How long do garage doors last?
A steel garage door usually lasts 15 to 30 years, an opener 10 to 15 years, and standard springs about 7 to 10 years (10,000 cycles). Repair springs, cables, rollers and openers. Replace the door when panels are rusted through or cracked, or a repair would cost more than about a third of a new door ($1,200 – $2,800 for a single door in the Triangle).
Typical lifespans
| Part | Typical life |
|---|---|
| Steel door (insulated or not) | 15–30 years |
| Wood door | 10–20 years |
| Opener | 10–15 years |
| Standard springs (10,000 cycles) | 7–10 years |
| High-cycle springs (25,000+ cycles) | 15+ years |
| Rollers | 5–10 years |
| Bottom weather seal | 5–10 years |
Heavy use shortens every number on this list. A door used as the family’s front door can cycle 6 to 10 times a day.
Repair it when
- A spring, cable, roller or hinge broke. These are wear parts, built to be replaced. See spring replacement cost.
- One panel is dented and the rest of the door is sound.
- The opener is under 10 years old and the problem is a sensor, gear or remote.
Replace it when
- Panels are rusted through, cracked or separating in several places.
- The door is uninsulated and the garage is next to a bedroom or is used as a workshop or gym.
- The repair would cost more than about a third of a new door.
- Replacement panels for your model are no longer made.
- You are selling the house. A new garage door is one of the home projects that recovers most of its cost at resale.
What a new door costs in the Triangle
Installed with haul-away: $1,200 – $2,800 for a single 8×7 door and $1,800 – $4,500+ for a 16×7 double door, depending on insulation, style and windows. A new opener runs $550 – $900. See new garage doors and the full price list. If a storm, tree or car damaged the door, check whether insurance covers it first.
Make it last longer
- Every 6 months: spray the rollers, hinges and springs with garage door lubricant (not grease), and wipe the tracks.
- Monthly: put a roll of paper towels under the closing door. It should reverse when it touches it.
- Yearly: a tune-up to balance the springs and check the cables.
Not sure whether to repair or replace? Send us a photo.
Call or text JC’s line. You’ll get a real person, honest advice on what to do right now, and a truck on the way.