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Your garage door springs are an important part of your garage door system – even if you don’t see them. These tightly wound coils carry all the heavy lifting for your door, allowing it to open and close smoothly.
But like any hardworking component, your garage door springs will wear out over time. Knowing when to replace garage door springs and how to care for them can help you avoid surprise breakdowns and costly repairs.
“A little care can go a long way when it comes to extending the life of your garage door springs.”
When Should You Replace Garage Door Springs?
Most garage door springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles – one cycle being a full open-and-close motion. For the average homeowner who uses the garage door 3 to 5 times a day, that can add up to a lifespan of about 7 to 10 years.
However, using your garage door more often, exposure to extreme temperatures, or inconsistent maintenance can shorten its lifespan.
There are two types of garage door springs:
- Torsion springs: Mounted above the door, these springs are more durable and commonly found in modern garage doors.
- Extension springs: Located on either side of the door, these are typically used on older-model garage doors and are slightly less durable.
No matter the type, you may need garage door spring replacement when your springs are reaching the 7–10-year mark, you hear loud noises when the door opens or closes, or your garage door moves unevenly or doesn’t stay open.
How to Make Your Garage Springs Last
A little care can go a long way when it comes to extending the life of your garage door springs. Here are some easy but effective maintenance tips:
- Lubricate regularly: Use a silicone-based lubricant on the garage door springs about every 6 months. This reduces friction and prevents rust and wear.
- Balance the door: An unbalanced garage door puts extra stress on the springs. If your door seems heavier on one side or doesn’t stay halfway open, it may be unbalanced. That’s a sign that spring repair is needed.
- Avoid manual force: If your door won’t open, don’t force it. You could worsen a broken garage door spring, or worse, injure yourself. Call a pro for help.
- Get regular inspections: Have your system checked by a professional technician annually. A professional can spot early warning signs before they become expensive repairs or replacements.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Garage Door Springs
Even with proper care, your garage door springs will eventually wear out. Here’s how to tell that it’s time for a garage door broken spring replacement:
The Door Won’t Open
If your opener is running but the door won’t move, or it drops quickly when it’s closing, you may have a broken garage door spring. The opener can’t lift the weight of the door without the assistance of the garage door spring.
Gaps in the Spring
Visually inspect the spring above your door. If you have a visible gap or a separation in the coils, it’s time for a garage door spring replacement.
Weird Noises
A sudden loud banging sound in your garage often means a spring has snapped. This may happen when a spring breaks under tension – a problem that occurs more often in colder temperatures.
The Door Feels Heavy
Try lifting your door manually with the opener disengaged. If it feels heavier than usual, the springs may be worn or broken.
Garage Door Spring Repair in Austin
If you live in Austin or Pflugerville and suspect a problem with your garage door springs, don’t wait to get it checked out. Ignoring a worn or broken spring can lead to further damage or injury.
At Austin’s Greater Garage Doors, we specialize in garage door spring repair in Austin and nearby areas like Pflugerville. Our licensed technicians handle everything from minor repairs to full garage door broken spring replacement.
Whether it’s a garage door broken spring repair in Austin or an urgent garage door broken spring replacement in Pflugerville, we can help with fast, reliable service and transparent pricing.
Not sure if it’s your springs or something else? No problem! We can provide diagnostic inspections to pinpoint the problem and recommend solutions. We also provide new garage door opener installation to completely refresh your system.
Need Help with Garage Door Springs?
If you need an urgent garage door spring repair or a routine garage door spring replacement, we’re here to help. Contact Austin’s Greater Garage Doors for garage door repairs, replacements, installation, and advice.
