How Long Does a Garage Door Last? (And When to Replace It)

The average garage door lasts 15-30 years depending on material, maintenance, and climate. Here's how different materials hold up: Steel: 20-30 years, low maintenance, can dent and rust Aluminum: 20+ years, rust-resistant, can dent easily Wood: 15-25 years, beautiful but requires regular painting and sealing Fiberglass: 20+ years, won't rust or warp, less common When to repair: - Minor dents or panel damage - Broken spring or cable - Opener malfunction When to replace: - Significant structural damage - Multiple expensive repairs in a short period - Poor insulation causing high energy bills - Major security concerns - You want a fresh curb appeal upgrade A good rule of thumb: if a repair costs more than 50% of a new door, it's usually time to replace.