Garage door springs are the workhorses of your door system — they do the heavy lifting every single time you open or close the door. But like all mechanical components under constant tension, they wear out over time. Knowing the warning signs early can save you from a surprise breakdown and a stranded car.
The Anatomy of a Garage Door Spring
There are two types of springs used on residential garage doors:
Torsion springs mount horizontally above the door on a metal rod. They twist (torque) to store and release energy, providing a smooth, balanced lift. Most modern doors use torsion springs.
Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on both sides of the door. They stretch and contract as the door moves. Older homes are more likely to have extension springs.
Both types work on a cycle rating — every time your door opens and closes, that’s one cycle. Standard springs are typically rated for 10,000 cycles.
6 Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Failing
1. The Door Feels Heavier Than Usual
If you notice your opener straining or working harder than normal to lift the door, that’s a sign the springs are losing tension. You can test this: pull the emergency release cord and try lifting the door manually. A properly balanced door should lift easily with light effort. If it’s heavy, the springs are failing.
2. The Door Doesn’t Stay Open
Hold the door at waist height and let go. If it falls back down rather than staying in place, the springs don’t have enough tension to counterbalance the door’s weight.
3. Visible Wear, Rust, or Gaps
Inspect the springs visually. Look for:
- A visible gap in the middle of a torsion spring coil (a sign of breakage)
- Rust or corrosion on the coils
- Coils that appear stretched or uneven
4. Squeaking, Grinding, or Popping Noises
Springs that are starting to fail often make noise. A grinding sound when the door operates, or a loud pop followed by the door not opening, often indicates a spring has broken.
5. The Door Opens Unevenly or Crooked
If one extension spring breaks and the other doesn’t, the door will lift unevenly — one side will be higher than the other. This puts stress on the cables, opener, and panels.
6. The Door Won’t Open At All
A spring that has completely broken will often prevent the door from opening. The opener motor may run and strain, but the door won’t move — it’s too heavy without spring assist.
How Many Years Do Springs Last?
Lifespan depends on how often you use your door:
| Daily cycles | Estimated lifespan (10K cycle spring) |
|---|---|
| 2 cycles/day | ~14 years |
| 4 cycles/day | ~7 years |
| 6+ cycles/day | ~5 years |
High-cycle springs rated for 20,000+ cycles extend this significantly and are worth the modest additional investment if your door sees heavy use.
What to Do If Your Springs Are Worn
Call a professional. Garage door spring replacement is not a DIY job — the springs are under hundreds of pounds of tension and can cause severe injury if mishandled. A trained technician can replace both springs (always replace both, even if only one broke) safely and efficiently, usually in under an hour.
North Denver Garage Doors serves the entire Denver metro for spring repair and replacement. Same-day service is available. Call (720) 983-3269 or request service online.