The local climate often determines how long a garage door can last. Conditions like the extreme heat and cold can have a major impact on the material.
When buying a garage door, think about how it will perform in your local climate. For instance, vinyl garage doors are sensitive to UV lighting. You want to avoid these doors in hot areas. Do not hesitate to ask professionals for recommendations and tips before committing. It will not only save you money, but also time.
When should you have a garage door replacement?
Have you had your garage door for more than ten years and now it’s not working as it should? Well, this might be the best time to get a replacement.
Apart from this, consider the following signs:
Wear and Tear
On average, a garage door opens 1500 times annually. This means it will have opened more than 15000 times in ten years. The door needs proper maintenance to handle the pressure. The doors can start losing strength and functionality over time from:
• Carrying the weight. The springs and lifting cable become damaged from holding the weight of the door for such a long time. Extreme wear and tear can cause the cables to snap and fall out of shape.
• Dirt and debris moving into the rollers. Such things can cause friction, hence, a noisy garage door.
• Weather conditions. Precipitation can initiate wear and tear, damaging your garage doors over time.
A stuck door
A garage door is designed to close and open smoothly, giving you access to the house. When the door starts giving you problems opening and closing, it might be time to invest in a new one before the door gets stuck.
Some common garage problems of such nature come from:
• Faulty garage door openers. An old garage door opener is a safety risk you do not want to take on. Modern ones come with safety reverse features that activate when there is a person underneath. If it is not working, it could be because the garage door motor is burned out and you need a new one, or that you need a new door altogether.
• Misaligned photo-eye. This is the part that activates the reverse function. Even the smallest obstruction like dust can disrupt it. If the door refuses to open all the way up, it is a smart idea to get this part checked out.
Physical damages
Replace the garage door if you notice apparent physical damages that are beyond repair. Indicators of physical damages can be seen from the way your garage door is behaving.
Broken springs and lift cables are clearly safety hazards. If the garage door is not opening, you should know it is most likely because of these components.
Track misalignment is another serious issue. A garage door that has fallen off a track will not be suitable for use. An indicator that the door has fallen off the track would be that the door looks crooked and does not move smoothly.
A dent in a garage door can cause rough movement. This can be a result of harsh weather. An option would be to fix it, however, it would best to get a whole garage door replacement.
An obvious safety hazards
Keeping your garage door closed and locked is an excellent way to ensure personal safety. A faulty garage door could be a considerable risk.
Things that can make you feel unsafe include burglary, outdated technology, a faulty photo-eye, and many others.
Increased energy and repair costs
Old garage doors lose installation with time, which means they use more power. If your energy bills keep rising every month, check the garage door, it could be the cause. In this case, you can get better insulation, get rid of your HVAV, or install better technology. On the other hand, if these costs are close to or more than getting a new garage door, go for the replacement.
Above all, let All Township Garage Door handle all these issues for you. Our team will come to inspect the garage door and give you proper advice.
