Replacing your garage door can be a significant expense so it is rather important to understand what type of warranty is included in your purchase. There are some general components that you can expect to have protection on but there can be a wide range of coverage depending on the garage door company you use, the door manufacturer and model that you select. For this reason, it is vital to have a full understanding of what is covered and what is not. We will discuss here a bit about what you can typically expect in terms of warranty on your newly purchased garage door.
First of all, there are normally two types of warranty that come with garage doors.
- Manufacturer warranty.
This warranty will cover manufacturer defects. It will include coverage on the door
components such as the door panels and hardware. In some cases it may even include
the opener.
- Installer warranty.
This will cover any problems that occur from the installation process. If the door was installed incorrectly and caused failure or if the installer did not follow the guidelines of the manufacturer.
So what is typically covered?
- Hardware. This will include components of your garage door such as springs, cables, and rollers. You can expect hardware to be covered by warranty for around 1-3 years, however this can range. Sometimes you may be able to purchase additional warranty or may have a longer warranty if you invest in a higher-end door.
- Door panels. Most manufacturers will cover defects in the door panels such as cracking and warping for 5-10 years. This again can vary depending on the manufacturer and some high-end doors may be covered under a lifetime warranty.
- Paint/finishing. Not all doors will come with warranty on paint and finish but can sometimes be included. If the door has this type of warranty, it generally will cover chipping, peeling and fading for around 1-5 years. Once again, if you are purchasing a high-end model, you may get extended coverage.
- Opener. Your opener is normally covered under a separate warranty if you purchased it with your garage door. Opener coverage will usually include premature failure of the motor or electronic components for 1-5 years.
What is not covered?
- Wear and tear. Parts of your door will degrade over time with normal usage of your door.
- Miseuse and negligence. Doors that have been used against the manufacturers recommendations or have been poorly maintained resulting in failure will not be covered. To keep your warranty in good standing, be sure to carry out regular maintenance such as lubrication.
- Accidental damage. Damage caused by any accident such as a vehicle hitting the door will not be covered by warranty.
- Non-original parts. Using parts that are not approved by the door manufacturer may void warranty.
It is necessary to thoroughly read the warranty before making a garage door purchase so you can have a good understanding of the coverage. It is crucial to make an informed decision. Some warranties can even be transferable, meaning if you were to ever sell your home it would transfer to the new owners. It is also important to understand how to properly maintain your garage door to prevent warranty from being voided and to keep your garage door in good working condition.