The garage door opener is one of the most important parts of your door’s overall operation and performance. Without one, entering and exiting your garage can get inconvenient fast. But how long do garage door openers last, and how can you tell if yours is going bad?
In this blog post, the garage door experts at Overhead Door Co. of Burlington discuss the average life span of various garage door openers, key insights on how to identify failures early and what to do to extend your opener’s life span.
Average Life Span of Garage Door Openers
In general, there are three main types of garage door openers for homeowners to consider, each offering a different life span due to their difference in construction and durability.
Here’s how long you can expect your garage door opener to last, depending on the type you have:
- Belt drive garage door openers: Belt drive garage door openers operate via a polyurethane, fiberglass or steel-reinforced rubber belt. They’re incredibly durable and can last between 15 and 20 years.
- Chain drive garage door openers: One of the most common garage door openers, these systems operate using a chain to push the connected trolley. They typically last between 10 and 15 years.
- Screw drive garage door openers: Using a threaded-steel rod and trolley, screw drive garage door openers rotate the garage opener motor to function. They also usually last between 10 and 15 years.
Factors That Impact Your Garage Door Opener’s Life Span
Along with the type of garage door opener you have, there are several other factors that can determine its life span, including:
- Extreme weather
- Frequency of use
- Lack of proper maintenance
- Physical damage to the opener or track
- Rust and corrosion
In addition to monitoring these conditions on your own, it’s recommended that you schedule garage door opener maintenance with a skilled professional at least once a year to ensure your system functions for the long term.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Garage Door Opener
In addition to scheduling routine maintenance to keep your garage door opener in proper working order, homeowners can adopt several other strategies to help extend the life span of their equipment.
With so many mechanical components, it’s important for a garage door opener to be well-lubricated to avoid premature wear and tear.
Be sure to inspect key aspects of your garage door opener regularly — including the rollers, track, springs and cables — to ensure everything is working properly. Also ensure that your garage interior is kept clean and free of any obstructions that could compromise the opener during operation.
Identifying Signs Your Garage Door Is Failing
In many cases, an issue with your garage door may be related to the opener itself. If you notice issues with your garage door, it’s crucial to get a professional to inspect it and make the appropriate repair or replacement recommendations for either the opener or the entire door.
Here are a few telltale signs that there’s an issue with your garage door that needs immediate attention:
- Loud, unusual noises from the opener
- Shaking or rattling during opening or closing
- Slow-moving or detached openers
- Unreliable and inconsistent openings
Consult With an Overhead Door Co. of Burlington Professional
If you’ve noticed issues with your garage door opener or are concerned that your system is reaching the end of its life span, Overhead Door Co. of Burlington is here to help.
Whether you need garage door opener maintenance, repair or replacement, our experts offer the comprehensive solutions you need to ensure your system lasts the long term.
Regain total functionality for your garage door by calling (802) 448-4752 to schedule a service with our team today.
