A garage door can last 15 to 30 years when it’s well-maintained. Protecting your investment with professional assistance and by doing tasks on your own could make a significant difference. Learning more about how to care for it can extend its lifespan, helping it last as long as possible.
Do Self-Inspections Make a Difference?
Garage door self-inspections are incredibly important. You see your garage door daily and know what it looks and sounds like. It’s crucial to check everything, including the tracks, springs, and rollers, but always do it safely. Make sure that the weatherstripping is intact, properly attached, and not damaged. Additionally, look closely at the door for physical damage, such as dents and rust.
Are Professional Inspections Necessary?
Professional garage door inspections are a must. Our skilled technicians look at every inch of the door, including sensors, rollers, the door itself, weatherstripping, cables, springs, and tracks. We’ll evaluate if it’s operating properly and safely.
When Is the Best Time to Have a Garage Door Inspection?
An annual professional inspection is important. The ideal time is in spring after winter has taken its toll on the door or in fall to make sure it’s prepared to withstand the cold.
When you’re selling your home, it’s another good opportunity to have your garage door inspected. It ensures the door is in great condition for potential buyers and future inspections.
Professional door inspections are also ideal after a major storm if you’re sure it’s been damaged or suspect it has been. Let’s say a heavy branch falls and slams against the garage door. Having us check it, whether or not the door seems visibly damaged, can give you peace of mind that you won’t discover issues later on at the worst possible time.
Make an appointment with us if something seems wrong with your garage door, such as if it’s making a strange sound or won’t close all the way. We can diagnose the issue and recommend a repair, preventing the problem from worsening. Avoid using the door in the meantime.
Is it Safe to Do Maintenance Tasks Myself?
Certain tasks are safe for a homeowner to do, but most garage door maintenance should be left to the professionals. Cleaning the garage door is one task you can do on your own. Do it at least once a year, but you may want to do it more often. Light-colored doors usually need more cleaning as they tend to show dirt easily.
What Can Shorten a Garage Door’s Lifespan
Several factors can shorten a garage door’s lifespan, leading to premature wear, breakdowns, or other problems. Continuing to use your garage door without ever doing maintenance or inspections is one major way. Additionally, the more often you use the door, the shorter its lifespan may be.
A garage door’s longevity is also impacted by its construction and the quality of the materials. One made of subpar materials likely won’t last as long as one composed of high-quality, durable materials. Severe weather and extreme temperatures will also impact its lifespan.
How Soon Should I Schedule a Garage Door Repair if It’s Needed?
A garage door is designed to be durable, but every problem, such as rust or damaged weatherstripping, makes it more vulnerable. Leaving the issue as-is can lead to worsening damage.
Can Pests and Insects Affect My Garage Door’s Lifespan?
Pests and insects can cause significant wear and damage to a garage door. Considering the door’s location, animals can easily access it indoors and outside. Rodents may chew through the weatherstripping or insulation, allowing water to get in, which could cause the metal to deteriorate. Termites may also make a meal out of your wooden door. Additionally, insects and pests might build nests in or around the moving parts, especially if you don’t use the door regularly.
Doing regular self-inspections, having us do professional inspections, and making sure there are no open openings can help prevent infestations and protect your door’s functionality. If you notice a potential pest or insect problem, contact an exterminator immediately so they can assess the situation and determine a solution that can eliminate them and prevent them from returning.
Does Garage Door Weatherstripping Need Replacing?
Garage door weatherstripping should be replaced every few years. However, that’s not a definitive timeline. It depends on its condition. Various factors, such as extreme temperatures (both heat and cold), can affect its longevity. Weatherstripping also needs to be swapped out if you notice any signs of damage, like holes. Our team can replace it for you so it works and looks as good as new.
What Daily Habits Can Preserve My Garage Door?
Your daily habits play a key role in keeping your garage door in good condition and extending its lifespan. For example, avoid forcing the garage door open if it seems stuck, as that’s a quick way to damage components. Clean the area that surrounds the door frequently, like sweeping up leaves. Additionally, while you should do in-depth self-inspections, taking a quick glance at the door every day could help you notice problems even faster.
Limiting the number of cycles, also known as how many times the door opens and closes, you do in a day, is also beneficial. Park in the driveway sometimes rather than always pulling into the garage, especially if you’re going into and out of the house multiple times per day.
The fewer cycles you allow your garage door to complete, the longer its lifespan may be. Many garage door components have a lifespan of 10,000 cycles. If you park in the garage daily, that’s two cycles per day or approximately 730 annually. At that rate, 10,000 cycles would be about 13 years. Increase use to 4 cycles per day, or two separate trips into and out of the home in a single day, and that decreases to 6.5 years.
Can Installing a Garage Door Cover Affect Its Lifespan?
A garage door cover can help it last longer by protecting it from exposure to harsh weather elements like UV rays, strong wind, and rain. It reduces the risk of warping, corrosion, and other damage that can lead to repairs and replacements. The cover also has the added benefit of changing your home’s look. Contact our team, and we can provide you with more information about the process.
What Is the Most Effective Way to Prevent Garage Door Rust?
Keeping your garage door clean is the best way to prevent rusting. Start by wiping off debris that’s stuck to the door. Rinse with a hose to create a wet base, but never powerwash it. You can then use a car sponge and warm, soapy water to clean the door. Rinse it off again to remove the soap, then dry it with a soft cloth.
Start taking proactive measures today to extend your garage door’s lifespan. Lewis Door Service in Louisville, KY, provides garage door replacements and installations, maintenance, repairs, and more.
Emergency repairs are also available. Call now to schedule services or book an appointment through our website.
