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How Long Does a Garage Door Last?

Published by Eric Wozny

A garage door is one of the most important and hardworking parts of your property. Whether you use it to protect your vehicles, access your home, or store your belongings, you rely on your garage door to work smoothly and safely every day. But like any mechanical system, garage doors don’t last forever.

So, how long does a garage door last? Typically, garage doors last a couple of decades. However, the exact number will vary based on several factors, including the type of door you have, how often it’s used, and how well it’s maintained.

In this article, we’ll break down the average garage door lifespan, the warning signs of wear and tear, and tips to extend the life of your door, plus, when it might be time to consider a replacement.

Average Garage Door Lifespan

Most garage doors last between 10 to 30 years, depending on the material, climate, and usage. If you’re using your garage door several times a day—as most families do—its components will naturally wear down faster. However, with regular maintenance and prompt repairs, many garage doors can last well beyond two decades.

It’s important to note that while the door itself (the panels and frame) may last a long time, the moving parts—like springs, rollers, hinges, and the opener—often have shorter lifespans and may require earlier replacement.

Factors That Affect Garage Door Longevity

1. Material of the Door

Different garage door materials have different lifespans. For example:

  • Steel doors are durable and low-maintenance, often lasting 20–30 years.
  • Wood doors are beautiful but can require more upkeep. Without proper sealing and maintenance, they may last closer to 15 years.
  • Aluminum or fiberglass doors are lightweight and rust-resistant but may be prone to dents or cracking, especially in cold climates.

2. Frequency of Use

The more you use your garage door, the faster its components wear out. Garage door springs are often rated in cycles—one open and one close equals one cycle. A typical torsion spring is rated for about 10,000 cycles, which translates to roughly 7–10 years for an average household. High-cycle springs rated for 20,000+ cycles are available if your garage door gets heavy use.

3. Climate and Environment

Garage doors in harsh climates—like the cold, snowy winters of Chicago—may wear down faster due to moisture, salt, and temperature extremes. Corrosion, warping, and mechanical stress are more common in areas with unpredictable weather.

4. Maintenance Habits

Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to make your garage door last. This includes lubricating moving parts, checking alignment, tightening hardware, and inspecting the door’s balance. A well-maintained door puts less strain on its opener and springs, extending the life of the entire system.

Signs Your Garage Door May Be Nearing the End

Even if your garage door is still technically working, there are some clear signs it may be time for a garage door replacement.

  • Frequent breakdowns or stuck doors: Constant issues could mean the system is wearing out.
  • Unusual noises: Grinding, squeaking, or banging sounds often point to failing parts.
  • Visible damage or rust: Cracks, warping, or rust spots weaken the door and reduce insulation.
  • Sagging sections: A door that looks uneven or doesn’t sit flush may have structural problems.
  • Outdated opener system: If your door lacks modern safety features or remote technology, a full upgrade could be worth the investment.
  • Poor energy efficiency: Older doors with worn seals or no insulation can raise your energy bills by letting in drafts and moisture.

If you’re experiencing one or more of these issues, a professional garage door technician can help you evaluate whether repair or replacement is the best path forward.

How to Make Your Garage Door Last Longer

Want to get the most life out of your garage door? Follow these tips:

  • Schedule annual professional inspections to catch problems before they become major issues.
  • Lubricate rollers, hinges, and tracks at least twice a year to reduce friction.
  • Clean the door surface to remove debris, road salt, and buildup.
  • Check door balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door manually—if it doesn’t stay halfway open, it may be out of balance.
  • Replace worn weatherstripping to protect the door and improve insulation.
  • Test the safety features on your opener system, such as auto-reverse and photo-eye sensors.

Consistent care not only extends the life of your door but also keeps your family and property safe.

When Is It Time to Replace Your Garage Door?

Even with great maintenance, most garage doors will eventually need to be replaced. Here are a few situations when garage door replacement makes more sense than repair:

  • The door is over 20 years old, and repairs are becoming frequent.
  • You’re upgrading your home’s exterior and want a more modern or stylish door.
  • Parts are no longer available for your older model.
  • You want better insulation or improved energy efficiency.
  • You’re preparing to sell your home and want to boost curb appeal and value.

Replacing your garage door is a smart investment that can improve security, appearance, and performance, especially when handled by a skilled, local expert.

