Garage doors are so often overlooked but are an important part of the home. A beautiful looking, well-maintained door will enhance curb appeal, provide security and make life more convenient! Garage doors do occasionally need maintenance, repairs and sometimes replacement. We commonly get asked many questions about how garage doors work and what services are needed. Here are some answers to a few of our most asked questions!
How Long Do Garage Doors Last?
How long a garage door lasts will depend on its material, usage, and maintenance. A good quality garage door normally will have a lifespan of somewhere between 15-30 years. Garage door openers should generally last between 10-15 years and the springs of the door typically will last 7-12 years if they are 10 000 cycle springs. One cycle means one opening and closing of the door. Keeping up with door maintenance will help to extend the life of your door and its components.
Should I Repair or Replace My Door?
This question depends on a couple of factors, the age of the current door and the severity of the issue. Minor issues such as worn out weatherstripping, noisy operation, or malfunctioning sensors can normally be easily repaired. If your door seems to be consistently needing repairs, or is more than 20 years old, it might be a better investment to just replace the door entirely.
Also, if one or more of the door panels has been damaged, it can sometimes make more sense to replace the door or it may even be necessary. Homeowners can be surprised at how much a single panel replacement is as the cost of the labour also needs to be factored in. In addition, sometimes a matching panel cannot be found as manufacturers do discontinue doors and even a slight variation can stick out like a sore thumb.
How Often Should I Service My Garage Door?
Garage doors require regular maintenance to keep performing optimally and to help prevent normal wear and tear from turning into larger repair issues. A professional inspection and tune-up is recommended at least once a year and especially if you use your garage door multiple times per day, should be done every 6 months.
What Do I Do If My Door Won’t Open or Close?
A garage door that won’t open or close is not necessarily a major problem that you need to immediately worry about. There are a few very simple things you can check before calling a technician. It might sound silly, but check if your opener is plugged in and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If you were using your remote, make sure the batteries are not dead. You can also check your sensors to see if they are misaligned as they can easily be moved even with a slight bump. Call a professional if these suggestions don’t fix the issue. Never try to force the door because you can cause further damage or injure yourself.
Why is My Garage Door Making Loud Noise?
Grinding, banging, or screeching noises definitely indicate an issue and is a common complaint. Luckily many of the issues that cause these loud noises are minor. It possibly is a lack of lubrication, loose hardware, or worn out rollers. If the noise was very loud and sudden however, if can be a sign of something more severe such as broken springs or damaged tracks.
Can I Replace Springs Myself?
Yes, but we strongly recommend not to. Garage doors are extremely heavy and the springs carry an immense amount of tension. If springs are handled improperly, they can cause serious injuries. It is always best to leave springs to experienced technicians who have the training and proper tools to safely install them.
Should I Upgrade to a Smart Garage Door Opener?
It is absolutely worth it to upgrade to a smart opener. They add a whole other level of safety, security and convenience to your home. These openers allow you to control your garage door from a smartphone so you can control your garage door from anywhere. It also allows for alerts so you know when your door has been opened or closed in real time and they can sync with home automation services like Alexa or Google Home.
How Much Does Garage Door Service Cost?
The cost of service will vary depending on the service needed. Routine tune-ups normally range from $100 to $150 while spring replacements can be anywhere from $150 to $300 depending on the type of spring. If you’re looking to replace your garage door the cost can be $800 to $2000 and up depending on the model, style, insulation or custom design. We always provide a clear breakdown of costs before beginning any work so there are no surprises and you know exactly what you are paying for.
If you have more questions, The Door Master is always here to help!