The lifespan of a typical garage door in Lakewood ranges from 15 to 30 years, depending on factors such as material, maintenance, and usage. Steel doors tend to offer greater durability, while wooden doors generally require more frequent upkeep. Reliable garage door services in Lakewood from Select Garage Doors can help address these needs effectively. Other contributing factors include Lakewood’s weather conditions, periodic servicing, and timely part replacements. Understanding these elements helps homeowners plan for necessary repairs or replacements more efficiently.
What Affects Garage Door Longevity?
How can we tell the average life of a good garage door? Learning these helps give homeowners insights to make a wise decision concerning the material of their garage doors and their maintenance.
1. Material
The duration of a garage door is determined by the kind of material that has been used to construct it. Steel doors, particularly the multi-layered doors, are reported to exceed 20 years with minimal care. Aluminum doors can provide this lifetime, but can be more easily dented. Wooden doors have a traditional look; however, they are subject to weather and may rot and deteriorate unless well taken care of. Insulated doors also have a longer lifespan as they prevent the thermal stress on the inner mechanics.
2. Climate
The garage door’s durability is greatly affected by the local climate. Weather stress and humidity will accelerate wear in rainy areas, or snow, or high wind, such as in Lakewood. Metal doors also corrode in salty air coastal environments. The problems can be prevented by using weatherproof material, e.g., vinyl or treated steel, on the doors and by following a rigorous maintenance schedule.
3. Usage
A garage door reduces its life when it is overused. Every open-close action wears critical parts such as springs, which conventionally fatigue after a definite number of cycles. Garage doors that are subjected to heavy usage, particularly those in commercial buildings, must be made with durable parts to handle the regular use. In the same way, overusing the opener motor reduces its standard life of 10 to 15 years.
4. Maintenance
To increase the longevity of a garage door, it needs regular maintenance. Regular inspection of wear indications, imbalanced lift, or strange sounds gives lots of time to do the repairs and avoids colossal failures. This will ensure that it is operating at all times and will avoid replacement in the future, which would be expensive.
5. Installation
Proper professional installation has a significant impact on garage door durability. Improperly installed doors will most probably experience premature mechanical issues or structural stress. Homeowners who rely upon reputable garage door companies are most likely to enjoy safe, durable systems.
Lakewood’s Environmental Impact
Lakewood’s specific environmental conditions, such as humidity, temperature variations, and sun exposure, directly affect garage door longevity. The residents in the area benefit by employing quality materials and adhering to a routine maintenance schedule to counter such influences.
Humidity
Lakewood humidity can accelerate corrosion, especially on steel doors whose protective layers have worn off. Wooden doors also stand to warp and rot. To combat these, materials like stainless steel or aluminum are recommended, along with upkeep to reduce damage from water.
Temperature
Excessive temperature swings in Lakewood can stress parts like springs, leading to premature failure. Insulated garage doors reduce internal temperature variation and reduce the stress on such parts. Low temperatures also slow down the openers’ function and may result in delay or failure.
UV Exposure
Extended exposure to sunlight causes fading and deterioration of finishes and material strength. Wooden doors and metal doors will have their UV degraded by peeling, cracking, or warping. Appearance and structure are kept by surface maintenance and UV-resistant coating.
Recommendations
Corrosion-resistant materials, insulation, and UV finishes are perfect for Lakewood and guarantee a quality garage door that will last.
Proactive Care Strategies
Whereas the average Lakewood garage door lasts up to 30 years, such a duration is only possible with ongoing care and servicing. Maintenance reduces wear, enhances reliability, and costs less in the long run.
Lubrication
Lubricating hinges, rollers, and springs regularly prevents rust and mechanical wear. Six-monthly lubrication using silicone or lithium-based lubricants significantly reduces wear and allows for smooth operation.
Balancing
An out-of-balance garage door causes uneven lifting and excessive stress on springs and openers. The homeowners can test the balance by lifting the door halfway up and observing whether it stays still. A timely solution to balance issues prolongs the lifespan of the entire system.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning of both the garage door surface and its tracks removes grime and debris that could cause operational problems. Quarterly cleanings with mild detergents preserve finishes and help prevent mechanical jams.
Cost Savings
- Addressing minor wear saves money compared to major repairs.
- Scheduling maintenance avoids sudden breakdowns and emergency service fees.
- Replacing parts like springs proactively extends the overall door lifespan.
Recognizing Replacement Signals
The garage doors present a safety issue as well as a matter of convenience. Being acquainted with the indicators that a garage door needs replacement may save a life, retain the value of the home, and prolong the garage door system.
Noise
Abnormal sounds, grinding, squeaking, rattling, and so on, are almost always symptoms of a mechanical problem. It is possible to fix them at an early stage to avoid further damage.
Speed
Sluggish or erratic door movement may point to aging openers or strained components. Modern openers offer improved efficiency and reduce wear on related parts.
Damage
Visible damage, e.g., rust or dents, affects appearance and function. When repair is nearly half the cost of a new door, replacing is likely the best value.
Safety
Obsolescence in safety features, such as inoperable sensors or auto-reverse, raises the risk of injury. Advances in current systems improve safety and peace of mind.
Planning for the Lifespan and Maintenance of Garage Doors in Lakewood
Lakewood garage door durability is achieved by the selection of the right materials, installation done correctly, and proper maintenance. Day-to-day weather conditions necessitate preventive maintenance to avoid premature wear and tear. Frequent lubrication, washing, and part checking result in smooth operation and increased lifespan.
Using qualified professionals ensures proper installation and reduces potential future problems. While each door is different, small, consistent efforts like frequent lubrication or frequent inspections make a significant difference in protecting the investment and ensuring dependable, long-term operation.
Select Garage Doors
2650 Youngfield Street STE 6, Lakewood, Colorado 80215
Phone: (303) 228-9049