Garage Door Openers Lifespan
How Long Do Garage Door Openers Last?
Your garage door opener is one of the most critical components of your garage door entry system. You use it when you pull your car out to go to work and when your kids want to get their bikes and toys out for some fun in the sun. If your garage door opener is working efficiently, you probably don’t think about it at all — until something goes wrong.
That’s why it’s important to know how long your garage door opener will last and how you can take better care of it.
Your garage door opener is the mechanical system that lifts and lowers your garage door and connects to other important components like springs, tracks, and rollers. For most homeowners, the average life expectancy of a garage door opener will typically range from 10 to 15 years, given the proper care and maintenance, your garage door opener can last a long time before needing to be replaced. With that in mind, there are a few factors that can either increase or decrease the lifespan of your operator.
Factors that impact the lifespan of your operator:
These are just some factors that can impact the life expectancy of your opener. Different lifestyles and activity levels mean that your garage door may be used more or less than other garage doors. Ask yourself the following questions.
The Frequency of Use Your Opener Gets will Impact its Lifespan
How often you use the opener will have a significant impact on its lifespan. If you use your opener twice a day — when you pull your car out in the morning and pull it in the garage at night — your opener will most likely last you 10 to 15 years. However, if you’re opening the garage door several times a day for your car, the kids’ bikes, yard equipment and more, it will probably wear out a bit faster.
What Kind of Opener Do You Have?
Your garage most likely has one of three types of garage door openers. Each system has its own maintenance needs based on the number of parts it has, the way it functions and its strength.
The three systems are chain-driven, belt-driven and screw-driven. The screw drive openers are the noisiest type of opener, but it’s the easiest to maintain due to its small amount of parts. The belt drive is the smoothest and quietest of the three. The chain-drive is the least expensive and requires a decent amount of maintenance. With each of these differences, the life expectancy can vary between the style of operator you have installed. For example, belt-driven operators can last as long as 15-20 years compared to the average 10-15 years for a chain-drive operator model.
By performing the right kind of maintenance for your garage door opener, you can prolong its life expectancy. If you’re looking for an operator that will go the distance without sacrificing any popular features, a belt-driven operator such as the Elite Series 870504-267 is a great option. This operator not only performs well, but also comes with 1080p video capabilities, wi-fi connectivity, and even a battery backup for power outages.
Other garage door opener styles can still go the distance such as the available chain-driven model, the Elise Series 8587W. While this operator doesn’t have all the video capabilities of the 870504-267, this residential operator comes packed with Security+ 2.0® features to keep your home secure for the long haul.
Are You Performing Regular Garage Door Opener Maintenance?
Maintaining your garage door is crucial, especially if you use it often. Lubricating the springs, hinges and rollers help keep parts from grinding, rubbing and wearing down. It’s best to do this in the winter and summer. If you have a chain-drive or belt-drive, you should check that the belt or chain is tight. You should also check nuts and bolts and tighten them if necessary. These kinds of services can keep the essential parts of your opener working efficiently for many years.
Contact the Professionals for Garage Door Opener Maintenance
Your garage door opener is an investment you want to last as long as possible. If it’s making unusual sounds or it’s not working correctly, you might need repairs or a replacement. When that time comes, feel free to contact A Better Door Co., Inc. Our family-run business has served the Long Island area for over 30 years. You can count on our team to make sure your garage door and its components are in good shape.
Contact us to learn more or request an estimate for garage door opener maintenance.
The Benefits of Sealing a Garage Door
The Benefits of Sealing a Garage Door
Your garage is an extension of your home, so it’s important to keep it at a decent temperature and protect the items inside from lousy weather. If your garage door isn’t sealed, it’s time to change that.
Why You Should Seal Your Garage Door
One of the biggest benefits of garage door sealant is that it offers protection against severe weather conditions. Imagine a terrible thunderstorm. Water floods your driveway and starts leaking in under the garage door, leaving the floor wet and your items possibly damaged. If that water freezes, you also have a safety hazard. By sealing your garage, you can avoid this situation.
Another benefit is energy efficiency. Just like a sealant blocks out bad weather, it can keep out extreme cold air and hot air. By keeping out heat waves or freezing winds, the sealant lets you maintain a comfortable environment for your family.
