How Long Should Garage Door Springs Last?

Garage door springs will typically last between seven and nine years with average use, approximately four cycles per day. With more frequent use, the lifespan of the spring may be just four to six years. There are two types of garage door springs; torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs, typically mounted above the garage door, keep the door properly balanced. They keep the door securely in place, either in the raised or at a middle position. Some movement is to be expected, but if the door doesn't stay in place, the torsion springs are likely failing. Extension springs are mounted above the door or on the sides, and they also usually last seven to nine years. Any gaps between coils indicates that this spring is starting to fail. Those who live in a wet climate may see a shorter lifespan for garage door springs, because moisture can cause rust to build up, increasing the friction, which will wear out the springs more quickly. For maintenance tips, check out our guide with Garage Door Spring Maintenance and Tests.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Garage Door Springs?

The cost to replace garage door springs averages between $200-210. This breaks down to $20 or $30 for the springs and up to $180 for the labor. Whether you have them repaired or replaced depends on their condition. Squeaky springs may just require lubrication. If they're still noisy, they may need to be replaced. If the door is difficult to open or close, the springs may require re-fitting. Those who have extension springs rather than torsion coil springs should have safety cables added so that if the spring breaks, the door won't fall unexpectedly. If any part of the spring is broken, they should be immediately replaced.

How to Replace Garage Door Springs

For detailed information about how to replace garage door springs, see our video, "How to Measure a Garage Door Torsion Spring and Order a Replacement." We'll walk you through considerations such as spring length, wire size, inside diameter and wind of the spring so that you get the exact size you need. We provide this important information for our DIY customers. However, there are advantages to having garage door springs replaced by a professional, which includes making sure that they're correctly balanced and lubricated.

How Do I Know What Size Garage Door Springs I Need?

Our "How to Measure a Garage Door Torsion Spring" video provides a step-by-step guide to all the measurements you must take to ensure that you order the springs for your garage door. Key specifications include the length of spring (in inches), wire size, inside diameter and the wind of the spring, which is either left or right wound. Listings of different sizes and types of springs can be confusing, but this essential guide removes all the guesswork.

How to Adjust Garage Door Springs

To adjust garage door springs, you'll need to note whether you have top-mounted torsion springs or side-mounted extension springs, understand the problem you're experiencing, and either increase or decrease the spring tension to fix the issue. The springs, when properly adjusted, offset the door's weight to allow for easy, smooth movement. For torsion springs, increase tension for doors that are hard to open or close too quickly. Decrease the tension if the door doesn't close completely, is hard to close or opens too quickly. If there's a gap, adjust the tension on that side. For side-mounted springs, tension is decreased or increased by hooking the spring on a lower or higher hole in the track hanger. For complete instructions, see wikiHow's "How to Adjust a Garage Door Spring."

Northwest Region

My family has been in the door and access industry for over 35 years. I am the Vice President of Sales at Action Industries.
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Email: MattODonnell@Action-Ind.com

Phone: 440-653-0553

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On the job, my ACTIONs in sales revolve around JUICE! This secret ingredient to success means that I’m Jacked to be an enthusiastic force, Uplifting in all interactions, Innovative in providing solutions for your business, and Customer-focused to ensure you get the support you need with an Energetic and efficient approach unmatched in the industry.
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