Your garage door does a lot of heavy lifting, from keeping your car safe to adding curb appeal to your home. However, just like anything with moving parts, it won’t last forever. Knowing when to repair or replace parts of your garage door can save you time, money, and potential hassle down the road.
In this blog, we’ll explore the expected lifespan of key garage door components, signs they might need attention, and when it’s time to repair versus replace. With a few garage door maintenance tips, you can keep things running smoothly and extend your garage door’s life!
Importance of Routine Maintenance
Garage doors often operate daily, yet they’re easy to overlook—until something goes wrong. Routine maintenance can go a long way in preventing common garage door issues, such as noisy operation or doors that won’t open or close properly.
Regular checks help spot wear and tear early, which can mean the difference between a simple fix and a more costly replacement. Plus, with regular upkeep, you’re more likely to keep your door running efficiently, extending the overall garage door lifespan.
Cables
Garage door cables are essential for supporting the door’s weight and helping it open and close smoothly. They work together with the springs to hold tension, balancing the door’s movement. Garage door cables typically last around 7 to 10 years, though they can wear out sooner with frequent use or exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Signs of Wear and Tear
Signs that your garage door cables may need attention include:
- Fraying or Rust: Look for visible frays, rust, or kinks in the cables. These are signs that the cables may be weak and on their way out.
- Uneven Door Movement: If one side of the door rises faster than the other or moves roughly, this could indicate a problem with the cables.
- Loud Squeaking Noises: Cables that need lubrication or are becoming worn out often make noticeable squeaking or grinding sounds.
Regularly checking for these warning signs can help you avoid unexpected cable issues. Addressing them early on may allow for simple repairs, whereas neglecting them could lead to sudden breakage and the need for a full replacement.
Repair vs Replace
Repairing cables is typically possible if you catch the damage early, such as minor fraying or rust that hasn’t compromised their overall integrity. In some cases, cleaning and lubricating the cables may be all they need.
However, if cables show significant damage or rust, it’s often best to replace them entirely. Replacing cables is a more secure option and avoids unexpected breaks or costly repairs later on.
Garage Door Springs
Springs play a crucial role in lifting and balancing the garage door’s weight. Over time, they can weaken and break, especially if they’ve been under a lot of stress. Garage door spring replacement is usually necessary after about 10,000 cycles or roughly 7-10 years of normal use.
Signs of Wear and Tear
Here’s how to tell if your garage door springs might need attention:
- Visible Gaps in Springs: If there’s a gap between the coils in the spring, it’s a clear sign that the spring is broken.
- Sagging Door When Open: If your garage door sags or appears uneven when it’s halfway open, the springs may be wearing out.
- Loud Bang Sound: If you’ve ever heard a loud bang from your garage, it could be a spring snapping. This is a clear sign that a replacement is required.
Springs are a critical component in your garage door, and faulty springs can lead to more significant issues with other parts if left unchecked.
Repair vs Replace
Springs are usually replaced rather than repaired due to the tension they hold. Attempting to repair springs can be dangerous if not done correctly, and it’s generally more cost-effective to replace them.
In the case of broken or stretched springs, opting for a full garage door spring replacement ensures safer, smoother operation.
Rollers and Tracks
They guide the door as it opens and closes. These components are prone to wear, particularly if they’re not kept clean and lubricated.
Signs of Wear and Tear
Watch for these signs that indicate the rollers or tracks may need maintenance:
- Grinding Noises: If your garage door is making grinding sounds, it’s often due to worn-out rollers or misaligned tracks.
- Jumpy Movement: When rollers or tracks start to wear down, the door may not move smoothly.
- Visible Damage: Dents, cracks, or signs of rust in the tracks can indicate that the door’s alignment may be off or that the parts are wearing down.
Regularly inspecting these components and lubricating the rollers can help extend their life.
Repair vs Replace
Minor issues with rollers or tracks, such as light rust or small dents, can usually be fixed by cleaning or realigning the tracks.
However, if the rollers have flat spots or the tracks are severely bent, it’s often better to replace them. Replacing worn-out rollers can prevent further issues with the door’s movement and alignment.
Sensors and Openers
Garage door openers and sensors are vital components in modern garage doors, offering both safety and convenience. However, both components have a limited lifespan and may require replacement after about 10 to 15 years.
Signs of Wear and Tear
Signs that your sensors or opener may need attention include:
- Inconsistent Operation: If the door opens and closes erratically or fails to respond, the opener may be on its last leg.
- Flickering or Faulty Sensors: If the sensors are misaligned or dirty, they might prevent the door from closing, often indicated by a blinking light.
- Noisy Operation: Garage door openers that make unusual sounds may be worn out or require repair.
To avoid common garage door issues related to openers and sensors, check that they are clean and aligned. A quick reset or alignment may solve minor issues.
Repair vs Replace
If the garage door opener or sensors have minor issues, a technician can often adjust or repair them.
However, if your opener is outdated, loud, or fails to respond consistently, replacing it with a newer, more efficient model is often more cost-effective.
Understanding the lifespan of your garage door’s components and knowing when to repair or replace them can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Regular garage door maintenance, such as checking for wear and tear and addressing issues early on, can help extend the life of your door and its parts.
When you see signs of wear, whether it’s cables, springs, rollers, or openers, deciding between repair and replacement becomes easier.
Keeping up with these garage door maintenance tips will ensure your garage door stays in good shape and operates safely for years to come.
If you ever feel unsure about when to replace a garage door component or need expert assistance, RCI Doors™ is here to help! Contact us for reliable repair and replacement solutions tailored to your needs. Schedule a call now!
