The garage door on your Montgomery, IL, home, or business relies on springs to open and close properly. When they’re working properly, you likely wouldn’t even notice them. When they’re not, though, your garage door may feel heavy, close too fast, and make frightening noises when it moves. This is why it’s important to keep track of the age of your garage door’s springs so you can replace them at the right time before they have a chance to fail and need a garage door repair. But how long are garage door springs supposed to last? Here’s an answer to that and how you can spot the early signs of a failing garage door spring.
The Average Lifespan of Garage Door Springs
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long you should expect a garage door spring to last. However, many manufacturers design their garage door extension springs to last for at least 10,000 opens and closes of the garage door they serve. This means the lifespan of the average garage door extension spring is directly tied to how much you use your garage door.
To put this in perspective, consider that opening and closing your garage door only two times each day will allow your garage door’s extension springs to last up to 13.7 years. However, if you open and close it six times per day, you’ll need new springs after about 4.6 years.
If your garage door has torsion springs, on the other hand, it will likely last a bit longer. Torsion springs can stand up to 15,000 to 20,000 opens and closes before needing replacement. However, they also cost a fair amount more than extension springs, so you’re not going to get that extra longevity for free.
Factors That Affect Garage Door Spring Longevity
You should know, however, that there are a variety of things that can extend or shorten the lifespan of your garage door springs. Rust, for example, can dramatically shorten the life of a garage door spring. When rust forms on a spring, it becomes brittle and prone to breakage. Rust is a common problem on garage door springs that operate in humid areas. So, it’s a good idea to inspect your springs periodically for signs of rust formation. This can alert you to the need for spring replacement before a catastrophic failure that damages your garage door.
If you have an especially heavy garage door, it will also shorten the lifespan of your springs. For example, certain kinds of wood garage doors and those made of glass will typically weigh more than standard doors. In those cases, your garage door probably has heavier-duty springs, but you shouldn’t expect them to last as long as the springs on a lighter door. And if you use your heavy garage door frequently, it will speed up your springs’ demise even more.
You should also have your garage door springs lubricated according to their manufacturer’s recommendations. Doing so can prevent rust and reduce friction that would otherwise cause wear on your springs. Regular lubrication is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways you can prolong the lifespan of your garage door springs.
How to Tell if Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement
Since there’s no precise way to tell how long your garage door’s springs will last, you should learn how to spot the early signs that you need new garage door springs. The good news is that the most common signs are obvious. They include:
- Squeaking or banging during opening or closing
- Visible gaps between spring coils
- A misaligned or off-balance garage door
- Difficulty opening or closing your garage door
- A garage door that opens too fast or slow
Your Trustworthy Garage Door Specialists
If your home or business needs a trustworthy company to maintain your garage door or repair the one you have, turn to BDK Door Company. We’ve served residents and businesses in Montgomery and its surrounding area since 1979. We install, service, and repair all types of residential and commercial garage doors, including rolling grilles, fire doors, and counter shutters. And our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau stands as a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction. If you need new garage door springs or any other garage door services, call the team at BDK Door Company today!
