TL;DR:
Garage door springs typically last around 10,000 cycles and are critical for safe, smooth operation. Recognizing signs of wear early can prevent accidents and costly repairs. If your garage door creaks, sticks, or moves unevenly, it may be time for professional spring replacement.
- Garage door springs have a limited lifespan (~10,000 cycles).
- Broken springs can disable your door and pose safety risks.
- Regular maintenance is good, but spring repairs need professionals.
- Timely replacement ensures safety and avoids door damage.
- Space Coast Garage Door LLC offers expert spring services in Melbourne, FL.
Springs are one of the most crucial components of any garage door, regardless of which type you have. These mechanical powerhouses hold significant tension and are responsible for raising and lowering the door. What not all homeowners know is that garage door springs have a lifespan that the manufacturers predetermine. With just a little information, you’ll be able to proactively replace your springs before any issues occur.
Continue reading to learn how to know if your garage door springs are on their last legs.
How Long do Springs Last on Garage Doors?
On average, garage door springs only last about 10,000 cycles of opening or closing. Understanding what to expect from wearing down springs will help you know when it’s time to replace them.
Ideally, you’ll call in service professionals before something breaks. Otherwise, your garage door will be non-functional until the experts arrive. Garage door springs breaking renders your garage door system non-operation. More concerningly, a broken garage door spring can result in a physical accident.
The number of cycles your garage door springs can handle will vary depending on the type of spring your door uses. The years of use you’ll get will depend on how often you use it. Both types of garage door springs—extension springs and torsion springs—will show similar signs of wear before they give up the ghost. However, torsion springs usually have longer lifespans than extension springs.
9 Signs You’re Nearing the End of the Lifespan of Your Garage Door Springs
Springs are crucial for the effective opening and closing of a garage door. As soon as you notice issues, you should replace your garage door’s springs. While most of these issues may signify issues other than the springs, each requires professional diagnosis and repair. At the end of your springs’ lifespan, you’ll likely recognize multiple issues at once.
Please note: garage doors are large, heavy, complicated pieces of machinery. When in doubt, always call an expert for a professional inspection. Regular cleaning and lubrication are excellent DIY projects, but mechanical issues require the appropriate tools and knowhow.
The following are 9 signs that your garage door springs are on the way out:
- A loud cracking or snapping sound while the garage door opens or closes
The audible sound of breaking within a door is never a positive sign. - A strangled sound from the garage door opener
This likely means that your garage door is struggling—don’t force it unless necessary. - Door creeping up or falling when you try to leave it half-open
If your door won’t maintain a mid-level position, the coils might be stretching out. - Door sticking half open or closed
Although this is the opposite of the last sign, it often signifies the same problem. - Door appearing crooked
The longer your door moves incorrectly, the more damage you will do to it. - Door not moving
Always call an expert if your garage door is immovable! - Door struggling or taking longer than usual to open or close
Problems with mechanical operation of the door are often from the springs. - Jerky, uneven movements when in use
Though this may be a simple issue of lubrication, coils are often a culprit when your garage door stops moving smoothly. - Visible space between the spring coils
Coils should always be flush; stretching and spreading are red flags.
Is Your Garage Door Spring Lifespan Up?
When your garage door springs are ready for a replacement, it should be both proactive and professional. Garage door spring coils are under extreme tension, so this task calls for the experts. Timely garage door spring replacement prevents accidents and damage. We exclusively use high quality garage door springs rated for daily use to keep your garage door running smoothly.
Giving your garage door components the TLC they need will protect one of your home’s most valuable curb appeal assets. If you live in or near Melbourne, FL, Space Coast Garage Door LLC is ready and waiting to help. Whenever your garage door needs service, we’ll be there to perform trustworthy, high quality work.
Is your garage door making odd sounds, slowing down, or moving unevenly? Your springs may need our expert touch.