Trust Crystal Overhead Door for Long-Lasting Garage Door Solutions

Whether you’re wondering how long your current garage door will last or considering a brand-new upgrade, Crystal Overhead Door is here to help. With over 50 years of experience serving Chicago homeowners and businesses, we offer reliable repair, expert installation, and honest assessments to help you make the best choice for your property.

Our technicians are fully trained to work with all major brands, materials, and opener systems. We’ll inspect your current door, explain your options, and make sure your garage is working smoothly and safely for years to come.

Call us today to request an estimate or to book repair service. Your garage door deserves nothing less than the best.

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How to Close a Garage Door Manually

We depend on our garage doors every day—press a button, and they lift effortlessly. But what happens when that convenience suddenly stops working? A power outage, a broken opener, or a faulty remote can leave you with a door that won’t budge. The good news is, you don’t have to be stuck. Knowing how to close a garage door manually is an important homeowner skill that can keep your home secure and safe. In this guide, we’ll explain the simple steps to do it safely and correctly—plus when it’s best to call in the professionals. Why You Might Need to Close Your Garage Door Manually Garage doors rely on both mechanical and electrical systems to operate smoothly. The opener uses electricity to lift the heavy door with the help of springs and cables. When something in that system fails—like during a storm or a mechanical issue—you’ll need to manually override the opener. Here are a few common situations when you might need to take manual control: Power outage: If your home loses electricity, the opener can’t function. Broken opener motor or circuit: Electrical faults can stop your opener mid-operation. Malfunctioning remote or keypad: Sometimes the problem isn’t power—it’s the signal. Door stuck halfway: If the door stopped mid-cycle, it may need to be lowered by hand to prevent damage or security issues. Whatever the reason, learning the manual process ensures your safety and your garage’s security. Before You Begin: Important Safety Tips Garage doors are heavy, typically weighing between 150 and 300 pounds. Mishandling them can cause serious injury or damage to the door’s hardware. Always take precautions: Keep children and pets away from the garage door while you’re working. Don’t force the door if it feels stuck—it could mean there’s a broken spring or cable. Use two people for larger double doors if possible. Never disconnect the opener if the door is open and under tension—gravity can pull it down rapidly. If you’re unsure or notice broken parts, it’s best to call an expert for garage door repair. Step-by-Step: How to Close Your Garage Door Manually Here’s the safe and effective way to manually close your garage door when the automatic opener isn’t working. 1. Make Sure the Door Is Fully Down (If Possible) If your door is stuck in a raised position, be cautious—don’t try to pull it down until you’ve disengaged the opener. Make sure the area under the door is clear before proceeding. 2. Disconnect the Power Even if the power is already out, unplug the opener or turn off the circuit breaker. This prevents any sudden movement if electricity returns while you’re working. 3. Locate the Emergency Release Cord Look for a red cord hanging from the garage door opener’s trolley, which runs along the rail that connects to your motor unit. This cord connects to the emergency release lever. 4. Pull the Emergency Release Handle Firmly pull the red cord downward (some may require a slight back pull). This action disengages the trolley from the opener’s carriage, allowing you to move the door by hand. 5. Test the Door’s Movement Once disengaged, lift or lower the door slightly to confirm it moves freely. If it’s difficult to move or feels extremely heavy, stop immediately—this can mean a broken torsion spring, which is dangerous to handle without professional tools. 6. Carefully Close the Door With both hands, gently guide the door down until it’s fully closed. Keep your feet and hands clear of the tracks and rollers. Move slowly and evenly to prevent the door from slamming shut. 7. Lock the Door Most manual garage doors have a slide lock or locking handle on the inside. Once the door is down, secure it so it can’t be lifted from the outside. This step is especially important if your garage connects directly to your home. Re-Engaging the Garage Door Opener When the power comes back or the opener is repaired, you can reattach it easily: Plug the opener back in or restore power. Pull the red release cord again—this time toward the opener unit. Manually lift the door about halfway until you hear a click as the trolley reconnects to the carriage. Test your opener using the wall button or remote. If the door doesn’t move smoothly or reconnect properly, a technician can quickly adjust the track alignment or spring tension. Common Mistakes to Avoid It’s tempting to rush when your garage door is stuck, but doing so can make things worse. Avoid these common errors: Forcing the door closed: If a spring or cable is broken, forcing movement could cause it to snap. Ignoring strange noises: Grinding or popping sounds mean something isn’t right mechanically. Skipping lubrication: A little silicone or garage door lubricant on tracks and rollers goes a long way. Forgetting to relock the release mechanism: If the door stays in manual mode, it won’t respond to your opener next time. A quick inspection from a qualified technician can prevent costly damage later. When to Call a Professional If your garage door doesn’t move easily after releasing the opener, stop immediately. This often means a broken torsion or extension spring, a dangerous component that stores a large amount of tension. Attempting to repair or adjust it without the right tools can result in serious injury. At Crystal Overhead Door, our trained technicians can quickly diagnose and repair any issue—whether it’s a damaged cable, a misaligned track, or a failed opener motor. We’ve been serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for over 50 years, offering safe, reliable, and affordable garage door repair solutions. Keep Your Door Safe and Functional with Crystal Overhead Door Knowing how to close a garage door manually is a great short-term fix, but it’s not a long-term solution. If your opener keeps failing or your door feels unusually heavy, it’s time for a professional inspection. Let the experts at Crystal Overhead Door restore your garage’s safety, performance, and peace of mind. Call us today at (773) 283-6677 for prompt, expert garage door service anywhere in the Chicago area. We’ll make sure your door works as smoothly and safely as the day it was installed.

