7 min read Stoneham Garage Door Team
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. They do the heavy lifting.literally.making it possible for you to easily open and close a door that can weigh several hundred pounds. Understanding how these springs work, how to maintain them, and when to call for professional help can save you money and keep your family safe.
There are two main types of garage door springs:
Mounted above the garage door, torsion springs use torque to lift the door. When the door closes, the springs wind up, storing energy. When you open the door, this energy is released, doing most of the lifting. Torsion springs are the most common type in modern residential garage doors because they:
- Provide smoother operation, Last longer (typically 15,000-20,000 cycles) - Offer better balance and control, Take up less space than extension springs
These springs are mounted on either side of the door and stretch (extend) when the door is closed. They're typically found on older installations and lighter doors. While less expensive initially, they:
- Have a shorter lifespan (around 10,000 cycles) - Require safety cables to prevent injury if they break, Can cause the door to become unbalanced if one breaks
Proper maintenance extends spring life and ensures safe operation:
A broken garage door spring releases tremendous force. Without warning, a failed spring can cause the door to slam shut or prevent it from opening. The spring itself can snap with enough force to cause serious injury. Regular maintenance helps identify worn springs before they fail catastrophically.
Replacing springs on your schedule is less expensive than emergency repairs. When springs are maintained properly, they last longer, and you can plan for replacement rather than dealing with unexpected failures.
Well-maintained springs provide consistent, smooth operation. Neglected springs can cause jerky movement, uneven lifting, and strain on other components.
While spring repair should always be left to professionals, there are maintenance tasks homeowners can safely perform:
Monthly, look at your springs for: - Rust or corrosion, Gaps in the coils (indicating stretching) - Wear spots or damage, Loose mounting hardware
Pay attention to how your door sounds. Squeaking, grinding, or banging during operation can indicate spring problems.
Twice a year, apply a garage door lubricant (not WD-40) to your springs. This reduces friction, prevents rust, and helps the springs operate smoothly. Spray lightly and wipe off excess.
Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door to about waist height. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs may need adjustment.but this should only be done by a professional.
Call a professional if you notice:
- The door suddenly seems very heavy to lift manually, The door opens only a few inches before stopping, There's a visible gap in the spring coils, You hear a loud bang from the garage (often a sign a spring has broken) - The door closes too quickly, The door is crooked or uneven when opening or closing, The springs show significant rust or wear
Even with perfect maintenance, springs have a finite lifespan. Consider replacement when:
- Springs are approaching their rated cycle life, You're experiencing ongoing issues despite adjustment, Rust or wear is significant, You're upgrading your garage door or opener
Many professionals recommend replacing both springs at once, even if only one has failed. Springs installed at the same time wear at similar rates, and replacing both ensures balanced operation and reduces the likelihood of another service call soon.
Garage door spring repair is one home maintenance task that absolutely requires professional expertise:
Torsion springs hold tremendous tension.enough to cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Professionals have the training and tools to work with this tension safely.
Spring work requires specialized winding bars, vises, and safety equipment that most homeowners don't have.
Replacing springs requires matching the correct type, size, and tension rating to your specific door. Using incorrect springs leads to poor performance and premature failure.
Professional installation often comes with a warranty on both parts and labor. DIY repairs void most manufacturer warranties.
At Garage Door Company Stoneham, our technicians are extensively trained in spring repair and replacement. We use quality parts that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications, and we back our work with a satisfaction guarantee. If you're experiencing spring issues or it's time for preventive maintenance, contact us today.