A staggering 65% of US houses constructed in 2019 featured not one, but two-car garages. Almost one in five even had garages capable of fitting three or more vehicles.
If you’re thinking of getting a new garage door yourself, you must factor in a new garage door opener, as well. The opener must be durable enough to withstand the climate of Lake Villa and frequency of use.
So, how long does a garage door opener last? What factors can influence its life span?
We have constructed this guide to help all of your questions and more.
How Long Does a Garage Door Opener Last on Average?
The average garage door opener lifespan is between 10 and 15 years. However, this still depends on the opener’s quality and how often you operate your garage door. Maintenance also influences its longevity.
Durability and Quality of the Garage Door Opener
There are several types of garage door openers: chain-driven, belt-driven, screw-driven, and wall-mounted.
Chain-driven openers are the most affordable, but they’re also the noisiest. That’s because they run on chains and have more moving parts. Because of this, they typically require the most maintenance.
Belt-driven openers are like the chain-driven ones, except that they use a belt rather than a chain. Without the chain, they’re a bit quieter.
The screw-driven openers are the quietest of all, as they have the fewest moving parts. They require less maintenance than chain- and belt-driven openers. They’re pricier, though, but their durability can make up for the extra cost.
Wall-mounted openers are your most expensive options. However, they take up less space and make less noise than chain-driven openers.
The Lake Villa Climate
Humid conditions result in metal corroding at a much faster rate. This occurs due to the high moisture content of humid air. The longer the exposure to humid air, the faster metal parts can corrode.
Now, keep in mind that many areas in Illinois have a high annual humidity rate of about 70%. If you tend to keep your garage door open, humid air can enter the room. The moist air can then start to corrode the metal components of your garage door opener.
Extreme heat and cold can also impact your opener’s longevity.
Heat causes metal to expand and plastic to warp. Over time, this can cause garage door opener parts to crack or become brittle. Heat can also disrupt the opener’s sensors and disrupt wire functions.
Cold interferes with garage door functions as low temps make metals contract. This can affect a garage door opener’s metal chains and a door’s metal tracks. It can make the door difficult to open, placing excessive strain on the opener.
The more frequently those issues occur, the shorter the garage door opener’s life.
Maintenance Based on Frequency of Use
The average US household opens and closes the garage door 1,500 times a year. So, with all due respect, it’s best to shower your garage door and opener with care and respect, as well.
At the very least, you should do visual and audible checks on your door and opener at least once a month. Take note of any weird noises, rattling on the door, or if it takes a lot of time for the opener to respond. If you notice any of these issues, get in touch with a professional garage door repair specialist.
Of course, it’s much better to prevent garage door-related problems with annual servicing. Yearly maintenance can keep your opener functioning smoothly and less prone to breakdowns. The fewer problems it experiences, the longer its service life can be.
Make Your Garage Door Last for as Long as Possible for Your Home in Lake Villa
Hopefully this guide has given you greater insight into the lifespan of a typical opener, and different factors that can alter that lifespan. You now know that it can last from 10 to 15 years. However, that still depends on factors such as the opener’s quality and the Lake Villa climate.
We here at Premier Door Corporation can help you make the most out of your garage door. Connect with us now to have your garage door and opener fully serviced.