Different Types of Sealants
Weather sealing your garage door is a great decision. Before you get started, though, you have to choose what kind of sealant would work best for you. There are a few types of sealants to choose from:
- Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is a thin plastic material that gets attached to all four sides of your garage door. It protects the garage from moisture, severe weather and air exchange.
- PVC Molding: PVC molding is a plastic that’s nailed to the sides and top of a wooden garage door to protect it from insects and wear and tear. Plus, it seals any gaps where the alignment of the door is off.
- Bottom Seals: Great for keeping your garage floor clean, a bottom seal will stop water, snow and dirt from entering your garage.
There are lots of options available, but keep in mind that more expensive sealants tend to be more durable. You could save money in the long run by investing in a quality sealant that will keep your garage safe.
How Is the Sealant Installed?
First, you need to take measurements of the garage door. If an old sealant is already in place, it will need to be removed once the new weather sealing is ready. After double-checking the measurements, you can cut the weather sealing material to fit your door.
Attach the sealant with nails. You’ll probably want to use a power tool. While some people choose to glue sealants to the garage door, this method isn’t ideal. The glue won’t keep the sealant in place long, and it can make it difficult to remove. Once you’ve nailed the seal in place, you can trim it to the exact shape of your garage door. Test the sealant by opening and closing the garage door to ensure it stays in place.
Call A Better Door Co., Inc for Your Weather Sealing Installation
There are many reasons why you should seal your garage door. If you aren’t sure how to do it, A Better Door Co., Inc can help. We have expert garage door servicemen who can do the installation for you. Contact us to learn more or get a free estimate.
How to Fix a Noisy Garage Door
How to Fix a Noisy Garage Door
Your garage door plays an essential role in your home. It protects you from extreme temperatures, shelters your cars during harsh weather and locks out intruders. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with maintenance and fix problems as they arise. If your door is noisy, it might be more than an inconvenience. Do some research to ensure it’s nothing serious.
Maintenance on a noisy garage door can be a quick fix if the problem is simple. Whether you have old parts that need replacing or need to lubricate hinges, you could have a quietly functioning door in no time. Try the following solutions if your garage door is making loud noises.
1. Clean and Properly Secure Garage Door Parts
A straightforward fix is to clean your garage door parts and make sure they’re correctly installed. As your garage door opens and closes throughout the years, it’s bound to accumulate dust and dirt. Remove these particles to ensure your garage door is running right. Take a damp towel and wipe the hinges, rollers, springs and rails.
After cleaning the parts thoroughly, you should also check that the nuts and bolts holding these parts together are tight and secure. A rattling noise is typically a sign of loose parts, especially rollers or rails. Use a socket wrench to retighten areas as needed.
2. Inspect and Lubricate Moving Parts
Squeaking and grinding noises usually come from parts that are worn down. Most commonly, you’ll find that your rollers, springs and hinges need lubrication from the door’s constant movement. Have someone open or close the garage door while listening closely to where the sound is coming from.
Once you’ve located the problematic area, use a garage door lubricant to facilitate the part’s movement. Afterward, check on that part often. If you run into issues with it again, it may be time to replace the piece altogether.
3. Perform Garage Door Opener Maintenance
If you have a garage door system with a chain, the chain could make a lot of noise if it’s not maintained. Your garage door could suffer damage if the chain loosens. Be sure to inspect the chain and adjust the stress as you see fit. Lubrication is also critical.
Another garage opener system is the belt-drive. Like the chain-drive system, the belt-drive uses a belt to move your garage door up and down. Like a chain-drive, the belt can loosen or create slack, which negatively affects your garage door. Ensure that your belt is well-adjusted to open and close the garage door efficiently.
Have a Professional Take a Look
If you’ve tried these solutions and are still wondering why your garage door is noisy, give A Better Door Co., Inc a call. Family-owned and run for 30 years, our company has loyal and trusted employees that will service your garage door and provide the maintenance it needs. You’ll receive constant communication from our office until you are fully satisfied with our work.
Endorsed by the Better Business Bureau, we have a reputation that speaks for itself. To learn more about our professional garage door maintenance services, contact us today.