Garage doors carry a lot of weight and require heavy-duty springs to support the load without damaging the door or endangering bystanders. How long do garage door springs last, and how do you know when it’s time for garage door repair involving the springs?
Garage door manufacturers measure the lifespan of the springs in terms of open-and-close cycles. Homeowners should expect to get 10,000 cycles from most springs before they wear out. Learn more about the average lifespan of garage door springs and what you can do to keep them working safely as long as possible.
Determining How Long Your Springs Might Last
Even though garage door manufacturers measure the lifespan of springs in cycles, they don’t expect you to count the number of times you open and close the door. Instead, you can estimate the lifespan of the springs based on how often you go into and out of the garage.
An average person opens and closes the garage door four times per day. If this describes your usage pattern, you can expect about seven years of performance from your springs. If you open and close the door 8 to 10 times per day, though, your springs will probably last about half that long.
Factors That Give the Springs a Shorter or Longer Lifespan
So, how long do garage door springs last, and do external factors affect their lifespan? Although usage patterns primarily affect the lifespan of garage door springs, other factors can increase or decrease how long the springs last.
Problems That Could Negatively Affect Garage Door Springs’ Lifespan
Learning why garage door springs break can help you avoid seeing your springs fail sooner than expected. Failing to maintain the springs is the most common reason they break. Having professionals visit your home once or twice a year to inspect the springs can keep them from prematurely breaking under stress.
Improper installation of the door can cause the springs to break earlier than expected. If your door isn’t operating smoothly and never has, call repair professionals for an inspection. The experts can identify issues with the original installation and make adjustments to extend the lifespan of your springs.
If you live in an area with significant humidity in summer or extremely cold weather during winter (or both), your springs may fail prematurely. Such issues place significant stress on the springs and can introduce rust. Maintenance work is important in conditions like this.
Situations Where Your Springs May Last Longer Than Normal
While you’re asking yourself, “How long do garage door springs last?” you might wonder if you can take steps to improve your results. Using the garage door as little as possible will lengthen the life of the springs. However, this isn’t a practical solution for most people.
Instead, if you follow garage door spring maintenance tips, you can lengthen the lifespan of the entire system, including the springs. Some of the steps professionals will take to care for the springs during a maintenance visit include:
- Using lithium-based lubrication
- Cleaning the metal
- Testing the balance of the door
- Measuring the tension
- Inspecting the metal for rust
Signs That Your Garage Door Springs Are Close to Failing
You might wonder whether failing springs can affect the entire garage door system’s performance. Poorly performing springs can put stress on other components of the garage door, leading to a complete system failure.
Figuring out when to replace garage door springs can enhance the performance and lifespan of the entire system.
Jerky Door Movements
If the garage door jerks up and down, the springs may be struggling to manage the weight of the full assembly. Any garage door with properly functioning springs should move smoothly and steadily in either direction.
Damage to the System’s Cables
As garage door springs begin to fail, they’ll place significant stress on cables connected to the door. Such cables may show signs of wear, including fraying, when the springs are not properly operating. If you notice any damage to the cables, call a repair professional immediately for an inspection.
Why Professionals Should Repair Your Springs
Asking yourself, “How long do garage door springs last?” means you are probably noticing problems with the system. You might consider trying to save some money with a DIY repair.
Repairing garage door springs yourself is a dangerous project that most homeowners shouldn’t consider. The springs are under significant tension. If the tension unexpectedly releases while you’re working, you could suffer severe injuries. Additionally, garage doors can weigh several hundred pounds or more, posing a crushing hazard when working on the system.
Professionals have the skills and equipment to work safely around the springs and heavy doors. They will take multiple safety precautions to protect themselves, your family, and your garage door. If they can’t make repairs, professionals might determine that you need garage door spring replacement.
Call Action Overhead Door When You Need Help With Failing Garage Door Springs
The average lifespan of garage door springs is about seven years, but some may last shorter or longer. Watch for signs of wear, such as rusty spots, loud noises, or loose or broken springs, to anticipate springs that may be close to failing and require professional attention.
When you notice problems, instead of worrying about questions like “How long do garage door springs last?” contact the team at Action Overhead Door. Our experts will inspect the system and offer solutions. For an appointment for any of our services, contact us today at (502) 955-7725.
