What is the useful life of a garage door?

Author: Jaida O'Hara  |  Last update: Thursday, June 19, 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.

What is the depreciation life of a garage door?

Garage doors can either be classified under a 15-year or a 39-year depreciation period depending on their use and classification.

What is the life expectancy of a garage door?

Lifespan. Though multiple factors will determine the actual lifespan of a garage door, usually, a garage door will last between 15-30 years. Depending on where the garage is installed, it may get exposed to floods, storms, adverse weather conditions, and environmental factors.

What is the depreciation rate for a garage door?

IS A GARAGE DOOR DEPRECIABLE? Yes, the door itself will fall under Capital works and depreciate at 2.5 % per year, however the garage door motor and remote controls are classed as Plant & Equipment and will diminish in value at a much faster rate.

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 To Maintain a Garage Door

How do I know if my garage door needs replacing?

1. Garage Door Will Not Open or Close
  1. The power source is not active or functioning.
  2. Something is blocking the door sensor eye.
  3. The extension springs or torsion springs are broken.
  4. The overhead garage door is off its track.
  5. Your garage door opener remote needs a new battery.
  6. Something has blocked the door's operation.

How much does garage door replacement cost?

Replacing a garage door costs between $750 and $5,500 on average, according to our home renovation cost calculator. Factors such as size, design and materials can contribute to the final price. There are several ways to finance the bill, including home equity solutions, credit, refinancing and personal loans.

Can you write off garage door on taxes?

Tax Energy Credit For Your New Garage Door. Typical homeowners will receive $200 to $300 in tax credits on the purchase of a new qualifying garage door.

What is the useful life of doors?

Steel doors last the longest, sometimes upwards of 100 years. Fiberglass comes in second, with a lifespan of 70 years. Wood doors have the lowest lifespan, with some wood types only last 20 to 40 years.

Does replacing garage doors 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.

How do I know if my garage door is bad?

5 Critical Warning Signs
  1. The motor makes strange noises. If you hear loud screeching or scraping noises coming from your garage door motor, it's likely time to replace the unit. ...
  2. The door opens much slower than usual. ...
  3. The door often gets stuck. ...
  4. The door works intermittently. ...
  5. The door opens and closes on its own.

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.

Which is better belt drive or chain drive garage door opener?

Chain driven garage door openers are better suited for heavy lifting on oversized garage doors, but belt driven openers offer smoother operation with typically comparable durability.

What is the useful life of a commercial garage door?

A commercial roll up door can last up to 30 years, but only if it's well-maintained. While roll up doors are incredibly durable, they're also subject to heavy use. A typical garage door might be opened only a few times a day, but commercial doors are opened and closed constantly.

What is considered 7 year property for depreciation?

Class life is the number of years over which an asset can be depreciated. The tax law has defined a specific class life for each type of asset. Real Property is 39 year property, office furniture is 7 year property and autos and trucks are 5 year property.

How long are garage doors good for?

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 is the IRS depreciation life of a garage door?

If it is residential, it has a useful life for tax purposes amounting to 27.5 years. If it is nonresidential, its useful life is 31.5 years.

When should doors be replaced?

The best time to replace a front door is when it sticks as you open and close it. It may get stuck in the winter and be easy to open and close in the summer. In that case, there might be gaps or openings around the door frame where light comes in from the outside.

What is the life expectancy of aluminum wiring?

Wiring. The lifespan of residential electrical wiring depends on the type of wire used. Copper wiring: Generally lasts 70-100 years if properly installed and maintained. Aluminum wiring: Often lasts 30-40 years, though it may require more frequent inspections due to its susceptibility to corrosion and overheating.

Is a garage door a capital improvement?

Capital Expenditure: The replacement of the garage doors would likely be considered a capital expenditure since it involves improving or enhancing the property. Capital expenditures are not typically fully deductible in the year they are incurred.

Is a garage door considered an exterior door?

Yes, a garage door (the one you drive into) is considered an exterior door. It's in the same category as sliding, glass, storm, screen, and cellar doors, but you'll need to inspect and maintain the garage door's condition to get the best protection possible.

Can I claim for a garage door?

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.

Does homeowners insurance cover garage doors?

In cases of theft and damage, fire, or vandalism, your homeowner insurance should be able to cover it. Note however that intentional damage to your garage door is oftentimes not covered, including certain natural disasters.

How much should you spend on a garage door?

Generally, you can expect to pay $1,293–$6,348 for a new garage door, with a national average cost of $1,818. A new garage door is a significant investment that can boost your home's curb appeal and value.

How much does Home Depot charge to install a garage door?

Home Depot garage door installation costs $250 to $375 and has a 1-year labor warranty. Installation includes removing the old door, installing the new door, reconnecting the opener, and sealing the perimeter.

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