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Since garage door torsion springs have tightly wound coils under massive tension, they can cause serious injury while attempting to service them. A broken spring can also cause the garage to close rapidly, causing injuries. That’s why any adjustments or replacements of a torsion spring should only be conducted by a trained professional.

Extension springs are just as dangerous as torsion springs—especially when they break. These springs can become projectiles and may cause serious injury or property damage.

You should lube your garage door components every three to six months depending on how frequently you open and close the door. Lubricant helps keep garage door components operating smoothly for longer; you can expect a much longer lifespan out of a garage door when you properly care for it, including frequent lubrication. Regular maintenance is much more affordable than the cost of replacing a garage door prematurely.

On average, a garage door can last between 15 and 30 years. However, this lifespan is influenced by several factors, including the quality and material of the door, local climate conditions, and how frequently it is used and maintained.

Key factors affecting longevity include:

• Material: Wooden doors can last 20 to 30 years or more, while steel doors typically last 15 to 20 years. More robust options, like triple-layer steel, can last 25 to 30 years with proper care. The number of layers in a door also contributes to its durability, with each additional layer potentially adding five years to its life.

• Maintenance: Regular inspections, cleaning, and immediate repairs can significantly extend the life of your garage door.

• Usage and Climate: Doors in harsh climates or those used very frequently may wear out faster.

• Components: Individual parts have different lifespans. For example, automatic openers may fail sooner than the door itself without regular maintenance, and garage door springs typically need replacement every 7 to 12 years.

While the door panels are designed to last as long as the door, they should be replaced sooner if they become visibly damaged, impact the door's smooth operation, or create a security risk.

A garage counts toward the official square footage of a house if it is considered livable space. For a garage to qualify, it typically needs to be attached to the home and have permanent finishings like proper insulation, finished walls, and ceilings. It must also be livable year-round, which requires adequate heating, cooling, and ventilation. The exact legal requirements for what constitutes living space can vary by location.