How long should a garage door spring last?

Author: Makenna Rodriguez  |  Last update: Thursday, December 25, 2025

The most common reason your garage door springs break is wear and tear. When properly installed, your springs can last approximately 10,000 cycles. One cycle includes both the opening and closing of the door. Technically speaking, your springs should last between 7 to 10 years.

How often should garage springs be replaced?

Garage door springs typically have a lifespan of around 7-9 years or 10000 cycles, but this can vary based on usage. High-cycle springs might last longer. Regular maintenance and inspection can help identify signs of wear or imbalance, indicating the need for replacement sooner.

Is it common for garage door springs to break?

Out of all parts of your garage door, its springs experience the greatest stress and are the most prone to breaking.

How much should it cost to replace a garage door spring?

Expect to spend $120–$350 to replace your garage door spring, including material costs and professional installation. While these heavy-duty springs are built to last, they'll eventually need replacement due to wear and tear. Garage door spring replacement isn't your average DIY project, either.

What is the life expectancy of garage door springs?

Standard manufacturer garage door springs have an average lifecycle of about 10,000 cycles, equivalent to approximately 48 months when used daily. Oil-tempered garage door springs show improved endurance, lasting for about 15,000 cycles, which translates roughly to a 10-year lifespan with regular use.

How Long Does a Garage Door Spring Last?

How to tell if garage door springs need to be replaced?

Here are five signs that a set of springs is ready to go.
  1. You Hear the Garage Door Opener Strain. ...
  2. The Door Slams Shut Without Warning. ...
  3. You Hear a Loud Popping Sound When the Door Is Closed. ...
  4. The Door Feels Heavier. ...
  5. You Can't Rest the Door in the Mid-Level Position.

Should I replace both garage door springs at the same time?

Most garage door companies will offer a better price if you choose to replace both springs at the same time, so as far as cost is concerned replacing both springs is often a smart long-term financial move but it is not necessary if you prefer a lower cost up-front.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

Replacing a garage door spring yourself isn't impossible, but it does require special knowledge about the springs and how a garage door works.

Can I open a garage door with a broken spring?

If you have a broken spring, do not attempt to use the opener to open your garage door. It doesn't matter if you have the best opener on the market: Don't use your opener at all. Using your opener with a broken spring can result in all sorts of expensive problems, such as: Cracking or crumpling the door panels.

What is the difference between torsion spring and extension spring?

As their names imply, torsion springs use torque, while extension springs use the build-up of energy in their springs to lift the garage door. Garage doors operate on a counterbalance system, meaning they utilize the energy in their mechanisms to pull the garage door open and close it again.

How long does it take to repair a garage door spring?

Replacing garage door springs takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. New garage door springs last 7 to 14 years, or between 10,000 and 20,000 up-and-down cycles. It is important to hire a professional to help, because changing a garage door spring can be dangerous.

How to manually open a garage door when spring breaks?

6 Steps To Opening Garage Door with Broken Spring
  1. Step 1: Disconnect the Garage Door Opener. Locate the emergency release handle on the garage door opener. ...
  2. Step 2: Secure the Door. ...
  3. Step 3: Have Helpers. ...
  4. Step 4: Lift the Door Manually. ...
  5. Step 5: Lift in Sections. ...
  6. Step 6: Secure the Open Door.

Why lubricate garage door springs?

Enhanced Functionality: Proper lubrication reduces friction, ensuring that the spring uncoils and recoils with ease. This smooth movement can reduce wear on other garage door components, enhancing overall system longevity.

What is the life expectancy of a garage door?

Though many factors contribute to a garage door's lifespan, a typical garage door will last around 15 and 30 years. Your garage door's lifetime will vary depending on the type and brand you choose. Factors like the weather, environment, usage and maintenance schedule also impact the longevity of your garage door.

Does Lowe's carry garage door springs?

We have a full range of garage door parts, such as brackets, locks, springs and cables, available at Lowe's.

How to prolong the life of a garage door spring?

How Can You Make Springs Last Longer?
  1. Keep rust and corrosion at bay. Regular lubrication plays a big role in preventing rust and corrosion, but it has to be done with the right lubricant. ...
  2. Keep your garage door properly balanced. ...
  3. Keep road salt out of your garage. ...
  4. Keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance.

How much should a broken garage door spring cost?

One of the most common garage door services is garage door spring repair. According to Angi, garage door spring replacement can cost between $150 and $350, including materials and labor. If additional repairs are required, you may spend up to $500. A double door generally costs an extra $15 to $30 per spring.

What breaks garage door springs?

A Broken Garage Door Spring
  • Excessive tension on the spring. ...
  • Worn-out springs. ...
  • Corrosion. ...
  • Sudden impact or force. ...
  • Improper installation may also be a factor when it comes to spring breakage. ...
  • Door Jams – From time to time dirt, grime and debris can accumulate within the track of the door. ...
  • Extreme temperature changes.

Will a garage door opener work without springs?

Damage to the Door Opener: Garage door openers are not designed to lift the full weight of a door without the aid of springs.

Do I need to replace both garage door springs if one breaks?

Make sure you always replace both springs when they snap, regardless of which side snapped first. A broken spring without a repaired or replaced second spring can be problematic – as the garage door will now be subject to extra pressure on only one side.

How to buy the correct garage door spring?

Determining the appropriate torsion spring for your garage door system is based on a few factors that include:
  1. Wire Size.
  2. Inside Diameter.
  3. Overall length.
  4. Wind Direction.
  5. Weight of Garage Door.

Is it hard to replace garage door springs yourself?

If your garage door has a broken garage door spring, it is reasonably straightforward to replace if you are an experienced DIY enthusiast. The caveat is that you must be extremely careful when carrying out this procedure, as not following the correct safety measures can be dangerous.

How to manually open a garage door with a broken spring?

Locate the emergency release cord hanging from the center rail of the garage door track and pull it down and toward the back of the garage to engage the manual mode. Secure the Door: Use a sturdy ladder to reach the manual release cord. Pull it down and secure the door in place with a clamp or a pair of vice grips.

How often do garage door springs fail?

The most common reason your garage door springs break is wear and tear. When properly installed, your springs can last approximately 10,000 cycles. One cycle includes both the opening and closing of the door. Technically speaking, your springs should last between 7 to 10 years.

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