On average, garage door springs should last between seven and 12 years, depending on the type of spring, how often the door is used, and environmental factors.
It’s easy to forget about your garage door springs, but they play a crucial role in both the daily operation and safety of your garage door. If these springs break or wear out, it can become difficult or even impossible to open the door. Unfortunately, most homeowners have no idea how long garage door springs should last or which factors can impact their life expectancy. In this article, we’ll take a look at the average lifespan of garage door springs. We’ll also compare the different types of springs and cover the main variables that tend to affect their longevity.
Average Lifespan of Garage Door Springs
Generally, garage door springs are rated for a specific number of cycles, rather than a specific number of years. One cycle refers to opening and closing your garage door once. On average, standard residential springs will last for around 10,000 cycles. Depending on how often you use your garage door, this is likely to be around seven to 12 years.
According to the International Door Association (IDA), garage door springs are considered wear components and are expected to fail eventually. If your home has multiple vehicles or you open and close your garage door frequently, the springs will likely reach their cycle limit sooner.
Types of Garage Door Springs
There are several different types of springs that your garage door may feature.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. These springs work by twisting to store energy. Whenever the door opens or closes, the torsion spring gradually winds or unwinds, which counterbalances the weight of the door. Torsion springs typically last longer than other types of garage door springs, often rated for 15,000 to 20,000 cycles.
Extension Springs
Extension springs are mounted along the sides of garage door tracks, and they stretch as the door closes. These springs are more affordable than torsion springs, but they don’t last as long and, according to the University of Notre Dame, have been known to sometimes fail suddenly.
Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Garage Door Springs
There are multiple variables that can impact how long a garage door spring lasts.
Material Quality
The quality of the steel that a garage door spring is made of will impact its longevity. When springs are made from high-quality, oil-tempered steel, they will be very resistant to wearing out and cracking. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), metal fatigue is accelerated when materials are exposed to repeated stress without proper design margins. This is directly related to the quality of garage door spring materials.
Environmental Conditions
Several environmental factors can affect garage door spring longevity. These include humidity, moisture, and significant temperature fluctuations. If you live somewhere with high humidity or extreme temperatures, your springs may rust or lose tension sooner.
Usage Frequency
The more often you open and close your garage door, the sooner the springs will wear out. So, if your home uses the garage door as a primary entry and exit point, its springs likely won’t last as long as they otherwise would.
Comparison of Torsion and Extension Springs
It’s important to remember that generally, torsion springs will last longer, operate more smoothly, and fail more slowly than extension springs. Extension springs tend to be more affordable initially, but they simply aren’t as durable as torsion springs.
Signs of Wear and Tear
Often, garage door springs will display certain warning signs when they’re starting to wear out.
Unusual Noises
When garage door springs are nearing failure, they may start making unusual noises, such as loud bangs, cracking, or snapping sounds. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), garage door springs can release energy suddenly when they fail, which may result in loud noises.
Difficulty in Door Movement
If your garage door seems unusually heavy, opens unevenly, or has trouble staying open, it may be a sign that the springs are near failure.
Visible Damage
You may notice visible damage to your garage door, such as gaps in the spring coils, rust accumulation, or fraying cables. These signs typically indicate that the springs will need to be replaced soon.
Why Professional Replacement is Recommended
Typically, hiring professionals to replace your garage door springs is the most prudent choice.
Safety Concerns
Garage door springs operate under extreme tension. If you try to replace them without the proper experience and equipment, it can be very dangerous. Garage door-related accidents can often result in serious injury or even death.
Expertise and Proper Installation
Professional garage door technicians have the training, knowledge, and experience needed to replace your garage door springs properly. They’ll be able to ensure that your new springs are sized, tensioned, and balanced correctly. If your garage door springs are installed improperly, it can lead to premature failure, uneven door operation, and even safety hazards.
Benefits of Regular Maintenance
Keeping up with garage door spring maintenance can offer significant benefits.
Reducing Rust
If you routinely lubricate your garage door springs, it will go a long way toward preventing rust and corrosion. Keeping the springs clean and properly lubricated will reduce the friction between coils and reduce metal fatigue.
Maintaining Balanced Door Operation
Periodically checking the balance and tension of your garage door is an important part of proper maintenance. If your door is properly balanced, it will reduce the amount of stress on the springs. This will ensure that they wear more evenly and last as long as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions regarding the longevity of garage door springs.
How often should garage springs be replaced?
Most garage door springs should be replaced every seven to 12 years or when they reach their rated cycle limit. If you open and close your garage door frequently, the springs may need replacing sooner.
Is it common for a garage door spring to break?
Yes, breakage is one of the most common problems for garage doors. Springs are designed to gradually wear out over time, but they can commonly break, especially as they get older.
How much does it typically cost to replace garage door springs?
On average, it costs around $150 to $350 to replace garage door springs. The exact cost will vary depending on the type of spring, the size of the door, and local labor rates.
Will a longer garage door spring last longer?
Not necessarily. Other variables tend to have more of an effect on how long garage door springs last, including the quality of the steel, cycle rating, and proper sizing.