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How Do You Reset a Garage Door Keypad

Garage door keypads are one of the most convenient features of modern garage door openers. They allow you and your family to access your home without carrying a remote or house key. But like all technology, they sometimes need a reset—whether you’ve forgotten the code, the system isn’t working, or you want to update security. If you’re asking yourself, “How do you reset garage door keypad systems?” this guide will walk you through the process step by step. When to Reset a Garage Door Keypad There are several reasons you may need to reset your keypad: Forgotten code: It’s common to forget the numbers you programmed months or years ago. Security concerns: If too many people know your code, updating it can help keep your home safe. Malfunction: Sometimes, the keypad just stops responding. Resetting it can solve the problem. Battery change: A dead battery can wipe saved codes, requiring reprogramming. Resetting ensures your garage is secure and functioning properly. Step 1: Locate the Garage Door Opener’s “Learn” Button Most garage door keypads connect directly to the opener unit installed inside your garage. On the opener, you’ll find a small button labeled “Learn,” “Smart,” or sometimes “Program.” This button is usually located on the back or side of the motor housing, near the wiring terminals and antenna. Pressing this button puts your opener into programming mode. Depending on the brand, you’ll have about 30 seconds to enter a new code on your keypad. Step 2: Clear the Old Code To fully reset your garage door keypad, you often need to clear the existing code first. Press and hold the “Learn” button until the indicator light turns off or blinks (this usually takes about 10 seconds). Once the light resets, the old code is erased. Step 3: Enter a New PIN on the Keypad Once the opener is ready to accept new programming, go to your keypad and: Type in your desired new 4–6 digit code. Press the “Enter” or “Send” button on the keypad. Watch for the garage door opener’s light to flash or listen for a click—this confirms the new code has been accepted. Step 4: Test the Keypad After programming, test your new code: Close your garage door completely. Enter the new code and press “Enter.” If the door opens smoothly, your reset was successful. If it doesn’t work the first time, repeat the steps. Sometimes the timing between pressing the “Learn” button and entering the new code can be tricky. Troubleshooting Tips Even when you know how to reset garage door keypad devices, hiccups can happen. Here are a few things to check: Replace the battery: Keypads run on small batteries, and weak power can stop them from saving new codes. Clean the keypad: Dust and dirt may interfere with the buttons. Check the range: Make sure you’re close enough to the opener unit when programming. Review the manual: Different brands, like LiftMaster, Chamberlain, or Genie, may have slightly different reset instructions. When to Call a Professional If your keypad still doesn’t reset after a few tries, the issue might be more complex. Wiring problems, outdated openers, or damaged keypads may require repair or replacement. Attempting to handle wiring or internal parts yourself can be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar with garage door systems. That’s where a trusted garage door service company comes in. Professionals can diagnose the problem, replace faulty parts, and ensure your system is secure and reliable. Keep Your Garage Secure Your garage door is one of the main entry points to your home, so keeping the keypad working and updated is essential. Resetting the keypad is usually simple, but when it’s not, you don’t want to risk leaving your property vulnerable. Call Crystal Overhead Door Today Still wondering how to reset the keypad system for your garage? At Crystal Overhead Door, we make it easy. Our team of skilled technicians can reset, repair, or replace your garage door keypad quickly and professionally. Don’t leave your garage unsecured—call Crystal Overhead Door today to schedule service and keep your home safe.

