How often should garage door springs be replaced?

Author: Van O'Hara MD  |  Last update: Monday, March 31, 2025

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. However, this depends on how often you use your garage door.

How do I know if my garage door springs need to be replaced?

A few signs that point to your garage door springs needing attention include:
  1. Opening and closing unevenly.
  2. Garage door won't open all the way.
  3. Garage door closing too quickly.
  4. Loud noise or squeaking when opening and closing.
  5. Garage door opener straining to open door.

How long do garage door springs usually last?

The lifespan of garage door springs varies based on the type: Standard manufacturer springs typically last around 18 months. Oil-tempered springs have a longer lifespan of about 3 years. A1 Garage Door Service MaxLife springs offer the longest durability, lasting over 22 years.

How much does it typically 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.

Do garage door springs need maintenance?

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your garage door springs. Here's how to maintain them and know when professional help is needed. Apply Lubrication Regularly: Lubricating your garage door springs helps reduce friction and noise.

Everything You Need to Know About Garage Door Springs

Can I use WD-40 on garage door spring?

While WD-40 has many valuable applications, it is not recommended to use it on your garage door's springs. The best way to keep your garage door springs lasting throughout the years is to lubricate them 1-2 times annually with either white lithium or silicone-based spray.

Should I replace a garage door spring myself?

While replacing the spring yourself may save you money, a professional may be able to complete the job faster while avoiding the hazards that come with this chore. If you aren't comfortable doing this task yourself, you may want to hire it out the first time to observe how a professional makes the repair.

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 you manually open a garage door with a broken spring?

It is clear that opening a garage door with a broken spring, whether manually or using the opener, is dangerous and potentially damaging to the door and the opener and can incur additional costs. The safety risks involved cannot be overstated.

How hard is it to replace springs on a garage door?

Its a bit tricky the torsion springs are wound under considerable tension. If you slip you can have a serious gash from the tool. I always leave it to a professional since this is a once every 10–20 year repair and can be very dangerous if you don't do it just right.

How often should I oil my garage door springs?

The tracks, rollers, hinges and springs of your garage doors face significant stress and will need the most frequent lubrication. In general, all moving parts (i.e. garage door springs, rollers, hinges etc.) will need lubrication often – every three months or possibly more with heavy use or in some climates.

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 long are garage door springs warranted for?

The typical basic replacement spring warranty can range from 90 days to five years, while the labor warranty ranges from 30 days to one year regardless of the spring's cycle rating and parts warranty.

How long does it take to replace 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.

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.

What is the life expectancy of garage door springs?

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. However, this depends on how often you use your garage door.

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

On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $200 and $1000 for the average spring replacement (NEVER PAY OVER $1000 UNLESS YOU HAVE CONFIRMED THE PRICE WITH OTHER REPUTABLE COMPANIES).

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.

Can you replace just one garage spring?

Replacing your garage door springs when only one has broken is not a good idea. It can cause extra strain on an otherwise undamaged spring, leading it to snap sooner than expected. Make sure you always replace both springs when they snap, regardless of which side snapped first.

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

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.

How many springs should a 2 car garage door have?

How many springs does a garage door have? A garage door typically has one to four springs, depending on the size and weight. For example, residential single-car garages are often single-spring garage doors and residential two-car garages are often dual-spring garage doors.

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 does it cost to adjust a garage door?

On average, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for a garage door adjustment service.

Do modern garage doors need springs?

Your garage door consists of many different parts, with the springs being some of the most important. Many modern garage doors use a torsion spring, lasting about 10,000 open and closing cycles.

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