Garage door springs play one of the most important roles in your entire garage door system. They carry the heavy lifting every time the door opens and closes. Because they take on so much strain, it’s natural to wonder: how long do garage door springs last? Knowing the answer helps you prepare for maintenance, avoid surprise breakdowns, and keep your garage door running smoothly.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.
- Torsion springs sit above the garage door and twist to provide lifting force.
- Extension springs stretch along the sides of the tracks to support the door’s weight.
Both types have the same job, but torsion springs typically last longer and operate more smoothly. No matter the type, springs are a wear-and-tear part of your system, which means they won’t last forever.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last on Average?
Most garage door springs last 7 to 10 years, or about 10,000 cycles. A cycle counts as one open and one close of the door. If you use your garage door several times a day, say, to leave for work, return home, and run errands, you could go through more than 1,500 cycles a year. That kind of regular use can shorten the lifespan of your springs. If your home uses heavier custom garage doors, your springs will wear out faster. On the other hand, higher-cycle springs designed for heavier use can last longer, sometimes reaching 20,000 cycles.
Signs Your Springs Are Wearing Out
You don’t have to wait for a spring to snap before you know something is wrong. Watch for these signs that your garage door springs may be nearing the end of their lifespan:
- The door feels unusually heavy when you try to lift it.
- The garage door opens unevenly or jerks during movement.
- You hear loud creaking or groaning when the door operates.
- The door doesn’t stay in place when partially open.
Spotting these warning signs early gives you the chance to replace springs before they break completely.
What Happens When a Spring Breaks?
A broken spring usually makes a loud, startling noise. After that, your garage door often becomes nearly impossible to lift. The motor in your garage door opener isn’t strong enough to safely raise the door without spring support. Trying to force it open can cause damage to the opener or even lead to an accident.
What to Do When Your Garage Door Spring Breaks
If your spring breaks, stop using the door right away. Don’t attempt to lift it manually unless absolutely necessary, and never try to repair or replace the spring yourself. Garage door springs are under extreme tension, and improper handling can cause serious injury. The safest and smartest choice is to call a professional garage door technician. A trained technician can safely remove the broken spring, install a new one, and ensure your garage door system operates correctly.
How to Extend the Life of Your Springs
While no garage door spring lasts forever, you can take steps to help them last longer:
- Schedule regular maintenance: Annual inspections allow professionals to spot wear early.
- Lubricate moving parts: A silicone-based spray reduces friction and strain on the springs.
- Limit unnecessary use: Treat your garage door as an entry point, not a toy or shortcut.
- Upgrade to high-cycle springs: If you use your garage door multiple times a day, ask about stronger springs that last longer.
Why Professional Service Matters
Garage door systems are complex, and every part works together for smooth operation. Replacing just one worn-out component without balancing the rest can shorten the lifespan of your entire setup. That’s why professional service is so important. A trained technician will do more than just swap out the spring. They will inspect the whole system, check for alignment issues, and make sure your door runs safely and efficiently.
Keep Your Garage Door Running Strong with GP Construction
If you’re asking, how long do garage door springs last, chances are you’re already seeing signs of wear. Don’t wait until the spring snaps and leaves your garage door unusable. GP Construction has been serving Columbia, Jefferson City, Moberly, Fulton, and Boonville for over 24 years, and we know how to keep your garage doors in top shape. Our family-owned team handles spring replacement safely and correctly, so you don’t have to worry about breakdowns or injuries.
Call GP Construction today or schedule your garage door spring service online.
