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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.

Garage doors are heavy and close under power, so ensuring they're safe should be one of the priorities of a homeowner. Installing at least one sensor is a good start, but it doesn't hurt to have two, especially considering you can install a secondary system for less than $100. Remember that sensors require calibration and simple but regular maintenance checks— installing them is only the first step.

There is a reason many commercial garages and storage facilities have roller garage doors. They stand out as one of the most secure options due to their unique design. The compact installation and absence of visible leverage points on the sturdy aluminum curtain make them a formidable obstacle for potential intruders. 

This is a matter of personal preference. However, building a detached structure is generally considered better if you intend to rent out the new space. The advantage to going with an attached garage addition is that you may pay less for plumbing, HVAC, and other features because you can use the existing systems from your home to carry over piping and wires.