Garage door springs are arguably the most important part of your garage door system because they carry the door’s weight. Over time the parts of your garage door begin to wear down, and eventually, parts become damaged beyond repair or break. If you’re considering replacing your garage door spring, you’re probably wondering how long will your new springs last before they need to be replaced again. We’ll discuss that and more in this post.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Matter?
Garage door springs matter because they carry the weight of the door. Without the springs, automatic door openers don’t have the strength to lift the door open. As the balancing system for the door, the springs help the door opener smoothly raise and lower the door. Lifting the door is more difficult without the support of the springs, trying to open the door with the automatic opener can damage the motor. If you want to open the door manually, you’ll want help from a partner. Again, the door feels heavier without the springs.
What Type of Springs Do I Need?
If you try to DIY your spring replacement, you’ll need to know which springs to order. There are two types of springs: extension springs and torsion springs. Newer garage doors operate with torsion spring systems. Older garages tend to have extension springs.
Torsion springs are located on or in a shaft over the top of the garage door opening. Extension springs are always exposed and located near the door tracks on the left and right sides of the door opening. Springs come in a variety of sizes and lengths and with different ends. Ensure you order the right springs so your door is properly supported. For help ordering your garage door springs, contact a garage door company. Some companies sell parts and offer replacement services.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
Garage door springs have a cycle life. The cycle life of a spring tells you how many times you’re likely to operate a spring before it gives out. Most springs last for 10,000 cycles or 7-10 years↗. Some last longer, and some last less. The cycle length can be shortened by choosing springs that are too weak for the door, they can also be worn out from stress caused by other parts of the door.
Average Cycle Life Expectancy of Springs
Based on our knowledge and reports from other garage door experts online the information below may give you an idea of how long springs should last.
- Standard Cycle Springs: 10,000 cycles
- High Cycle Springs: 25,000 cycles
- Highest Cycle Springs: 50,000 cycles
New Springs Broke?
New springs rarely break within a year. If the springs break, they may be old, defective, or they were not installed properly. Make sure to purchase your springs from a reputable company that can provide a warranty and quality installation.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
Garage door springs typically break because of age, rust, or carrying too much pressure or tension.
The most common reason garage door springs break is because of age— simple wear and tear. Remember, a spring’s life is limited; eventually, the time comes for it to be replaced. Before buying your springs, talk to a pro, make sure you’re ordering the right ones and ask about springs with extended life cycles.
The second reason garage door springs break is because of rust. Help extend the life of your springs by keeping them properly lubricated.
The final reason springs break is that there is too much pressure on them. That’s why it’s important to choose springs designed to carry your door’s weight. If you have a torsion system with one spring, you can consider adding a second spring if one fails. At least with two springs, when one fails, the second is there to reduce the impact of a break.
When Should I Replace My Garage Door Springs?
Inspect the condition of your springs and the entire door system regularly. When the springs show signs of wear, schedule an inspection to determine if it’s time to replace them. Garage door companies also offer tune-up services, and you can schedule annual tune-ups to get the most out of your doors and to catch problems before they turn into disasters.
Knowing when to replace your garage door springs is crucial for maintaining the safety and functionality of your garage door. Here are some key indicators that it’s time for a replacement:
- Reaching the End of the Expected Lifespan: As mentioned earlier, standard garage door springs are typically designed to last for about 10,000 cycles, translating to roughly 3-5 years of regular use. If your springs are approaching or exceeding this lifespan, it’s a good idea to have them inspected and potentially replaced, even if you haven’t noticed any significant issues yet.
- Experiencing Frequent Issues: If you constantly encounter problems like noisy operation, uneven door movement, or a door that feels heavier than usual, it could be a sign that your springs are nearing the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced. Addressing these issues early on can prevent further damage to your garage door and ensure its smooth operation.
- Noticeable Signs of Wear and Tear: If you observe any signs of wear and tear discussed earlier, such as visible damage, corrosion, sagging, or stretching, it’s crucial to replace your springs as soon as possible. These signs indicate that the springs are compromised and could break anytime, posing a serious safety risk.
- After a Spring Breaks: If one of your garage door springs breaks, replacing both springs simultaneously is essential, even if the other one appears in good condition. This ensures that both springs are equally balanced and helps prevent future problems.
Importance of Professional Replacement
Garage door springs are under high tension and can be extremely dangerous if handled improperly. Attempting to replace them yourself can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. It is always best to hire a qualified garage door technician to handle the replacement. They have the necessary tools, expertise, and experience to safely and efficiently replace your springs, ensuring your garage door’s proper functioning and safety.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Wearing Out
Garage door springs play a crucial role in supporting and lifting the weight of your garage door, enabling it to open and close smoothly. Over time, however, these springs experience wear and tear, gradually losing their strength and effectiveness. It’s essential to be vigilant and recognize the signs of aging or damaged springs to avoid potential safety hazards and ensure your garage door’s continued functioning.
Sign #1: Noisy Operation
A well-functioning garage door should operate relatively quietly. If you begin to notice unusual sounds like squeaking, grinding, or popping, it could indicate that the springs are under stress due to wear and tear. The noise often arises from increased friction within the spring coils or at the points where the springs connect to other components of the door system.
Sign #2: Visible Damage or Corrosion
Inspect your garage door springs regularly for any visible signs of physical damage. This could include cracks, gaps, or bends in the metal. Also, keep an eye out for rust or corrosion, particularly in areas exposed to moisture. These signs of degradation weaken the structural integrity of the springs, making them more likely to fail under pressure.
Sign #3: Uneven Door Movement
The springs on your garage door should provide balanced support, ensuring that both sides of the door rise and lower at the same rate. If one side of the door moves faster or slower than the other, creating a crooked or unbalanced appearance, it could indicate that one or both of the springs are wearing out unevenly. This imbalance puts additional strain on the door and its components.
Sign #4: Door Feels Heavier
The primary function of garage door springs is to counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easier to open and close. If the springs are losing their tension and strength, you might notice that the door feels significantly heavier when you attempt to lift it manually. This is a clear sign that the springs are no longer providing adequate support.
Sign #5: Spring Sagging or Stretching
When garage door springs are new, they are tightly coiled and under significant tension. As they age and wear out, they may begin to sag or stretch, losing their original shape and tension. If you notice that your springs appear visibly longer or less tightly wound than they used to, it’s a strong indication that they are nearing the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced.
Important: If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to call a professional garage door repair service to inspect and replace the springs. Damaged springs can break unexpectedly, posing a serious safety hazard.
Is It Safe to Replace My Garage Door Springs on My Own?
Replacing garage door springs can be extremely dangerous, especially if you’ve never done this repair. Remember, springs hold tension. If the spring breaks while holding tension, it could fly off its cable and hit a person resulting in major injuries or worse.
We do not recommend attempting to repair or replace your garage door springs.
Other common questions.
For Help Replacing Your Springs in Dallas or Fort Worth, Contact a Pro
These repairs should be completed by a professional. Schedule an inspection or replacement service with a trusted garage door company.
For service from the friendliest garage door experts in Texas, contact our team at Doorvana. We build, service, and install garage doors in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. We invite you to learn more about our company, services, and products by exploring our website. If you’re ready to talk shop, give us a call at 817-500-5988 or send us a message.
