How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

Garage door springs take on the full weight of raising and lowering the door. Without them, your opener would be useless.

But these springs don’t last forever. They’re designed to handle a certain number of cycles, and once they reach their limit, they wear out or break. Knowing how long your springs should last can help you plan for replacement before you’re stuck with a door that refuses to budge.

Let’s dive into what affects garage door spring lifespan and how to recognize when your springs are due for a replacement. 

Table Of Content

The Types of Garage Door Springs and Their Lifespan
Factors That Impact Garage Door Spring Lifespan
Signs That Your Garage Door Springs Are Wearing Out
How to Extend the Lifespan of Garage Door Springs
When and How to Replace Garage Door Springs
Need New Garage Door Springs?

The Types of Garage Door Springs and Their Lifespan

On average, garage door springs last 7 to 12 years, depending on usage and maintenance. But the real measurement isn’t in years—it’s in cycles.

A cycle is one full open-and-close motion. Every time you leave for work, come home or take the trash out through the garage, you’re adding to your spring cycle count.

Now, there are two types of garage door springs, and their lifespans are slightly different.

• Torsion springs (the coiled springs above the door) last 10,000 to 20,000 cycles, depending on the quality and size.  
• Extension springs (the ones that run along the sides of the door) typically last 7,000 to 10,000 cycles and wear out faster than torsion springs.

Torsion springs are more durable and provide better balance, but they’re also more expensive. If you have extension springs, be prepared to replace them a little sooner.

Factors That Impact Garage Door Spring Lifespan

Several factors influence the lifespan of a garage door spring.

Usage Frequency

If you only use your garage once or twice a day, your springs could last 10-12 years. But if your household is busy, opening and closing the garage over six times daily, the lifespan drops to 5-7 years—or less.

Material and Quality

The type of metal used in your springs affects how long they last. Cheaper, lower-quality springs may save money upfront, but they don’t hold up for too long. High-tensile steel springs or those with a protective coating tend to last longer because they resist wear, stretching, and corrosion.

If you’re looking for durability, investing in premium-grade springs can save you from frequent garage door spring replacements down the road.

Maintenance and Lubrication

Garage door springs work under heavy tension, and without proper care, they wear out faster. Lubricating garage door springs with a silicone-based spray or garage door oil helps reduce friction and prevents unnecessary strain.

Weather Conditions

Humidity, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can speed up corrosion and rust formation, thereby shortening spring life. Springs in harsh climates require more frequent inspections and care to avoid premature failure.

Signs That Your Garage Door Springs Are Wearing Out

Garage door springs don’t just break overnight—they show signs of wear long before they snap. Here’s when you should call for garage door repair in Sparks, NV.

Slow or Uneven Movement

If your garage door starts moving slower than usual or feels like it’s struggling, the springs may be wearing down. Weak springs lose their ability to balance the weight of the door. If one spring deteriorates faster than the other, the door may tilt to one side as it moves.

Loud Noises

If you hear a gunshot-like sound coming from your garage, there’s a good chance a broken garage door spring just snapped. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, and when they break, they release that energy in a loud, sudden noise.

Gaps in Torsion Springs

Take a look at the torsion spring above your garage door. If you see a visible gap in the coil, the spring has already broken and needs to be replaced. Springs are tightly wound when new—any noticeable separation means they’ve lost tension.

Difficulty in Manual Operation

Healthy springs help counterbalance the weight of the door and make it easier to lift. If you disconnect the opener and struggle to raise the door, your springs are likely failing.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Garage Door Springs

While you can’t stop springs from wearing out, you can take a few steps to help them last longer:

Maintain and Lubricate Springs Regularly

One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your garage door springs is regular lubrication. Over time, metal-on-metal friction can wear down the coils and lead to breakage. Learn how to oil garage door springs with a silicone-based lubricant every 3-6 months to reduce strain.

Additionally:

• Inspect the springs for rust, corrosion, or stretched-out coils. 
• Look for loose or frayed cables, as they work alongside the springs to lift the door. 
• Clean off dirt and debris that can build up and cause extra strain.

Check and Adjust Spring Tension

A garage door that feels too heavy or flies open too quickly may have springs that need adjustment. You can test your spring balance with this simple method:

1. Disconnect the garage door opener. 
2. Manually lift the door halfway and let go. 
3. If it stays in place, the springs are in good shape. 
4. If it slams shut or shoots up, the tension needs adjusting.

Spring adjustments require special tools and expertise, so unless you’re experienced, it’s best to call a pro to handle this safely.

Even with regular upkeep, garage door springs should be inspected by a professional once a year. A trained technician can spot small issues before they turn into big (and expensive) problems.

When and How to Replace Garage Door Springs

Knowing when and how to replace your garage door springs can save you headaches, prevent accidents, and keep your garage operating smoothly. Here’s everything you need to know to manage spring replacement safely, effectively, and within your budget.

DIY vs. Professional Replacement

Technically, you can replace a garage door spring yourself—but should you? That’s another story.

Garage door springs are under high tension, and if handled incorrectly, they can snap with enough force to cause serious injury or costly damage to your door. If you’re not experienced with tools and don’t fully understand how to safely release spring tension, a DIY attempt could do more harm than good. 

Under these circumstances, it’s best to call a professional for garage door repair in Sparks. A garage door technician can replace the springs safely and efficiently. Furthermore, they make sure the door is properly balanced to protect your opener from unnecessary strain.

Cost Estimates for Garage Door Spring Replacement

The price of a garage door spring replacement depends on:

• Type of springs (torsion vs. extension) 
• Labor costs in your area 
• Spring quality and durability

Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

• DIY Replacement: $50-$150 for the springs alone, plus the cost of tools. 
• Professional Replacement: $150-$350 per spring, including labor. 
• High-Cycle Springs: Can cost $200-$400 but last twice as long as standard springs.

Need New Garage Door Springs?

There you have it—a complete breakdown of how long garage door springs last and what affects their lifespan.

If your garage door is getting harder to open, making strange noises, or has completely stopped working, worn-out springs might be the culprit. Don’t wait until they snap at the worst possible moment- replace them while you still can.

At Thompson Garage Doors, our experienced team provides quick, reliable spring replacement and repair services to get your garage door running smoothly again.

Contact us today and schedule your service—because a dependable garage door starts with springs you can trust.