Garage torsion springs break primarily due to metal fatigue from daily wear and tear. Other major contributing factors include rust, extreme temperature changes, poor maintenance, and incorrect spring calibration.
Torsion Springs typically last longer, with 10,000–15,000 cycles. For example, opening and closing your door four times a day would give a torsion spring a lifespan of about 7–10 years.
The Cost of Replacing Just One Spring
In some cases, the uneven tension can even cause damage to your cables, drums, or opener. By replacing both springs together, you reset your system, ensuring balanced lifting power, maximum cycle life, and fewer repairs down the road.
A garage door can still open if the spring is broken, but it takes a bit of manual effort. Trying to open it automatically with the opener could strain the motor or burn it out since the broken spring makes the door heavier to lift. We recommend not trying to open your garage door if it has a broken spring.
Replacing these springs can be very dangerous because they're under a lot of tension. So if you're not a very handy person, you haven't done this before or you don't have the proper tools, I'd recommend hiring a garage door repair to have this done.
Is it common for garage door springs to break? Yes, garage door springs do commonly break and need to be replaced an average of every 8.5 years or 10,000 opening and closing cycles. After years of use and exposure, the constant stress they're under weakens them.
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.
Is it worth repairing a 20-year-old garage door opener? Generally, it's not. Garage door openers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. A new opener is often a better purchase because it comes with updated safety features and runs more quietly.
Garage doors are heavy, most weigh between 130 to 400 pounds. The spring system, either torsion or extension, is what makes it possible to lift the door with ease. When a spring breaks, that weight shifts entirely to the opener or your strength. Trying to open or close the door in this condition can be very dangerous.
Typically, using a single spring instead of two will save just two or three dollars. The installers also know that they can install a single spring with fewer cycles and get more money a few years down the road when the garage door is damaged.
One of the most common and alarming indicators of a broken spring is a loud noise from the garage, much like a firecracker. The noise occurs because the tension in the spring is tightly wound, and that tension is released all at once. Suppose you were not using the door when the loud bang occurred.
The length of the torsion spring often correlates with its life cycle. A longer spring doesn't just affect the door's operation; it can also indicate a longer lifespan, meaning fewer replacements over time.
Even high-quality springs eventually wear out. If your garage door is the main point of entry to your home, it may be used 4–8 times daily, meaning your springs could reach the end of their lifespan in just a few years. Keeping track of spring age helps avoid sudden failure.
Most manufacturers and industry experts suggest that a standard garage door opener will last between 10 to 15 years. While some older, heavy-duty models may continue running for 20 or even 30 years, their longevity often comes at the cost of modern safety features.
Top Rated Garage Door Openers
Replacing or upgrading a garage door opener typically costs between $220 and $700, including both the device and installation. Note chain-driven openers, which are reliable but noisier, start at around $150 for the unit. High-end options include belt-driven or smart openers and can cost upwards of $500.
Basically 3in1 oil offers long term lubrication while WD40 offers a temporary solution for removal of solid metal parts that don't want to budge. Whether you need a reliable lubricant, a rust preventative, a cleaner, or a penetrating oil, these two products have you covered for a variety of maintenance tasks.
To open a garage door manually with a broken spring, pull the red emergency release cord to disconnect the automatic opener, then lift the door slowly with help, as it will be extremely heavy.
Metal Contracts in Low Temperatures
Garage door springs are made of tightly wound steel, which naturally contracts when exposed to cold air. As the metal contracts, the spring becomes more brittle and less flexible—making it more susceptible to breaking under tension.
Q: How much should it cost to replace a garage door spring? A: The cost typically ranges from $150 to $350, depending on the type of spring (torsion or extension), labor costs, and your location. Torsion springs are generally more expensive but also more durable.