Garage door springs are crucial parts that hold up the weight of your garage door, so it slides open and closed easily. But the springs of garage doors have a short lifespan, and if they break too soon, they can lead to major inconvenience and expensive repairs.
At Easy Garage Door Repair, we replace broken garage door springs almost daily, and we realize that a lot of these failures could have been avoided with proper care and maintenance | Why do garage door springs break so early, and how do I make sure it doesn’t happen to me through the radiator?
Garage Door Springs: What They Are and How Long They Last
There are generally two types of springs that are used on garage doors:
- Torsion Springs – Found above the garage door, these spring extensions rotate to open and close the door.
- Extension Springs – Located on the sides of the garage door, these expand and contract to help the door move.
What is the Lifespan of Garage Door Springs?
Standard springs are rated for 10,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and one close). This works out to be:
- 7 years if used 4 times a day
- 5 years if used 6 times a day
- 3 years if used 8 times daily or more
Garage doors are going up and down all the time, and that’s why it’s important to grab every minute you can out of your springs before they’re going to fail.
Garage Door Spring Severing Causes: Commonly Found
Lack of Regular Maintenance
- Spring maintenance is another important aspect, as these components can withstand a lot of wear and tear, so periodic lubrication and inspection is required to prevent rust and excess strain. Springs, without maintenance, wear out and snap far earlier than expected.
Excessive Door Weight
- But if your garage door is too heavy because it’s out of balance, has broken rollers, or needs insulation, the springs would have to do extra work that shortens their life.
Frequent Use
- If you have a garage door that opens several times a day, the springs will age much more quickly. If your garage gets a lot of use, you may want to upgrade to high-cycle springs.
Rust and Corrosion
- Rust makes springs in garage doors brittle and susceptible to snapping. Rust needs moisture, humidity, and no lubrication to form.
Spring Does Not Fit or Fit Incorrectly
- Installing the wrong type of spring could mean that it is unable to support the weight of the door correctly, leading to premature wear. This is a common problem with DIY installations or shoddily done repairs.
- Garage door springs are essential parts that act as a counterbalance to help open and close the garage door.
Regularly Lubricate the Springs
The simplest and most affordable way to lengthen the life of the garage door springs is through lubrication. Well-lubricated springs lead to less friction, rust prevention, and smooth operation.
How to lubricate garage door springs:
- Apply an agar door lubricant based on silicone or lithium.
- Spray directly onto the springs, concentrating on the coils.
- Remove any excess lube to avoid dripping.
- Replace every 3 to 6 months; more often in humid environments.
Balance Your Garage Door
Springs wear out faster due to the strain put on them by an unbalanced garage door system. Another sign that your garage door is out of balance is if it doesn’t open smoothly when you pull on it manually or if it slams shut with too much momentum.
How to Inspect Garage Door Balance:
- Detaching the opener by pulling the emergency release cord.
- About half open, release it to check that it is holding.
- If the door remains still, it is balanced. If it rises or falls, it means the springs require adjustment.
- If your garage door stays open, call a professional garage door technician to adjust the tension.
Upgrade to High-Cycle Springs
Standard garage door springs have a life expectancy of 10,000 cycles; high-cycle springs can last 25,000 cycles or beyond.
When to upgrade to high-cycle springs:
- In case your garage door is in use over 6 times per day.
- If you are looking to minimize maintenance and future replacement.
- If you’re getting rid of worn springs and need something more durable.
- For a busy household, investing in high-cycle springs is a wise investment.
Prevent Rust and Corrosion
Rust corrodes metal and increases the chance of garage door springs snapping. Keeping them rust-free keeps the springs in use way longer.
Preventing Rust on Garage Door Springs:
Regularly apply a lubricant as a barrier.
- Proper ventilation will keep your garage dry and help control humidity levels.
- If you see any condensation or moisture build up on the springs, wipe it off.
- If you live in a coastal or humid region, you can also consider springs that are powder-coated or galvanized to ensure the best protection against rust.
Don’t Overload the Garage Door
The springs are under even more stress when you add weight to your garage door—insulation panels, decorative hardware, new windows, etc.
How to avoid having problems with excess weight:
- If you add insulation or windows, upgrade the springs so they can support the extra weight.
- Taking care of the rollers and tracks will help reduce strain on the springs.
- If the door feels heavier than it used to and requires more force to lift, you should call for an inspection to see if your springs can handle the weight.
Get a Professional Inspection Once a Year
Having your garage door checked annually can prevent small things from becoming major—and costly—repairs. A certified technician can:
- The springs will also last longer, so look for signs of wear and tear on them as well.
- If the springs are too tight or loose, adjust the tension.
- Check the cables, pulleys, and rollers to make sure the whole system is functioning.
When to book an inspection:
- If your garage door suddenly makes a loud noise.
- If there is a space (gap) in between the coils of the springs.
- If the door doesn’t open properly or struggles to rise.
What To Do When a Garage Door Spring Breaks
Garage door springs that break or snap are not a job for a DIYer — the high-tension springs can be very dangerous.
Steps to take:
- Do not use the door to avoid damages.
- Do not try to lift the door by hand — it will be heavy and dangerous.
- Have a professional Garage Door technician replace your spring.
Garage door springs are replaced with special tools and know-how, so you should always trust an expert with the job.
Final Thoughts
Garage door springs are very important for the proper functioning of your garage door, and by maintaining them, the lifespan of garage door springs can be increased significantly. Regular lubrication, door balancing, upgrading to high-cycle springs, rust prevention, and annual inspections will help prevent springs from wearing out before their time and save you the expense of pricey repairs.
We offer garage door spring repair, replacements, and maintenance at Easy Garage Door Repair. If your springs haven’t snapped, or are starting to wear out, call us today for quick, affordable service.
