The springs are probably the most “worked” and most important of all the working parts on a garage door. They are responsible for opening and closing the door and for making that door feel light enough to lift with a single hand. Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds and require serious heft to lift. That’s why garage door springs are tasked with such hard work and why it’s essential to understand their lifespan and what you can do to improve them.
The average lifespan of most garage door springs is 10,000 to 20,000 cycles. A “cycle” is defined as opening and closing the door one time. Leaving the garage in the morning and returning after work would be two cycles per day. Of course, how frequently you use your door, whether it is adequately maintained, and other factors will determine precisely how long you can expect your garage door springs to remain in good condition.
What Type of Springs Do You Have?
Your springs are a significant factor in determining how long your garage door springs will last. Older garages may have extension springs, which only last about 10,000 cycles. Newer garages have torsion springs, which will offer 15,000 to 20,000 cycles, depending on their features. Extension springs run parallel to the garage door tracks for easy identification, while torsion springs are installed above the door opening on the wall.
Once you know what kind of springs you have, you’ll have a better idea of how long you can expect them to last. Of course, that also depends on how well they’ve been maintained and cared for over the years.
Garage Door Maintenance
Garage door springs require regular maintenance and care, like all parts of your door. The springs should be regularly lubricated and checked for potential damage. You should also routinely inspect garage door and spring security features. You’ll want an inspection at least once a year from a garage door professional to ensure that your door and its parts are all in good working order.
Several maintenance elements can affect the longevity of your garage door springs, including how well-balanced your door is. If the balance is off, the weight increases significantly, and that can damage the springs or cause the need for additional maintenance and upkeep.
When Should I Replace My Garage Door Springs?
Ok, we've mentioned that garage doors will last for a certain number of cycles—but what does that mean? Well, that depends on how much you use your door. For extension springs, 10,000 cycles usually give people three to five years of good use before they need replacing. Torsion springs can last up to seven years or more, depending on their quality, features, and other factors.
If you think your garage door springs might need replacing, or if you need to schedule your routine maintenance, contact a garage door expert today. They can perform an inspection and maintenance and let you know where your springs are at in their lifespan so that you can plan accordingly.