4 Ways to Make Your Garage Door Last Longer
April 24, 2023If you’re like most homeowners, your garage door is one of your home’s most frequently used entrances. It’s a convenient way to get in and out, plus a crucial security feature to protect your home and family.
But with all that use, your garage door will suffer some wear and tear over time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make your garage door last longer and avoid costly repairs down the line.
In this article, we’ll explore some simple, effective tips and tricks you can use to keep your garage door running smoothly for years to come. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to leave the maintenance to the professionals, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s start by reviewing ways to make your garage door a long-lasting and reliable part of your home.
Table of Contents
- How Long Do Garage Doors Last?
- Tip 1: Regular Maintenance
- Tip 2: Care for Garage Door Weatherstripping
- Tip 3: Protect Your Garage Door
- Tip 4: Hire a Garage Door Professional
How Long Do Garage Doors Last?
If you’re a homeowner, you may wonder how to make your garage doors last before needing replacement. After all, garage doors can be a significant investment, and you want to get the most bang for your buck.
A garage door’s life span depends on several variables, including its quality, upkeep and frequency of use. On average, a garage door can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance.
Here are some things that can impact your garage door’s longevity.
- Material: Garage doors typically consist of materials like steel, aluminum, wood and vinyl.
- Quality: Your garage door’s quality can also significantly influence its life span. An inexpensive, low-quality door will likely wear out more quickly than a high-end model.
- Maintenance: Like any other mechanical system, a garage door requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
1. Regular Maintenance
As a homeowner, you likely plan your daily routine around your garage door. You rely on it to open and close smoothly, providing a secure and convenient entrance to your home. A maintenance schedule ensures your garage door lasts longer, operates safely and saves you money in the long run.
- Preventing wear and tear: Your garage door has several moving parts, including springs, cables, rollers, tracks and hinges. Over time, these components can become worn, damaged or misaligned, causing your garage door to malfunction. Regular maintenance can prevent this wear and tear, extending your garage door’s life.
- Saving you money: By identifying potential issues early on, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements. Additionally, a well-maintained garage door can help you save on energy costs by keeping your garage insulated and preventing air leaks.
What Does Proactive Maintenance Entail?
At least once a year, a professional technician should perform routine maintenance for your garage door. During this check, the technician will inspect your garage door and its components, lubricate moving parts, tighten bolts and screws and make necessary repairs. While servicing your garage door, they may also check the opener and sensors to ensure they function properly.
Balance-Test Your Garage Door
Testing a garage door’s balance is another essential part of regular maintenance. A properly balanced garage door is crucial for its safe and efficient operation. An imbalanced garage door can cause excessive wear and tear on the opener, springs and other components, leading to costly repairs down the line. It can also be dangerous, causing it to close unexpectedly or fail to stay open. Have a professional test your garage door’s balance annually.
2. Care for Garage Door Weatherstripping
Your garage door is a central component of your home’s security and convenience. It’s also the largest moving part of your house, with year-round exposure to the elements. You must take care of the weatherstripping around your garage door to ensure it functions properly and protects your home from extreme climate fluctuations and harsh environmental conditions.
What Is Weatherstripping?
Weatherstripping is a material installed on the bottom and sides of your garage door. It seals the gaps between the door, ground or walls, preventing drafts, dust and moisture from entering your garage. Weatherstripping also reduces noise and improves energy efficiency by keeping the conditioned air inside your garage.
Caring for the weatherstripping on your garage door is essential to its proper function. Over time, the seal can become worn, damaged or loose, allowing drafts, dust and moisture to enter. Exposure to the elements can damage your belongings and create an uncomfortable environment in your garage.
Start by inspecting the weatherstripping for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any cracks, tears or missing pieces, it’s time to replace it. You can purchase weatherstripping from your local hardware store or have it professionally installed.
3. Protect Your Garage Door
There are various ways to extend your garage door’s life span.
- Insulation: Insulating your garage door is one of the most effective ways to protect it. Insulation keeps your garage warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing your energy bills and preventing damage to your belongings. It also reduces noise, making your garage a more comfortable and enjoyable space.
- Ventilation:Moisture can build up in an unventilated garage, leading to rust, mold and mildew. The resulting damage to your garage door and its components can lead to costly repairs. For adequate ventilation, ensure your garage has windows or vents allowing air circulation. You can also install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Additionally, avoid storing wet items in your garage, such as snow-covered vehicles or damp clothing.
4. Hire a Garage Door Professional
While some homeowners may feel tempted to tackle garage door maintenance and repair themselves, hiring a garage door professional can increase your garage door’s longevity and provide many other advantages.
- Expertise: Garage door professionals have the necessary knowledge to maintain and repair your garage door. Their specialized training enables them to identify and solve common issues, such as broken springs, faulty openers and misaligned tracks.
- Saves time and money: Hiring a garage door professional can save you time and money in the long run. Instead of spending your valuable time and hard-earned money trying to fix the problem yourself, call a reliable tech who can quickly diagnose and repair the issue.
- Increased life span: Regular professional maintenance can prolong your garage door’s life span. An experienced tech can identify and fix issues before they escalate into significant problems, which can prevent costly repairs down the road. Additionally, regular maintenance can keep your garage door running smoothly and efficiently, reducing wear and tear on its components.
Call Halo Overhead Doors for Excellent Maintenance and Service
There you have it — some straightforward, successful ways to make your garage door last longer. By implementing these tips, you can ensure your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently for years to come. However, remember it’s best to leave some garage door maintenance and repairs to the professionals. If you need help performing these tasks yourself or encounter a problem requiring expert assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Halo Overhead Doors and chat with our team.
Take care of your home and enjoy the many benefits of a fully functioning garage door. Schedule your service today!