Have you ever considered the vital role that garage door springs play in your daily convenience? These sturdy components are pivotal in making the heavy lifting of your garage door appear effortless. Today, we’re diving deep into the lifespan of garage door springs and what you can do to ensure they function well for as long as possible.
If you don’t remember when you last replaced your garage door springs, it’s time to call in our experts. Why wait until things come tumbling down? Let our pros spring into action and safeguard your home from garage door disaster!
What Are Garage Door Springs?
Garage door springs are powerful, tightly wound components that help to lift and lower your garage door smoothly by balancing the weight. Two types of springs are primarily used in garage doors: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are mounted on a stationary metal shaft above and parallel to the top of the garage door frame. On the other hand, extension springs are located above the upper horizontal tracks on both sides of the door. Both types are integral to the movement of garage doors.
Lifespan of Different Garage Door Springs
The lifespan of garage door springs varies depending on several factors, including the type of spring, the quality of the material, the weight of the garage door, how well the garage door is maintained, and how frequently the garage door is used:
- Torsion Springs: Most garage door springs are designed to last 15,000 to 20,000 cycles, with one cycle being a single opening and closing of the door. In practical terms, if you use your garage door about four times a day, you can expect the torsion springs to last approximately 10 to 14 years.
- Extension Springs: These springs generally have a slightly shorter lifespan and are expected to last about 10,000 cycles. This translates to roughly 7 to 12 years with average use.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Garage Door Springs
First and foremost, the frequency of use plays a significant role; more cycles of opening and closing the garage door accelerate the wear on the springs. Additionally, environmental factors such as rust and corrosion can severely diminish the lifespan of these metal components. Regular exposure to moisture and air can lead to rust, increasing friction and weakening the springs over time. Proper maintenance is also vital—neglecting to lubricate and inspect the springs can lead to premature failure. Furthermore, incorrect installation can result in uneven tension across the springs, causing them to wear out faster than anticipated.
By ensuring that garage door springs are correctly installed, regularly maintained to prevent rust and degradation, and used within reasonable frequency, you can decrease the frequency you need to swap them out for new ones.
Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
When garage door springs break, they are inconvenient and incredibly dangerous. Knowing when to replace garage door springs is critical to maintaining the functionality and safety of your garage door. Here are some signs that your door springs may need attention:
- The garage door feels heavier than usual.
- Loud noises or squeaking sounds when the door operates.
- The door does not open smoothly or appears to be off-balance.
- You notice a visible gap in the torsion spring.
- The door stops or jams during opening or closing.
If you encounter any of these issues, addressing them promptly is crucial to avoid further damage or potential safety risks.
Schedule a Garage Door Spring Replacement Today!
Here at DoorTek Garage Door Service, we truly appreciate the value of a properly maintained garage door. It’s essential to recognize the importance of regular servicing before a major issue arises. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of your garage door springs can help you avoid unforeseen problems and emergency repairs.
Whether you rely on a garage door torsion spring or extension spring, we have the knowledge and the talent to handle your replacement! Call us today and experience the DoorTek difference!
