Many homeowners exploit the dependability of their garage door, anticipating the door and opener to function optimally for a long time. Many homeowners know the expected lifespan of their roof and appliances, such as the water heater, but are unsure about the lifespan of their garage doors openers.
There will be evident signs your garage door opener requires a replacement. The initial indication is the opener entirely stops working or starts working intermittently. This can force you to wrestle the garage door by hand in harsh weather or dark. Besides being unhealthy for your back, it is not safe or fun.
Garage Door Opener Lifespan
Your garage door opener provides security and convenience to your home. It is essential to be aware that the average lifespan of a garage door opener might not be the same as your garage door. A garage door opener’s lifespan averages 10 to 15 years. Like the garage door, its durability is determined by several factors, such as daily usage, door type, and quality, construction, local weather, and maintenance. You can keep the garage door opener working for a long time through proper maintenance and attention, just as you do for your garage door.
Signs That You Need To Change Your Garage Door Opener.
Various issues could signify the end of your garage door opener. Whether it’s problems with moving parts or suspicious sounds, the bolts and nuts of your opening mechanism can result in severe issues if you do not address them.
1. Unresponsive or Intermittent Opening
Several things could be the problem if your garage door fails to open when you press the remote control or wall-mounted buttons. Always ensure that the batteries in your remote control are fresh and working.
If the problem is not with the batteries, an unresponsive garage door opener leads to issues with its wiring or logic board. While these can be fixed with extra parts and some spare time, often, it is easier and more dependable to buy a new unit.
2. New Noises
Traditionally, chain drive openers are naturally noisy, their bicycle-like chain was not made to maintain tolerable noise levels, and as the drive chain gets older, the more noise it will produce. Consider replacing it with a newer belt-drive opener to operate quietly.
You should be worried if you have a newer opener that suddenly starts producing extra noise. Call a technician to assess it and identify the source of the noise. Remember that many electric motors get louder when they approach their end. This may mean it’s time for a replacement.
3. Opening then Reversing
When your garage door starts to open and then reverses, this could indicate a problem with the security sensors at the bottom of your door frame. Inspect to ensure the sensors are correctly aligned and consult the garage door opener manufacturer’s manual.
If this does not rectify the reversing problem, sweep the floor covering the garage door threshold to remove debris that may trip the system. It is also advisable to clean each sensor’s photo eye using a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Vibrating
A garage door opener vibrating might not seem like a big deal initially, but monitor it. Older motors with worn armatures or bent shafts may vibrate within their housings. You may also notice the opener shake loose from its mounting points on the structure. If this happens, be on the watch as a vibrating opener can ultimately break free from the mounting and fall. When essential mechanical parts fail, you need to purchase a new opener.
How to Increase the Life Expectancy of your Garage Door
While you have no idea the actual date you will have to replace your garage door, there are steps you can take to ensure that it lasts longer. Instead of regularly repairing a garage door, try some of the following tips to extend the life of your garage door.
1. Use Garage Door Lubricant and Replace Parts
You must conduct regular inspections of your garage door’s parts to ensure they are in good working condition or establish if they need replacing. The garage door contains various components to inspect. It’s advisable to examine features like weather seals and rollers as they are usually cheap replacement components to buy. If you identify these issues and repair them before they fail, you will save yourself a service call.
The panel and springs are among the most costly parts of your garage door opener. When replacing these parts, it would be better to buy quality parts to prolong the garage door’s life.
2. Monitor the Function of the Garage Door
The most vital characteristic of your garage door is its functioning. Many households use the garage door more than their front door to get inside the home. Therefore, it is vital to ensure it is working correctly and establish if you need to replace the door or carry out maintenance.
Every time you open or close the garage door, watch out for any visible changes in the performance. Even though the difference may seem insignificant, it may indicate a more severe issue in the future.
When you notice an anomaly with your garage door, contact a trusted garage door company, such as Central State Door Service, for maintenance.
3. Understand the Warranty of your Garage Door
Peruse over your garage door’s warranty coverage. It will probably have information that hints about the garage door’s expected lifespan. Besides reading your garage door’s warranty, it is beneficial to know its end to help you carry on with maintenance after the expiry of the warranty period.
4. Observe the Spring Function
Purposely, the springs in a garage door work for a particular number of opening and closing cycles before replacing them. Research the kind of springs on your garage door system to establish their cycle amount. Doing this will estimate your spring’s replacement period and when to begin monitoring if their performance starts to reduce.
5. Maintain the Exterior
Cleaning the exterior of your garage door is simple as it requires just a rag and mild cleaning detergent to get a like-new sparkle. Caring for the garage door is also dependent on your garage door type. Common materials for residential garage doors include steel, aluminum, vinyl, and wood.
• Look out for cracks or warping on the wood panels if your garage door is wooden. It is also good to repaint the door if it looks dull or the paint starts to peel.
• Aluminum and vinyl garage door homeowners should look for bends or cracks in the panels. The damage’s extent may necessitate replacing the panels or door.
• Steel garage doors need painting, sanding, and inspecting for rust in exterior panels.
Garage Door Replacement Service
Central State Door Service provides Liftmasters (878MAX, 485LMW, 893MAX). They keep your home accessible and safe. Whether remote access to manage your doors, integrated battery backup, or control house lights through your smartphone, we are your one-stop shop.
Our complete list of residential accessories includes a mini remote, laser parking assistance, keyless entry systems, additional remotes, and battery backup systems. Call us today and request any of these services.
