How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last? Costs, Warning Signs & Replacement Tips
Depending on how well the door is taken care of and how often it is used, its springs usually last between 7 and 15 years. These springs hold up the door, which is why it is easier to open and shut safely. With a lot of use, they get worn out over time. This guide talks about garage door spring lifespan, cost, warning signs, and replacement timing.
What is the price to replace a garage door spring?
Cost is usually a concern when homeowners ask how long the springs on their garage doors last. This Old House says that the average cost to replace garage door springs is between $120 and $350, covering the cost of the springs and the work to install them. Torsion springs are more expensive than extension springs, but they last longer and give better balance. Heavy or insulated garage doors might need stronger springs that have been tempered with oil. This could raise the total cost of the springs.
The total cost depends on a number of things, like the size of the door and the wire, the kind of spring, and if one or both springs need to be replaced. Most garage door springs last from 7 to 15 years. However, if the door is used a lot, it might need to be replaced sooner because of extra stress and the door opening and closing often. Door springs will last longer if the door is regularly taken care of and the right tools are used when replacing the springs.
Cost Breakdown for Common Spring Types
Understanding what affects cost helps homeowners make better repair decisions.
Extension springs: Cost $98–$200; standard springs for lighter doors.
Torsion springs: Cost $192–$371; used for heavy lifting on larger doors.
Double-door systems: Can reach $300–$600 for both springs.
Oil-tempered springs: Offer a longer lifespan but slightly higher spring cost.
How to Save on Garage Spring Replacement
You can reduce expenses by maintaining springs and scheduling regular inspections. Lubricate with a silicone-based garage door lubricant to reduce friction and prevent premature wear.
Apply lubricant: Every few months to keep coils moving freely.
Inspect often: Watch for weak springs or signs of losing tension.
Hire a professional: A certified garage door professional ensures safety and proper tension adjustment.
How to Tell If Garage Door Springs Are Worn Out?
Springs that are worn out or weak will show clear signs of failure ahead of time. Central Oregon Garage Door says that a heavy door, loud bangs, and uneven movement are the most common signs. When springs lose the necessary tension, the opener for the garage door has a hard time, or the door might not stay open. Most garage door springs last for thousands of cycles, but constant use and not enough lubrication can cause them to suddenly break.
Also, broken springs can be a safety hazard. Springs have to work under a lot of tension, so do-it-yourself fixes are unsafe and should only be done by a professional. One spring may break soon after another one does. To keep the garage door system balanced, both should be replaced.
Common Signs of Weak or Broken Springs
Uneven lifting: One side of the door rises faster.
Loud noises: A sharp pop or bang means a broken torsion spring.
The door feels heavy: Springs are no longer supporting the door’s weight.
Visible gaps in coils: A clear sign that springs are stretched or broken.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Premature Wear
Proper care extends the spring’s lifespan and prevents unexpected repairs. Use a garage door lubricant to reduce friction and test the balance regularly.
Lubricate frequently: Keeps tension steady and reduces metal fatigue.
Clean coils: Dirt buildup adds extra strain and slows movement.
Inspect monthly: Look for rust, cracks, or stretched coils.
Call for repairs early: Don’t wait until both springs fail.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garage Door Spring Near You?
How long garage door springs last on average depends on how often they are used and where they are. Midland Garage Doors says that in the UK, standard torsion springs cost anywhere from £50 to £100, and extension springs cost £20 to £50. For professional installation, labor adds £100–£200.
In the U.S., most homeowners spend between $120 and $350, which is in line with these price ranges. How long garage door springs last depends on how heavy the door is, how often it is used, and what the springs are made of. Using good, oil-tempered springs and making the right adjustments will make the springs last longer and lower the chance of a sudden failure.
Factors That Affect Local Spring Costs
Door size: Larger or double doors need stronger, more expensive springs.
Material quality: Premium springs made of tempered steel last longer.
Labor rates: Vary by region and repair company.
Extra parts: Additional charges for cables, brackets, or bearings.
Why You Should Replace Both Springs
When one spring breaks, the other is usually close to failure. Installing new garage door springs together keeps the door balanced and improves safety.
Consistent tension: Prevents extra strain on one side.
Better performance: Evenly distributes weight across the garage door system.
Longer lifespan: Reduces frequent repairs and extends the life of all components.
