Understanding Garage Door Spring Types and Lifespan
December 15, 2024 5 min read
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your daily routine, lifting hundreds of pounds multiple times a day. Understanding the different types and their lifespan can help you plan for maintenance and avoid unexpected failures.
Torsion Springs Mounted horizontally above the door opening, torsion springs use torque to lift the door. They're the preferred choice for heavier doors and offer smoother, more controlled operation. Most residential torsion springs are rated for 10,000-20,000 cycles, which translates to 7-12 years for the average household.
Extension Springs These springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They're typically found on older installations and lighter doors. Extension springs usually last 10,000 cycles but are under more stress and can be noisier.
Signs Your Springs Need Attention: - Door feels heavier when lifting manually - Visible gaps in the spring coils - Door doesn't stay open or closes too quickly - Loud bang from the garage (broken spring) - Crooked door when opening/closing
Never attempt to replace springs yourself—they're under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Call a professional for spring replacement.