Garage doors are an important part of many homes throughout Boise. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also provide a sense of security and ample storage space.
One of the essential parts of a garage door is the opener. The garage door opener lets you easily close and open the door and access its contents. But how long should a garage door opener last?
A garage door opener will last between 10 and 15 years when maintained regularly. However, various factors contribute to the life expectancy of a residential garage door opener.
What Factors Contribute to the Life Expectancy of Garage Door Openers?
1. The Durability of the Garage Door
The garage door opener is the motorized component in your garage that opens and closes the door. You can generally find the motor on the ceiling above the garage door or a nearby wall.
Like any appliance, the life expectancy of a garage door opener will depend highly on its quality and durability. Most garage door motor manufacturers offer warranties between three to five years, although they last much longer.
2. Open and Close Frequency
How long should a garage door opener last? The answer often depends on how many times you open and close your garage per day.
Those who only open their garage door twice a day can double the life expectancy of the garage door opener. However, those who open their door multiple times a day for various reasons may need a new opener every couple of years.
3. Extension and Torsion Springs
The extensions and torsion springs are small yet critical parts that help the garage door open and close. The torsion springs above the door help it close, while the extension springs follow the horizontal track.
Unfortunately, the extension and torsion springs are often the first components to fail as a garage door opener ages. These springs last between 10,000 to 100,000 close and open cycles.
Expect your garage door to work for up to 14 years if you open it twice a day. However, if you open your door frequently, expect a seven-year lifespan.
Most garage door experts suggest replacing other moving parts when installing new springs. This protects the garage door opener and helps extend its overall lifespan.
4. The Type of Garage Door Opener
Not every home uses the same type of garage door openers. Different models offer various benefits and drawbacks depending on your garage door use.
Typically, a belt drive opener has a life expectancy of up to three years longer than a screw or chain drive.
5. Regular Maintenance
The key to extending the life of your door opener is to perform regular maintenance. To put this into perspective, think about your car. To keep your vehicle running for as long as possible, you must replace the tires, change the oil, and perform other routine maintenance steps.
Similarly, regular maintenance can help you extend the life of your garage opener. As your trusted garage door company in Boise, Garage Door Medics can help you extend the life of your door opener with routine inspections and effective repairs.
Signs That Your Garage Opener Is Wearing Out
Even with proper maintenance, your garage door won’t last forever. Keep an eye out for the following signs of door opener wear and tear:
Your Opener Is Making Loud or Strange Noises
If you notice loud or strange noises coming from the garage door opener, your door is wearing down. Before calling a professional, apply lubrication to the springs, door tracks, and rollers.
In some cases, lubricating the moving parts of an opener will kill the noise. Call a professional if you notice the motor still making noises after applying lubrication.
The Door Opens Intermittently
Struggling to open your door with your remote can indicate these different problems:
- Malfunctioning remote controller
- Issues with the tracks or springs
If the garage door doesn’t open on the first try, replace the batteries in the remote. If this still doesn’t work, it could be the tracks or springs. Lubricate the moving parts to see if this fixes the issue.
Schedule a repair if you replace the batteries in the remote and lubricate the moving parts without seeing results.
The Door Opener Is Vibrating
Vibration noises from the garage door opener signify that your system is old and worn down. It could also indicate that the motor is slowly detaching from the ceiling.
Before it falls, grab a ladder and secure it back into the ceiling. Call a garage door professional to ensure that the motor properly secures into the ceiling or wall.
Best Maintenance Steps for Garage Door Openers
How long do garage doors last without maintenance? Not long. Routine maintenance is critical to improving the efficiency of your door and extending its working life.
Thankfully, homeowners can take some easy and inexpensive steps to ensure proper door opener maintenance:
- Regularly lubricate the springs, door tracks, and rollers before every season.
- Ensure that the door properly sits on the tracks.
- Check door sensitivity adjustments.
The easiest way to extend the life of your door opener is to schedule an annual inspection with a local garage door expert.
During an annual inspection, the professional will check every garage door component, looking for signs of common problems. After finding an issue, our team can provide a quick and effective fix before it becomes worse.
Your Local Garage Door Experts
How long should a garage door opener last? The answer ultimately depends on how well you take care of the opener motor. We can help you learn how often to perform a garage door tune-up and when to schedule a replacement.
From opener installation to repair, Garage Door Medics can help you protect your home’s garage door and extend the life of your opener motor.
Call us today at (888) 997-2423 to schedule an inspection in Boise!