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How to Disable Garage Door Sensors: Safe Troubleshooting and What Not to Do

Garage door safety sensors are small but essential parts of your garage system. They stop the door from closing if something — a child, pet, or object — is in the way. Because they protect people and property, we won’t provide instructions for permanently disabling, bypassing, or overriding those safety devices. Doing so can create a serious hazard and may also violate local codes or void your opener’s warranty. That said, there are safe, legitimate reasons you might need to temporarily operate a door when sensors are acting up — for example, to get a vehicle out during an emergency or to diagnose a problem. Below, we’ll explain how the sensors work, how to troubleshoot common issues, what legitimate override options exist, and why calling a pro is the smart choice. What Garage Door Sensors Do and Why They Matter Most modern garage door openers use an infrared “photo-eye” system. Two sensors sit a few inches off the ground, one on either side of the door. One sensor sends an infrared beam; the other receives it. If the beam is interrupted while the door is closing, the opener reverses to prevent crushing or trapping. Because these sensors prevent injury and property damage, disabling or bypassing them permanently is unsafe. Even if you’re in a hurry, don’t make your door less safe to save a few minutes. Common Sensor Problems and How to Troubleshoot Safely Before thinking about disabling anything, check the basics. Many sensor problems are simple fixes you can do without opening housings or cutting wires. Check the LEDs Each sensor usually has a small LED light. If one or both LEDs are off or flashing in a pattern, that tells you something is wrong (power, alignment, or wiring). Clear the Beam Path Dirt, ice, leaves, or a stray object can block the infrared beam. Wipe the lenses with a soft cloth and make sure nothing is in the way. Confirm Alignment The sensors must face each other directly. If they’re misaligned, the receiver won’t see the beam. Small nudges to the sensor bracket often restore alignment. Tighten Loose Mounts and Wiring Vibration over time can loosen mounting brackets or wire connections. Inspect for loose screws and secure them. Look for damaged or chewed wiring. If wiring looks frayed or exposed, stop and call a technician. Test with the Door Control Use the wall-mounted push button to operate the door. If the door won’t close even when the path is clear, there may be an electrical or logic issue with the opener. Check the Force and Travel Limits Modern openers have adjustments for travel and force. If those settings are off, the opener may think it hit an obstruction even though the sensors are fine. Adjusting those is best left to someone familiar with your opener model. If these checks don’t fix the problem, don’t try to defeat the sensors. Many fixes require opening the opener’s control box or manipulating wiring, and that’s when a professional should step in. Override Options For Emergencies There are safe, temporary ways to operate a garage door in certain emergency situations that do not involve disabling the sensors permanently: Manual release Most openers have a pull cord (usually red) that disengages the trolley so you can lift the door by hand. This is the correct way to open the door during a power outage or if the opener fails. After you use the manual release, you must re-engage the opener properly before relying on it again. Wall control If the opener’s wall-mounted control still works, you can use it to open and close the door. This is not a bypass of the sensors; it simply sends the opener a command and allows the unit’s safety systems to operate. Temporary relocation If sensor alignment is the issue and you need the door moved a short distance for safety reasons, a technician can perform a controlled test or temporary fix that preserves safety features. If you must move a vehicle or get someone out, use the manual release and move the door slowly and carefully. Never drive a vehicle through a door whose safety systems have been defeated. Why You Should Call a Pro (instead of bypassing the sensors) Safety: Trained technicians know how to diagnose root causes without removing critical protections. Code & warranty compliance: Permanently disabling safety features may violate building codes and void warranties. A pro will make repairs to keep your system compliant. Long-term reliability: Temporary “fixes” that bypass safety can create bigger, more expensive problems down the line. Professional repairs restore both safety and function. Quick diagnostics: Pros typically carry the replacement parts and tools needed to fix common problems quickly — often the same day. When to Call Crystal Overhead Door If your garage door sensors won’t cooperate, or if you’re unsure what caused the problem, let the professionals handle it. At Crystal Overhead Door, we troubleshoot sensor faults, repair wiring, realign and replace sensors, and perform full safety checks so your door works reliably and safely. Don’t risk injury or property damage by trying to bypass safety systems. Call Crystal Overhead Door today at (773) 283-6677 for garage door repair. We’ll get your door back to safe, dependable operation—fast.

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