7 min read Mike Johnson
Garage door springs are among the most critical components of your garage door system. They bear the weight of the door and make it possible to open and close what would otherwise be an incredibly heavy object. Understanding how springs work and recognizing when they need replacement can save you from inconvenient breakdowns and potential safety hazards.
Your garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door, making it feel virtually weightless to the opener motor and easy to lift manually. There are two main types of garage door springs:
Located above the door opening on a metal shaft, torsion springs work by twisting and storing mechanical energy when the door closes. When you open the door, this stored energy is released to lift the door.
Characteristics: - Mounted on a shaft above the door, Wind in one direction as the door closes, More common in newer installations, Generally last longer than extension springs, Provide smoother, more controlled operation
These springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They stretch when the door closes, storing energy that's released when the door opens.
Characteristics: - Mounted on either side of the door, Stretch and contract as the door moves, Found in older installations or lighter doors, Less expensive but have shorter lifespan, Should always have safety cables installed
- Gap in the spring: A broken torsion spring will have a visible gap in the coils - Stretched extension springs: Springs that look elongated have lost their tension - Rust or corrosion: Weakens the metal and shortens lifespan - Uneven gaps between coils: Indicates the spring is wearing unevenly
- Door feels heavy: If the door is difficult to lift manually, springs may be failing - Door won't stay open: A properly balanced door should stay in place when partially open - Crooked movement: One spring may be weaker than the other - Loud bang: A breaking spring often sounds like a firecracker or gunshot - Opener struggles: The motor works harder when springs aren't doing their job
Most garage door springs are rated for 10,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and one close). If you use your garage door 4 times per day, that's about 7 years of use. High-cycle springs rated for 25,000-50,000 cycles are available and can last 15-25 years.
Factors that affect spring life: - Frequency of use: More cycles = shorter life - Maintenance: Regular lubrication extends life - Climate: Extreme temperatures stress springs - Door weight: Heavier doors wear springs faster - Spring quality: Higher quality springs last longer
This is not a DIY project. Garage door springs are under extreme tension, enough to lift a door weighing 200+ pounds. When a spring breaks or is improperly handled, it can:
- Cause severe lacerations or broken bones, Fly across the garage at high speed, Result in the door crashing down, Cause property damage
Every year, thousands of people are injured attempting DIY spring repairs. Professional technicians have the proper tools, training, and experience to handle this job safely.
When you call a professional for spring replacement, here's what typically happens:
1. Inspection: The technician assesses the entire door system 2. Recommendation: They determine if one or both springs should be replaced 3. Quote: You receive a detailed estimate before work begins 4. Replacement: Springs are safely removed and new ones installed 5. Calibration: The door is balanced and tested 6. Testing: Safety features are verified 7. Cleanup: The work area is left clean
Even if only one spring is broken, we typically recommend replacing both at the same time. If they were installed together, the second spring is likely to fail soon. Replacing both ensures: - Balanced door operation, Consistent wear, Saves on future service calls, Better value overall
Spring replacement costs vary based on: - Type and size of springs, Number of springs being replaced, Complexity of the installation, Geographic location
In the Long Beach area, expect to pay between $200-$400 for a typical single spring replacement, or $300-$600 for both springs. This includes parts and labor.
While springs will eventually wear out, you can extend their life with proper maintenance:
- Lubricate regularly: Use garage door lubricant on springs every 3-6 months - Keep tracks clean: Debris in tracks makes the door harder to move - Balance checks: Have a professional check door balance annually - Address problems early: Small issues become big problems
Look for a company that: - Is licensed and insured, Provides written estimates, Uses quality parts, Offers warranties, Has positive reviews, Can respond quickly
At Garage Door Company Long Beach, our certified technicians are available for same-day spring replacement. We use high-cycle springs that outlast standard options, and all our work is backed by our satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today if you suspect your springs need attention.