How to Make Your Garage Door Last as Long as Possible

Keep your garage door in tiptop shape, and you’ll prolong its life. Considering regular wear and tear, how long will a garage door last? That depends. First, the manufacturer provides an official estimate. Also, your garage door’s construction materials are of exceptional quality, your garage door is bound to last considerably longer than average.

We usually don’t think much about our garage door, but the truth is, it plays a major role in your property’s value and curb appeal. Choosing to install a brand-new garage door, since it can be a significant purchase, is a big decision. Instead, you can simply keep the garage door you have, and maintain it well, so it will stay in good condition for as long as possible. Ideally, you will keep it functioning and looking as good as you can, and for as long as you can.

Nowadays, garage doors are of better quality than they used to be. They’re manufactured according to much stricter safety standards. A prime-quality garage door helps provide a barrier for maximum reduction of heat transfer into your garage. Door sections of excellent-quality garage doors are thoroughly tested and offer superior warranties.

Your garage door is actually the largest operating appliance at your home. Be sure to keep it in superb working order. Especially if your garage doubles as a shop, game room, or office, you’ll need to have a well-maintained garage, which includes beginning first with a solid and resilient garage door.

Follow a maintenance schedule. Follow a regular upkeep schedule recommended by the majority of garage door expert technicians. For extraordinary safety, inspect the components of your garage door system once a month. Replace any worn parts, and tighten any loose bolts. If you hear any unexpected noises whenever your garage door shuts or opens, be sure to investigate. If you find issues with wires, pulleys, springs, and cables, your garage door will definitely require attention from a professional. And, it’s recommended that you schedule an annual inspection with a dependable local garage door repair service.

It’s well worth the time and effort required to maintain your garage door. You’ll save money in the long run. You won’t spend a lot on repairs, and you won’t have to replace it for a good number of years.

Keep it lubricated. Garage door springs typically last for about 10 years. The most common reasons garage door repair is needed are broken springs and cables. To do as much as you can to prevent the need for repairs, keep your garage door springs, hinges, and rollers lubricated.

Without any lubrication, your garage door springs will rust, and the coils will bind. Don’t use anything too heavy, or it will attract more dirt and grime. A light coating is all you’ll need.

Most garage door professional technicians advise that you must keep the springs lubricated annually, right before the winter arrives; some say to do it every three months. In any case, it won’t dry out if you use a reputable brand.

You can also do your part to lengthen the life of your garage door opener. Most garage door openers can last 20 years. Regularly monitor the opener's main gear. Open the case, and lubricate the main gear using white lithium grease.

Keep it balanced. At least twice per year, check the balance:

1. Disconnect the door from the opener, and operate it manually: Pull down on the rope hanging from the opener to disconnect the door, so you can lift it up by hand.
2. Your owner's manual will provide instructions on how to reattach the garage door to your garage door opener.
3. At about 3 or 4 feet from the floor, your garage door should balance. If it’s too heavy, if there's resistance, or if the door doesn't stay all the way up, you’ll need to adjust the spring, so hire a garage door expert.

Keep it clean. You’ll make the garage door last longer by washing it well, on both sides, at least annually, using a sponge and clean water with mild dish soap. Rinse it well. Include the garage door opener sensor eyes: Use a clean, dry cloth. Keep the area around the sensors free of cobwebs and dirt.

• Is your garage door made of steel? Wash it, at a minimum, every 2 years. For added cold-weather protection, put on car wax.
• Is your garage door made of wood? If you ever discover any signs of peeling and chipping, you will maintain stellar curb appeal with a fresh coat of paint.

Keep it working.

1. Operate your garage door one complete cycle (open and shut), making sure it’s working smoothly.
2. Examine the automatic reversing garage door opener feature: As the door goes on its way down, grasp it to give it a little resistance, to find out if it reverses. If it doesn't, then the opener's sensitivity must be adjusted by a garage door professional.
3. If your garage door doesn’t reverse, or if you discover any other issues, hire a qualified garage door expert to inspect, adjust, repair, or replace what’s required.

Keep it safe. Be sure to regularly check the garage door's safety features. Wave in front of the electronic eyes to test the door's safety sensors. The garage door should go back up when the beam is broken.

Take caution! Unless you’re an engineer, DON’T adjust the spring tension of your garage door by yourself! Only a highly qualified garage door professional technician will be able to provide the correct maintenance necessary. Your garage door springs pack a punch, so if not serviced properly, they can actually cause serious injury, and even death. Along with the garage door springs, the cables, drums, and bottom brackets (which the cables attach to) are all under high pressure.

If any of your garage door components needs adjusting or replacement, hire a premium-quality local garage door repair company you can rely on. If you’re located in Kendall, Florida, consider a legitimate company such as the aptly named Kendall Garage Door Pros.