Safer operation: Keeps the garage door opener working smoothly without overload.
Do Garage Door Springs Weaken Over Time?
After being used for many years, garage door springs naturally lose their strength. Quality Overhead Door says that both torsion and extension springs are affected by daily wear and tear, especially on doors that open and close a lot. Each time the garage door opens and closes, that's one cycle. Most garage door springs need to be replaced after about 10,000 to 20,000 cycles. The coils lose strength and eventually fail because of metal fatigue, rust, and friction.
When people don't do maintenance on their garage doors, especially if they are heavy, the door springs have to deal with more stress. The spring can't hold as much tension when dirt, moisture, or rust is on it. Once rust has eaten into the surface, the steel is less strong and more likely to break suddenly. Since the springs are always under force, it is unsafe to replace or adjust them without the right tools, and only a garage door expert should do it.
Why Springs Lose Strength Over Time
Several factors affect the lifespan of garage door springs, from use frequency to the way they were installed.
Constant tension: The metal coils stretch and contract during each cycle, which slowly weakens the steel.
Rust buildup: Corrosion leads to surface cracks and uneven stress points.
Lack of lubrication: Increases friction on moving parts and reduces flexibility.
Heavy doors: Add extra strain, wearing out the springs faster.
How to Extend Spring Life
Homeowners can make their door springs last longer with simple maintenance. Lubricate coils every few months with a silicone-based spray to prevent rust and reduce friction. Inspect for signs of wear, such as visible gaps or uneven movement, and schedule inspections by professionals at least once a year.
Regular cleaning: Keeps dust and moisture off the springs.
Proper lubrication: Helps the door operate smoothly.
Check balance: A balanced garage door reduces strain on torsion springs.
Replace both springs: Prevents uneven wear and ensures equal tension.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Typically Last?
If you're curious about the average lifespan of garage door springs, it varies with the type and quality. Typically, extension springs last 7 to 12 years, and torsion springs last 8 to 15 years. Each opening and closing is one cycle, so a door that gets opened and closed a lot every day will wear out faster. Quality Overhead Door says that if you take care of them, torsion springs can go through up to 20,000 cycles before they break.
Homeowners should always hire a pro to safely replace garage door springs. The job requires making sure that moving parts are lined up correctly and that high-tension parts are handled. If the springs are not put in right, the door could slam shut or not open at all. This is dangerous for anyone standing under the door. Replacing both springs during service is a good way to save money and help the garage door system stay balanced.
Key Factors That Affect Spring Longevity
Usage frequency: The more the door operates, the faster the springs wear.
Maintenance habits: Regular cleaning and lubrication extend spring life.
Environmental exposure: Moisture and rust shorten lifespan.
Quality of materials: Better steel and coatings resist corrosion and fatigue.
When to Schedule a Replacement
You should schedule a replacement once you notice squeaks, uneven lifting, or if the door feels heavier. Broken torsion springs or worn extension springs can damage the opener and other parts of the garage door.
Professional inspection: Detects early signs of wear and saves repair costs.
Proper adjustment: Keeps the door balanced and safe to operate.
Safe handling: Only trained technicians should replace springs due to the force involved.
Timely replacement: Prevents sudden breaks and ensures smooth door operation.
Final Thoughts
Garage door springs are very important to your garage door system because they balance and lift the weight of the door. Most garage door springs last between 7 and 15 years, depending on how often they're used and how well they're taken care of. Regularly inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating them can help avoid sudden breaks and make them last longer. When it's time to replace the springs on your garage door, you should always hire a professional. This will keep everyone safe and make sure the door works properly.
FAQs
How long do garage door springs last on average?
Most garage door springs last 7–15 years or around 10,000–20,000 cycles before needing replacement.
Can I replace garage door springs myself?
No, it’s dangerous due to the high tension. Always let a professional handle spring replacement safely.
What are the signs my garage springs need replacement?
If your garage door feels heavy, opens unevenly, or makes loud noises, the springs are likely worn or broken.
What’s the difference between torsion springs and extension springs?
Torsion springs are mounted above the door for smoother operation, while extension springs stretch along the sides and wear faster.
How can I make my door springs last longer?
Use garage door lubricant regularly, clean rust from coils, and schedule yearly inspections to reduce wear and ensure longer spring life.
