It’s a question that many homeowners ask – how often do garage door springs need to be replaced? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer.
The lifespan of a garage door spring can vary depending on the quality of the spring, its usage, and the environment it’s exposed to. However, with regular maintenance and proper care, your garage door springs should last anywhere from 5-10 years. Knowing when they need to be replaced can help prevent expensive and potentially dangerous accidents.
So, how do you know when it’s time for a new set of springs? Keep reading to find out.
How Often Do Garage Door Springs Need to Be Replaced?
Garage door springs are designed to last for a specific number of cycles, and each spring has a different lifespan. Most garage door springs are rated to last 10,000 cycles (5-10 years).
However, this is just an average – some garage door springs may last longer, while others may need to be replaced more frequently. Factors that can impact the lifespan of your garage door springs include the weight of your door, the type of spring you have, how often you use your garage door, and whether or not proper maintenance is performed on the springs.
If you use your garage door daily, or if it’s particularly heavy, you may need to replace your springs more often.
First, Do You Have Extension or Torsion Springs?
The type of spring you have will also impact how often it needs to be replaced. There are two types of garage door springs – extension springs and torsion springs.
Extension springs are located above the tracks on either side of your door, and they work by stretching out as the door is raised. Torsion springs are located above the garage door opening, and they work by twisting as the door is raised.
Torsion springs are typically more durable than extension springs, and they also require less maintenance. However, both types of springs will eventually need to be replaced – it’s just a matter of when.
Signs that Your Extension Springs Are Exhausted
Before we dive into how often these springs need to be replaced, let’s first go over some signs that they may be exhausted and need to be replaced.
Creaking, Grinding, or Straining Noises
If your garage door is making creaking or grinding noises, this is usually a sign that your springs are beginning to wear out. These sounds are caused by the metal components of the spring rubbing together as they start to break down.
Uneven Opening or Closing
Another common sign that your extension springs need to be replaced is if your garage door starts to open or close unevenly. This is usually a sign that one of the springs is beginning to fail and can no longer support the weight of the door properly.
Door Slamming Without Warning
If your garage door starts to slam shut without warning, this is a definite sign that you need to replace your springs. This usually happens when one of the springs breaks and can no longer support the weight of the door, causing it to fall suddenly.
Sagging or Bowing Door
Another indication that your springs are failing is if you notice the middle of your garage door sagging or bowing. This happens when the springs no longer can support the weight of the door, causing it to droop in the center.
Rust Present on Extension Spring
If you notice any rust present on your extension springs, this is a sign that they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Rust is a common sign of wear and tear, and it can cause the springs to break down more quickly.
You See Gaps In the Coils
Another indication that your extension springs need to be replaced is when you notice gaps developing between the coils. This generally happens as the springs reach their limit of strain and no longer have the strength to come back to their original wind.
Visual Wear and Tear Present on Spring, Clips, or Loops
If you notice any visual wear and tear on your springs, clips, or loops, this is also a sign that it’s time to replace them. This wear and tear can be caused by age, weathering, or excessive use, and it can cause the springs to break more easily.
How to Make Your Extension Springs Last Longer
Even though extension springs have a limited lifespan, there are still some things you can do to make them last longer.
One of the best ways to prolong the life of your springs is to keep them clean and well-lubricated. This will help reduce friction and prevent rusting.
It’s also important to regularly inspect your springs for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damage, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
In addition, you should avoid using your garage door too frequently. This puts unnecessary strain on the springs and can cause them to break more quickly.
It’s also critical to safeguard your springs from the extremes of weather if you live in a location where temperatures are extremely cold during the winter and excessively hot throughout the summer.
You can do this by insulating your garage door and applying a coat of silicone-based lubricant to the springs. This will help prevent the springs from rusting or freezing in the cold weather.
Finally, you should always make sure that your garage door is properly balanced. This means that the springs are evenly tensioned and can support the weight of the door evenly. An unbalanced door can put unnecessary strain on the springs and cause them to break more easily.
When Should You Replace Your Extension Springs?
If you notice that your garage door isn’t opening as smoothly as it used to, or if it seems “heavier” than normal, it may be time to replace your springs.
It’s also a good idea to have an inspection performed every few years to check for any signs of wear and tear. By catching any issues early on, you can help prevent more serious problems (and expensive repairs) down the road.
