How Long Does a Garage Door Spring Last?
Torsion springs are one of the most important components of a garage door. They counterbalance the weight of the door, allowing it to be opened safely and smoothly by hand or with an automatic garage door opener.
A typical torsion spring is rated for approximately 16,000 cycles. One cycle means one complete opening and closing of the garage door. With an average of five cycles per day, a 16,000-cycle spring can provide approximately 8–9 years of service under normal conditions. Actual lifespan can vary depending on door weight, usage, installation, environmental conditions and maintenance.
Where Are Garage Door Springs Located?
The location of the springs depends on the type of garage door:
• Sectional garage doors: Torsion springs are usually installed above the garage door, mounted on a shaft.
• Tilt garage doors: Springs are generally located on both sides of the door and work with the lifting mechanism to counterbalance the door.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
When a torsion spring breaks, you may hear a loud “bang” or popping sound. This happens because the spring is under significant tension.
Each spring is designed to counterbalance a substantial portion of the door’s weight. Depending on the door size and configuration, a spring may effectively support approximately 30–70 kg of door weight. When the spring breaks, the door can suddenly become much heavier and difficult or impossible to lift safely.
As a result, an automatic garage door opener may also be unable to lift the door.
Common Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
You may not always hear the spring break. If your garage door suddenly stops opening, check for these common signs:
• The door suddenly feels much heavier than usual.
• The automatic opener runs but the door does not open properly.
• The door only lifts a few centimetres off the ground before stopping.
• The door can no longer be lifted manually.
• You notice a visible gap in the torsion spring above the door.
• You hear a loud bang or popping sound coming from the garage.
If your garage door suddenly stops opening or only lifts approximately 10 cm before stopping, a broken or damaged spring should be one of the first things to check.
Don’t Force a Garage Door with a Broken Spring
A garage door with a broken spring can be extremely heavy and unsafe to lift manually. Continuing to operate the door or repeatedly using the automatic opener may also place additional strain on the opener, cables and other components.
If you suspect a broken spring, stop operating the door and contact Eden Garage Doors. Our technicians can inspect the spring system, identify the cause of the failure and recommend the appropriate replacement.
Eden Garage Doors provides professional garage door spring replacement and repair services across Auckland.
