The lifespan of a sectional door, depending on a number of factors related to usage, maintenance, and quality of the materials used, may range from 15 to 30 years. Normally, with proper maintenance, a sectional door can last up to approximately 20 years. In commercial settings, when it may open and close many times a day, the lifespan may be reduced to about 15 years. It was observed in residential settings that seldom experience very high usage sectional doors lasting up to even 30 years.
Several factors determine the life expectancy of a sectional door. For example, the material used for the door is critical. The most common is the steel door, which generally has a longer life since it is resistant to weathering and requires less maintenance, costing about $100 to $200 annually. On the other hand, wood sectional doors are more pleasing to the eye but may need more frequent maintenance and have a slightly shorter life expectancy, with an average of 15 to 20 years.
Maintenance is very important in extending the life of a sectional door. The moving parts of the door, such as springs, cables, and rollers, should be inspected once a year. Poor maintenance will result in wear and tear, which can reduce life expectancy by as much as 10 years. In 2022, the Garage Door Manufacturers Association conducted a study that reflected a 30% longer life for homes with well-maintained sectional doors compared to those with minimal upkeep.
For example, a case study in a large residential complex in California proved that sectional doors outlived their expected life by more than 5 years with the addition of professional lubrication and spring adjustments. This proactive maintenance program averaged around $150 per year and greatly improved the overall performance and longevity of the doors.
Another determining factor would be the location of one’s sectional door. For instance, the areas along the shores, because of high humidity and high salt concentrations accelerate corrosion of their metal parts thus decreasing their life. It is always advisable to choose resistant materials and increasing their rate of check ups.
For those interested in learning more about sectional doors, including their lifespan and maintenance, further information is available on the official sectional door page.