Cost to Replace Extension Springs
The cost to replace your extension springs will vary depending on the type of spring you have, the size of your garage door, and the professional you hire.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 for the springs themselves. The labor costs will depend on the size of your door and the complexity of the job, but you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour.
So, all in all, you can expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $400 to replace your garage door springs.
While this may seem like a lot of money upfront, it’s important to remember that extension springs have a limited lifespan. Replacing them every 5-10 years is much cheaper than having to replace your entire garage door (which can cost upwards of $1,000).
Signs that Your Torsion Springs Are Exhausted
Loud Popping Noises
If you start to hear loud popping noises coming from your garage door, this is a sign that your torsion springs are beginning to wear out. These springs are responsible for balancing the weight of the door, so when they become exhausted, the door will become unbalanced and make a noise as it opens and closes.
Door Feels Heavier than Usual for Manual Doors
If you have a manual garage door, you should be able to open and close it with ease. If you start to notice that the door feels heavier than usual, this is another sign that your torsion springs are beginning to wear out.
Door Opens Unevenly for Automatic Doors
If you have an automatic garage door, you should be able to press the button on your opener and have the door open evenly. If you notice that the door is opening unevenly, with one side moving faster than the other, this is a sign that your torsion springs are no longer working properly.
Door Closes Unevenly or Falls Quickly
Just as an uneven opening can be a sign of damaged torsion springs, so too can an uneven closing. If you notice that your door is falling quickly or not closing evenly, this is a sign that you need to replace your torsion springs.
Don’t Won’t Hang at Mid-Position
This is the classic test to see if your torsion springs are giving out. First, you disconnect the automatic door opener (if you have one) then you raise the door to the halfway point. If it stays there without support, then your springs are still in good shape. But if it starts to fall, or won’t stay in the midway position without support, then your springs need to be replaced.
Rust Present on Torsion Spring
If you take a look at your torsion springs and notice any rust present, this is a sign that they are beginning to wear out. While a little bit of surface rust is normal, extensive rusting means that the springs are no longer able to do their job properly.
How to Make Your Torsion Springs Last Longer
Lubricate Regularly
One of the best ways to prolong the life of your torsion springs is to lubricate them regularly. This will help reduce friction and prevent the springs from rusting.
You can use any type of lubricant, but we recommend using WD-40 or a similar product. Just be sure to avoid getting any lubricant on the plastic parts of your garage door.
Inspect Regularly
In addition, to lubricating your torsion springs, you should also inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear. This is especially important if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.
If you notice any damage, such as rusting, fraying, or breaking, then you should replace the springs as soon as possible.
Avoid Overloading
Your garage door is designed to support a certain amount of weight. If you start to notice that your door is sagging or opening and closing slowly, this could be a sign that you’re overloading it. Perhaps the original installer didn’t use the right torsion spring for the weight of the door.
To avoid damaging your door, we recommend removing any unnecessary items from it, such as holiday decorations. You should also make sure that the tracks are free of debris so that the door can move smoothly.
When Should You Replace Your Torsion Springs?
Ideally, you should replace your torsion springs every 5-7 years. However, this will vary depending on how often you use your garage door and the quality of the springs.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, then you may need to replace your springs more frequently. The same is true if you use your garage door multiple times a day.
If you notice any of the signs we mentioned above, then it’s time to replace your torsion springs.
Cost to Replace Torsion Springs
The cost to replace torsion springs will vary depending on a few factors, such as the size of the door and the type of springs.
On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 to replace a pair of torsion springs. However, if you have a larger door or a more complex spring system, the cost could be closer to $600.
If you’re not sure how to replace the springs yourself, we recommend hiring a professional. While it will cost more upfront, it will save you from the hassle and the potential danger of doing it yourself.
When hiring a professional, be sure to ask for a few quotes so that you can compare the cost. Also, be sure to ask if they offer any warranties on their work.
Conclusion
Torsion springs play an important role in the opening and closing of your garage door. Over time, they will begin to wear out and will need to be replaced.
To prolong the life of your torsion springs, we recommend lubricating them regularly and inspecting them for signs of wear and tear. You should also avoid overloading your garage door.
If you notice any of the signs we mentioned above, then it’s time to replace your torsion springs. The cost to replace torsion springs will vary depending on a few factors, but you can expect to pay between $200 and $400.
If you’re not sure how to replace the springs, we recommend hiring a professional. While it will cost more upfront, it will save you from the hassle and the potential danger of doing it yourself.