What is the life expectancy of a garage door?

Author: Janae Cormier II  |  Last update: Friday, April 4, 2025

Though many factors contribute to a garage door's lifespan, a typical garage door will last around 15 and 30 years. Your garage door's lifetime will vary depending on the type and brand you choose. Factors like the weather, environment, usage and maintenance schedule also impact the longevity of your garage door.

How often should you replace your garage door?

The average lifespan of a garage door is about 30 years with the right maintenance. But individual circumstances vary — maybe your newly minted teenaged driver accidentally backed into the garage door, or maybe a windstorm flung debris at your door and damaged some panels.

How do you know when your garage door needs to be replaced?

If your garage door starts opening and closing much slower than it did when you first got it or the reaction is extremely delayed, it might mean you need a replacement. Noise level: Sometimes increased noise can just mean a certain component needs a repair or replacement. However, noise shouldn't be ignored.

How much does it cost for a new garage door?

Depending on the type of door, the materials and the location, replacing your garage door typically ranges from $1,500 to $6,000, with the average cost hovering around $2,500. While the cost of a new garage door can be considerable, it's important to remember that it often delivers a high return on your investment.

What is the useful life of a garage door?

Most garage doors last anywhere from 15 years to almost 30. One of the main components of a garage door that affects its garage lifespan is the extension and door springs.

What is the Typical Life Expectancy of a Garage Door Opener?

How long do garage doors last on average?

Though many factors contribute to a garage door's lifespan, a typical garage door will last around 15 and 30 years. Your garage door's lifetime will vary depending on the type and brand you choose. Factors like the weather, environment, usage and maintenance schedule also impact the longevity of your garage door.

What wears out in a garage door?

Hinges, bolts, and other hardware wear down over time, making it harder for your garage door to operate properly. Usually, you just need to check the hardware and tighten anything that has become loose. Then spray silicone-based lubricant to ensure everything is moving smoothly.

Does homeowners insurance cover garage doors?

Generally speaking, most homeowners insurance policies will cover damage to your garage door caused by fire, wind, hail, or theft. However, coverage for accidents caused by negligence or wear and tear might not be included in standard policies.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a garage door?

According to Home Adviser, homeowners have reportedly spent between $742 and $1,416 on installing new garage doors – but that price can skyrocket up to as much as $4,000 for double garage doors. It's simply much more cost effective to have your garage door repaired than to replace it.

Can you install a new garage door on old tracks?

You'll need to install new tracks of the same brand and model to the same make and model of the new garage door. Even if you are able to jerry-rig the new mechanisms to the old existing track, you will have serious safety issues. The door panels are very heavy, and even more so with upgraded insulation.

How long does it take to install a replacement garage door?

Replacing a Simple Garage Door With the Exact Same Model

Identical door installations can take between two and four hours.

Should I keep my old garage door?

When Your Garage Door Is Old. The average garage door lasts about 15 to 30 years, depending on usage. An older door isn't always a bad thing, but as your door approaches the end of its lifespan, it could be better to endure the one-time replacement costs instead of repeated costly repairs.

Does a new garage door increase home value?

Recent research says yes. According to Zonda Media's 2023 Cost vs. Value report, homeowners who replace their garage doors see a nearly 103% return on investment (ROI). On average, homeowners spent about $4,300 on a garage door replacement and saw a resale value of almost $4,420.

What are the longest lasting garage doors?

Steel garage doors are one of the most popular choices due to their durability and affordability. They are available in various gauges, with thicker gauges offering greater strength and security. Steel doors can be further enhanced with features like insulation, weatherstripping, and decorative finishes.

How often do you need to lubricate a garage door?

Garage doors that aren't maintained and lubricated regularly can become noisy and eventually stop working. One of the best ways to silence your garage door and extend its lifespan is by lubricating it every six months.

How long does a Liftmaster garage door last?

The Lifespan of Garage Door Openers

So, the question was this: How long do garage door openers last? We see LiftMasters last between 15 – 20 years. However, that's in excellent conditions. Anything less than excellent conditions can reduce the lifespan to 8 – 12 years.

What is the average lifespan of a cheap garage door?

Additionally, the garage door's overall quality, your local climate, and how dedicated you've been to its maintenance are also significant contributors to the door's lifespan. Considering standard usage, it is safe to say that a garage door should last for 15 to 30 years of continuous usage.

How much does a garage door service cost?

The rate to hire a garage pro ranges from $75 to $150 an hour. This results in a total labor cost between $150 and $450. For an easy fix, the repairperson may charge a service call fee of $50 to $75.

Are garage door upgrades worth it?

According to the latest Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine, installing a new garage door can yield an impressive ROI of up to 102.7%. It's a smart financial move that not only enhances your living space but also boosts your property's value.

Can you replace one panel in a garage door?

Can I Replace the Garage Door Panels Only? You can replace individual or multiple panels instead of the complete door, but the door should be well maintained to consider replacement. For example, an old, worn door may show signs of deterioration, such as peeling and flaking.

Does insurance cover backing into a garage door?

If you caused the damage, whether it's hitting your mailbox or backing into your garage door, your auto insurance likely won't cover the repairs.

Are garage doors included in home warranty?

We are most often asked whether garage doors are covered by home warranties. The answer is NO. This is because a home service agreement, contract or warranty covers only the cost of repairs or replacement of home systems or appliances. That said, a home warranty will most likely cover your garage door opener.

What is the common problem of a garage door?

Garage Doors Won't Close All the Way

In either case, this issue can be the first indication of a problem. One of the more common reasons garage doors stop halfway is due to a bent, crooked or misaligned track. Worn-out and broken springs are another concern. Otherwise, there could be an obstruction near the sensors.

Why do people leave garage door up a little?

There could be a couple of different reasons some people leave their garage doors slightly ajar. Letting in some air to drain off some of the heat in the garage wouldn't necessarily make the house itself hotter, but it could keep the garage cooler, especially if there were a breeze blowing from the right direction.

Does cracking garage door keep house cooler?

D Bar Garage Doors, a garage door company, affirmed some people's theories on the benefits of venting the garage space. "Cracking the door will indeed benefit and alleviate the heat that builds up. But having a well-maintained, properly insulated garage should be your top priority," D Bar Garage Doors experts said.

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