Garage door springs are used to raise and lower a garage door; however, they can wear out or break over time. Knowing their life expectancy and reasons why they break will help you take care of your garage door system.
How common is it for garage door springs to break?
Yes, this is a common scenario whereby the garage door springs snap. They are under constant tension that, due to continuous stress, develops into wear over some time and ultimately leads to failure. Regular use, weather conditions, and lack of maintenance can bring about the weakening of these springs.
Garage door springs are designed to take a set number of cycles, where one cycle is an opening and then a closing. This will make them increasingly break near the end of their life expectancy—regular inspections with maintenance assist in recognizing any potential problems before they cause a complete failure.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Usually Last?
Again, depending on the usage and maintenance, garage door springs can be expected to last from 7 to 12 years. Durable torsion springs will take anywhere from 15,000 through 20,000 cycles. Extension springs, on their part, usually sustain about 10,000 cycles.
Some of the factors that establish the durability of the garage door springs include:
- Frequency of use: TThe more frequently a garage door is used, the shorter the life of the springs.
- Quality of springs: Generally, a good spring will last longer than one of low quality.
- Environmental conditions: very high and very low temperatures, highly humid environments—all these can make the springs wear out faster.
- Maintenance practices: The life span of the springs can be maximized with proper lubrication and frequent inspection.
How Do I Know When to Replace My Garage Door Springs?
You know it’s that time to change your garage door springs when:
- Visible wear and tear: Observe visible wear; this can be gaps, rust, or stretched coils in the springs.
- Difficulty opening the door: If the door is hard to open or feels heavier than usual, it could be a case of the springs losing tension.
- Loud noises: If you hear an audible snapping or creaking sound, this can indicate that your spring is broken or weakening.
- Uneven door movement: Another way the failing spring manifests itself is through uneven door movements or jerking during operation.
Regularly checking your garage door system for these signs will help you track any problems at an early stage and thus prevent further damage.
Will Garage Door Still Work with a Broken Spring?
Although this is quite possible, opening a garage door with a broken spring is not advisable. Operating it in this instance will increase the stress on the door opener and other garage door parts, which means more severe breakages and, hence, more costly repairs later.
A broken spring can make a garage door very heavy and difficult to lift manually. Trying to force open the door is dangerous because it may jerk downward, hurting anyone beneath or around it. Avoid using the door and let a professional replace a broken spring.
How Can I Open the Garage Door if the Spring Breaks?
If your garage door spring breaks, follow these steps to safely open your garage door:
- Disengage the door opener: Remove the emergency release cord to release the door from the opener, after which it can be operated manually.
- Lift the door manually: Get somebody to assist you in lifting the door slowly and steadily. Since the door will be heavy, it is always good to have some help to avoid injury.
- Clamp: Simply close the door in an open position by using a clamp or locking pliers to hold it.
In such a case, and if one is not sure about handling the situation, it is always best to seek the help of professionals.
Should Both Garage Door Springs Be Replaced if One Break?
Yes, it is advisable to replace both garage door springs if one breaks. Since they typically have similar lifespans, the other spring is likely to break soon after, leading to another repair.
This will balance the operation properly and reduce the risk of damaging other parts within a garage door system. Otherwise, it will also help in saving labor costs since it is cheap to have both springs replaced at the same time compared to replacing them one after another.
Can I Replace the Garage Door Spring Myself?
Replacing garage door springs can be complex and hazardous because of the tension under which they are placed. Therefore, a professional, having or availing the proper implements of trade and expertise in applying safety measures in the performance of the job, should do this kind of work.
Such DIY replacement can result in serious injury or further damage to the garage door system. The pros will be trained and will know how to handle the tension and correctly install the spring, making it a safer and more reliable option.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Coil Springs on a Garage Door?
It will then include the price of springs and, of course, the labor charges for garage door spring replacement. The average professional replacement cost can range from $150 to $350.
Factors influencing the cost include:
- Spring Type: Torsion springs are generally more expensive than extension springs.
- Labor costs: The prices differ according to the service provider and the location.
- Additional repairs: When other parts of the garage door system are damaged, then it raises the overall cost.
Also, getting quotes from multiple providers may help in running competitive pricing for the replacement.
Is It Safe to Replace Garage Door Springs?
This could be dangerous because garage door springs are loaded with high tension, so professionals best do a replacement to ensure safety and proper installation to prevent further damage or injury.
This will be safely done by professionals who have the expertise and the right tools for the work. Moreover, they can identify other problems with your garage door system and fix them accordingly.
Why Does My Garage Door Spring Keep Breaking?
The following reasons account for the frequent breaking of garage door springs:
- Poor maintenance: negligence in lubrication or frequent inspections can only lead to rapid deterioration of springs.
- Wrong and improper installation: The incorrect fitting can impose undue forces on the springs, which may result in excessive early failure.
- Excessive use: Repeated opening and closing of a garage door may lessen the life of your springs.
- Environmental factors: Very high and low temperatures, coupled with humidity, may cause the springs to weaken and break easily.
Ensuring proper installation and regular maintenance can help prevent frequent spring breakages.
How Many Years Do Garage Springs Last?
Most of the garage springs are effective between 7 to 12 years, depending on your springs’ quality and usage of your garage door. Proper maintenance will help in extending that period. High-quality springs, as well as reduced usage, can extend the life of the springs. Proper lubrication and regular inspections by experts also ensure a longer life span.
How Can One Make the Garage Door Springs Last Longer?
Here are some tips to increase the life of your garage door springs:
- Regular lubrication: Apply silicone-based lubricant once every few months to the springs.
- Balance checks: Make sure that your garage door is appropriately balanced. Until you have balanced the door, the springs will be under additional stress.
- Professional inspections: Set annual inspections with a professional to ID and solve any problems that may arise early on.
Proper maintenance practices can help prevent premature wear and extend the life of your garage door springs.
Do Garage Door Springs Need Maintenance?
Yes, proper maintenance of the garage door springs is essential. Doing so entails lubrication, checking on the balance, and professional inspections to ensure an appropriate working and maximum life.
Keeping your garage door springs in good condition is vital not just for the maximum lifetime of each spring but also for the smooth and safe operation of your overall garage door. Proper maintenance might prevent any abrupt breakdown or the necessity for apparently major expensive repairs.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how long your door springs are going to last and why they break will help maintain the efficiency of the garage door system. Regular maintenance, proper timing for replacements, and a little professional help are essential keys to ensuring longevity and the safety features of your garage door springs. The tips shared above in this post will surely keep you with a smooth-running and safe garage door for years to come by taking precautions with its maintenance.
