Everything You Need to Know About Garage Door Opener Durability

Most people don't think about how long their garage door opener will last until it starts acting up. A remote problem is easy to spot, but an opener can wear out gradually until one day it stops.

How Long Do Openers Last?

A good-quality opener typically lasts 10 to 15 years with normal use and regular maintenance. Don't confuse that with the warranty: opener motors carry manufacturer warranties from about 6 to 25 years depending on the brand and model, while parts and accessories usually have shorter coverage.

How Your Opener Works

The opener is usually mounted on the garage ceiling, or on the wall beside the door for wall-mount (jackshaft) models. Its motor drives a chain, belt, screw or the torsion bar to move the door, while the springs do the heavy lifting.

What Affects Its Lifespan

• How often you use it: a door opened once or twice a day lasts longer than one that cycles a dozen times.
• Spring condition: worn or broken springs force the opener to lift weight it was never designed for, which wears out gears and motors fast.
• Opener type: belt and wall-mount openers have fewer wearing parts than chain drives; DC motors with soft start and stop are gentler on the whole system.
• Quality: better-built openers last longer.

How to Make It Last

• Keep the door balanced: have the springs checked and adjusted.
• Lubricate the rollers, hinges and springs, and the chain or screw if you have one.
• Keep the tracks clean and clear.
• Test the auto-reverse monthly.
• Book a professional inspection once or twice a year, covering the springs, cables and opener.

Opener Repair in Coquitlam

GVA Garage Doors maintains and repairs openers in Coquitlam and across Greater Vancouver, all year round. Call 604.398.4009.