How Long a Garage Door Spring Lasts and Preventive Measures to Extend Its Life

The durability of all lifting structures depends on the movement mechanism and, in particular, on the type of the springs set. There are two of them — tension and torsion, which differ in the type of pre-installed mechanism and the principle of stretching the spring.

It is believed that doors with a torsion mechanism of movement have almost twice the service life and guarantee an improvement in the quality of use of the gate. This is especially important if the door is expected to open and close several times a day. The torsion springs are dual-format, more potent, carry more weight, and generally run smoother and quieter. All industrial doors are necessarily equipped with torsion springs. This is justified not only by their long-term use (the average resource of torsion springs is 25,000 cycles) but also by industrial safety. Household gates have recently been produced with a torsion mechanism. It became necessary when they began to order large and heavy structures for two seats in the garage. Later, torsion springs began to be used in household gates, regardless of the design parameters, but at the customer’s request.

In this article, we will consider how long should garage door springs last, how to adjust garage door torsion springs, how to extend the life expectancy of a garage door spring, how to determine the average life of garage door springs, and factors that influence it.

The Average Life of Garage Door Springs

Spring failure is one of the most common causes of overhead garage sectional doors breaking down. Any garage gate spring has a certain life expectancy, regardless of type. So, how long do torsion springs last on a garage door? It depends mainly on the conditions and intensity of work, torsion type, brand, model, quality, resource, amount of use, and other features.

The average garage door torsion spring life expectancy and the operating time of extension springs vary from 10,000 to 50,000 lifting and closing cycles. And we can highlight 3 types of springs:

• standard cycle springs — 10,000 cycles;
• high cycle springs — 25,000 cycles;
• highest cycle springs — 50,000 cycles.

Despite popular belief, the highest cycle springs are not always a cost-effective solution. When choosing springs, you should consider your garage’s type and its expected life. If you set a spring that lasts longer than the garage where it is installed, you will just waste your money. However, if you have a well-founded construction that is likely to last as long as the house, the highest cycle springs are a profitable investment.

Common Causes of Premature of Garage Door Spring Aging

While the approximate garage door spring lifespan is primarily established, several factors also play a role. Thus, the premature aging of springs can be caused by climatic conditions.

Climate Conditions

Like any other metal element, a garage door spring can be adversely affected by a humid climate. Moisture on the metal can lead to rust very quickly. And the emergence of rust leads to increased core friction, which causes even faster wear of the spring metal.

Another major factor is the weather. So, when it is cold, steel shrinks and becomes more brittle. Therefore, it is evident that garage door springs most often break in the winter. Let’s imagine. After one more cold night, you expect the garage spring to do its job, but loud crackling lets you know something is wrong. The spring had more stress than it could withstand in the cold, which led to its breakage.

Lack of Regular Inspections

It is crucial to monitor springs properly if you want them to work correctly for a long time. If you treat them carelessly, you may regret it immensely. If the springs no longer cope with the load, the door will constantly beat on the floor or not open. It can lead to other breakdowns in the garage door opening mechanism.

Incorrect or Poor Installation Design

If you just installed a new garage door, but you’re already questioning “how long garage door springs last” then the problem may be in the wrong balance and installation of the structure. The springs take on a substantial cushioning role so that even with the slightest misalignment of the garage doors, one of the springs can wear out much faster. This will lead to more wear and tear and, as a result, cracks and breakage. To avoid such problems, contact us and use our professional service. If you are unsure whether you need to change the springs, we advise you to study the signs of a broken garage door spring.

How to Determine a Garage Door Spring Lifespan

One opening and closing is one life cycle. To define the overall life cycle of the garage door spring, we must consider the following essential factors:

• the size of the wire;
• the diameter of the spring;
• the length of the spring;
• the weight of the door.

The longer the life of the springs, the thicker wires they have. These wires are stiffer and can withstand more stretching and bending than thinner ones. With the thicker wires come, the more costly spring. And it is much better to use stronger garage door springs than smaller ones. You will spend more money using smaller springs since you will have to change them more often.

Preventative Measures to Extend Life of Torsion and Tension Springs

Just knowing the answer to the question “how long does a garage door spring last” is not enough. We have prepared for you a list of ways to help extend the smooth operation of your garage doors.

The service life of garage doors largely depends on correct installation and operation, as well as on regular care and service. So, to maximize the lifetime of the gates, it is necessary to carry out at least minimal maintenance. And the greatest attention in this matter should be paid to the springs, since they are responsible for 95% of the mechanism’s operation.

• Inspect the springs regularly and lubricate them in time. Regular lubrication prevents door malfunctions: all moving parts of the door — hinge brackets, roller holders, springs — must always be well lubricated. The lubricant should be applied to the cleaned surface with a thin layer, and not excessive, so as not to turn moving parts of the structure into a magnet for dust and soot and increase the garage door springs life.
• Pay attention to the sound while the gate is moving. Abnormal noises can indicate a problem. If the gate is difficult to open, this is a sign that the springs are not functioning correctly. If you notice that the door starts to crackle, you may need to adjust or replace the garage door springs.
• Remember that sectional doors with a torsion spring system sometimes need to be adjusted: tensioning the spring when the structure is raised hard by hand or loosening it when it is hard to lower. The indicator of the torsion spring’s correct setting is the blade’s immobility in any opening position.
• Prevent the wear caused by environmental factors. To avoid rusting, spray a silicone coating spray every three months. And as for the cold weather, make it a rule to listen and warm up. Let the garage warm up for as long as possible before you open it. You can also use a heater. After this, listen carefully to the sound when the garage door opens. Stop opening as soon as you hear the slightest irregular squeak.
• Adjust the springs and balance the door leaf to avoid breakage. To extend the service life of the sectional garage doors, entrust all the manipulations on the setting, replacing, adjusting, tensioning, and reinstalling the springs to the service center specialists. You can also learn how to replace a garage door torsion spring.

Consider STI Garage Your Trusted Partner

STI Garage Door is an advanced garage door repair and installation company. Our specialists will help prevent aging and breakdown of springs and, if necessary, will repair or replace the springs in your garage door. Get a free pre-commissioning assessment, first-class service, full compliance with all specifications, reasonable prices, complete solutions, and quality assurance. Whatever the reason, specialists will promptly eliminate its unpleasant consequences.

Contact qualified technicians for a regular preventive check and maintenance, and your garage gates will last for many years.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have torsion or tension springs, each type needs quality care, regular inspection, and professional service. Like any other elements of garage doors, springs have a certain lifespan. How long do garage door springs last? It depends on the type of pre-installed mechanism, the conditions and intensity of work, quality, resources, and other features. Furthermore, some external factors (such as climate and weather conditions) can influence the operation and lifespan of garage door springs. And to extend their life, you can follow some preventative measures, minimize the influence of the environment, and most importantly, do not underestimate professional help.

STI Garage Door

Operating in the garage door industry for over 25 years, STI Garage Door is dedicated to quality service and excellence in everything.

The company is a proud partner to the top brands in the field — LiftMaster for commercial door openers and Amarr and Clopay for residential and commercial doors.