4 min read Garage Door Hygiene Team
# 5 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement
Garage door springs are under tremendous tension, they're what makes it possible to lift a door that can weigh 200-400 pounds with relative ease. When these springs fail, it can be dangerous and leave you unable to use your garage. Knowing the warning signs of spring problems can help you address issues before they become emergencies.
There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs (mounted horizontally above the door) and extension springs (mounted on either side of the door tracks). Both types are under extreme tension and have a limited lifespan, typically 10,000 cycles or about 7-9 years of average use.
Your garage door springs do the heavy lifting, literally. If your door suddenly feels much heavier when you try to lift it manually, or if your opener seems to struggle, your springs may be weakening or broken.
To test this safely, disconnect your opener (pull the emergency release cord) and try lifting the door manually. A properly balanced door should lift easily and stay open about 3-4 feet from the ground. If it's difficult to lift or slams back down, your springs need attention.
When one spring is weaker than the other, or when extension springs are wearing at different rates, your door may open crookedly. This puts stress on the entire door system and can lead to additional damage if not addressed.
Watch your door as it opens and closes. Both sides should move at the same rate. If one side lags behind, you likely have a spring issue.
Torsion springs that are nearing failure may show visible gaps in the coils. When you look at the spring above your door, the coils should be tight and uniform. A gap of 2 inches or more indicates the spring is separating and could break soon.
Never attempt to touch or adjust these springs yourself. Even a weakened spring has enough tension to cause serious injury.
If you've heard a loud bang like a gunshot coming from your garage, a spring may have already broken. Many homeowners report hearing this noise when no one is in the garage, the spring can break simply from the constant tension it's under.
After hearing this noise, inspect your springs (from a safe distance) for any obvious breaks. Do not attempt to operate the door if a spring is broken.
A garage door with functioning springs should stay in place when opened manually and released at any point. If your door falls rapidly when released, the springs are no longer providing adequate support.
This is a safety hazard, a falling door can cause injury or damage. If your door won't stay open, avoid using it until it's been inspected by a professional.
Garage door spring replacement is not a DIY project. The springs are under enormous tension and require specialized tools and knowledge to replace safely. Every year, DIY spring replacement attempts result in serious injuries.
At Garage Door Hygiene, our technicians are trained and equipped to handle spring replacement safely and efficiently. We use high-quality springs rated for 25,000+ cycles, more than double the lifespan of standard springs.
While all springs will eventually wear out, you can extend their lifespan through regular maintenance. Annual lubrication with a garage door-specific lubricant can reduce wear. Also, try to limit how often you open and close your door, each cycle uses up a small portion of the spring's lifespan.
If you notice any of these warning signs, don't wait for a complete failure. Contact Garage Door Hygiene for a professional inspection. We can assess your springs and, if needed, replace them before they leave you stranded or cause damage to your door or opener.