How Long Do Garage Door Openers Last?
A garage door opener is a motorized device that raises and lowers a garage door smoothly. It is a critical component that makes our lives convenient and the garage more secure. Modern automatic garage door openers are quieter and come with advanced safety features.
However, like all mechanical devices, garage door openers have a lifespan, and most homeowners ignore their garage door opener until it malfunctions. Then, they wonder when the right time is to replace their openers and how to care for them to extend the service life.
How long does a garage door opener last?
Homeowners frequently ask how long a garage door opener typically lasts. Usually, a garage door can last 10-15 years with proper care and maintenance. However, various factors can affect its lifespan, causing it to last longer or fail prematurely.
Factors determining garage door opener lifespan
Garage door usage
How often a garage door is used in a day impacts the opener’s lifespan. A garage door that opens and closes several times a day shortens the life of the opener. The more use a garage door sees, the faster its components like springs and roller wear out, contributing to a shorter lifespan.
Opener type
The type of garage door opener also determines how long it will last. Belt drives, chain drives, and screw drives are the three most popular types of garage door openers. While each has its benefits and drawbacks, the belt drive openers are more durable than their counterparts and may last up to three years longer.
Level of maintenance
The care and upkeep a garage door opener receives impacts its longevity. Regular inspection and maintenance by a professional technician help detect problems early and maximize the service life. Things like lubricating the moving parts, checking the balance, and preparing the door for seasonal weather changes keep the opener working efficiently for a long time.
Opener quality
An inferior quality garage door opener purchased from an unreliable manufacturer can experience frequent breakdowns and a shorter lifespan. Always buy top-quality door openers from trusted providers to enjoy a longer service life.
Signs a garage door opener requires replacement
Look out for these warning signs a garage door opener may need to be replaced soon:
The opener makes loud, unusual noises
The opener is old and outdated
The door takes longer than usual to operate or opens sporadically
Vibrations when the opener is in use
The door detaches from the opener
The garage door fails to open
How to extend a garage door opener’s life expectancy
Here are a few ways to get the most use out of the garage door opener:
Regularly lubricate the moving parts like springs, rollers, and tracks
Fix minor issues and replace faulty parts on time
Balance the door
Perform reversal tests
Perform periodic visual inspection for noticing signs of wear and tear
Consider garage door opener replacement if it is more than 15 years old and its performance begins to show a significant decline. Contact a garage door repair and service company for garage door opener inspection, maintenance, or replacement.
Quality overhead door
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
Our new location:
Quality Overhead Door Inc
1750 N. Rosemont., Ste 107
Mesa, AZ 85205
Office: 480.838.8850 Fax: 480.964.9942
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