Garage door professionals usually measure spring life in cycles, while homeowners naturally think in years. For most residential doors, a properly selected and maintained spring system can often provide about 8 to 10 years of service.
That number is not a guarantee. The springs themselves, how they were selected, how the door is adjusted, the amount of use, and the quality of maintenance can all affect how long the system lasts.
01
HOW LONG SHOULD GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS LAST?
According to Jared Carter, owner of UpDown Garage Doors, the average garage door spring lifespan is approximately 8 to 10 years.
That lifespan depends on the springs themselves. Different springs have different cycle ratings, and the correct spring must be matched to the garage door it is supporting.
Typical lower end
Typical lifespan
Possible with the right system
Technicians usually discuss lifespan in terms of cycles and then translate that cycle rating into an estimated number of years based on how often the homeowner uses the door.
02
WHAT IS A GARAGE DOOR SPRING CYCLE?
One spring cycle is one complete opening and closing of the garage door.
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01
THE DOOR OPENS
The spring system works to counterbalance the weight of the garage door as it travels upward.
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02
THE DOOR CLOSES
The spring system continues controlling and balancing the door as it returns to the closed position.
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03
THAT COUNTS AS ONE CYCLE
Every complete open-and-close sequence adds one cycle to the spring's total usage.
A household that uses the garage door several times a day will naturally accumulate cycles faster than a household that rarely uses the garage as a primary entrance.
03
WHAT SHORTENS THE LIFE OF A GARAGE DOOR SPRING?
One of the biggest reasons for shortened spring life is something homeowners may never see: the wrong spring was installed on the door in the first place.
THE CORRECT SPRING MATTERS
If the appropriate springs are installed and the door is operated according to manufacturer guidelines, the spring system should be able to provide its intended cycle life. An incorrectly selected spring can change how the entire garage door system operates.
Spring work during maintenance and repairs also matters. Unwinding and adjusting springs incorrectly can contribute to shortened spring life.
That is one reason UpDown Garage Doors recommends having a trained garage door professional perform torsion system adjustments instead of attempting spring work without the proper experience.
CORRECT SPRING SIZING
The spring needs to be properly matched to the garage door it is counterbalancing.
CORRECT ADJUSTMENT
Improper spring adjustments can affect how the door and torsion system operate over time.
NORMAL OPERATION
Standard use within the manufacturer's intended operating conditions helps support expected spring life.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Spring and torsion system work should be completed by a qualified garage door professional.
04
DOES COLORADO WEATHER AFFECT GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS?
Colorado's dry climate can be favorable for some garage door components, but the state's large temperature swings create another form of wear.
As temperatures change, metal expands and contracts. In Colorado, those temperature swings can happen repeatedly within a short period of time.
TEMPERATURE SWINGS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO METAL FATIGUE
Repeated expansion and contraction adds wear to metal components over time, including garage door springs.
Climate is only part of the equation. A lack of maintenance can also shorten the useful life of the spring system.
05
CAN YOU TELL WHEN A SPRING IS ABOUT TO BREAK?
More often than not, garage door springs break before giving the homeowner an obvious warning.
It can be difficult to determine whether a spring is close to failing without the proper tools and training. Because of that, springs are commonly replaced after they break rather than because a homeowner noticed a clear visual warning beforehand.
A SPRING MAY FAIL WITHOUT AN OBVIOUS WARNING
Do not assume a spring is healthy simply because it looks normal. Professional inspection, balance testing, and maintenance provide far more information than appearance alone.
06
DOES MAINTENANCE HELP SPRINGS LAST LONGER?
Yes. Jared identifies three core tasks technicians perform to help maintain a garage door spring system: lubricate, balance, and adjust the door and torsion system.
LUBRICATE
Proper lubrication helps the spring and moving components operate more smoothly in Colorado's dry climate.
BALANCE
A properly balanced garage door allows the spring system and operator to work together as intended.
ADJUST
The door and torsion system should be adjusted correctly so the spring system is not compensating for another problem.
INSPECT
Professional maintenance also gives the technician a chance to identify other issues affecting the garage door system.
ROUTINE GARAGE DOOR MAINTENANCE
HELP THE SPRINGS REACH THEIR EXPECTED CYCLE LIFE
Proper lubrication, balancing, and torsion system adjustment can help the springs operate the way they were designed to.
Learn About Garage Door Maintenance07
SHOULD BOTH GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS BE REPLACED TOGETHER?
UpDown Garage Doors recommends replacing both springs when one spring in a two-spring system has broken.
Both springs have usually been through approximately the same number of cycles. If one has reached the end of its service life, the second spring may not be far behind.
If one spring has broken, the second spring will likely break shortly after.
Jared Carter, Owner of UpDown Garage Doors
Replacing both springs together helps restore the system as a matched pair instead of leaving one new spring working beside another spring that has already completed years of service.
For pricing and more information about replacement, read: How Much Does Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost in Colorado Springs?
08
ARE ALL GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS THE SAME QUALITY?
No. The garage door industry includes hundreds of spring manufacturers, and products can vary in quality, support, warranty coverage, and consistency.
UpDown Garage Doors works with manufacturers that have been vetted, offer reasonable warranties, and provide access to sales representatives who can answer technical questions when needed.
UPDOWN GARAGE DOORS
VETTED, AMERICAN-BASED MANUFACTURERS
Jared says the spring manufacturers UpDown Garage Doors works with are American-based companies selected for product quality, warranty support, and accessibility when questions arise.
09
CAN YOU UPGRADE TO LONGER-LIFE SPRINGS?
In some situations, yes. Homeowners can speak with their garage door professional about options designed to extend spring life.
The right option depends on the garage door itself. Spring selection should be based on the actual requirements of the door rather than choosing a spring simply because it is marketed as larger, stronger, or longer lasting.
ASK ABOUT SPRING LIFE BEFORE REPLACEMENT
A garage door professional can explain the available spring options and help determine whether a longer-life option makes sense for your specific door.
10
WHY TECHNICIAN CONSISTENCY MATTERS OVER TIME
One thing most homeowners never think about is how many different technicians may work on the same garage door during a 10-year period.
Small changes made during separate repairs and maintenance visits can create a cumulative effect on the system over time.
Make sure you're hiring a company that uses technicians who do the job 100% right every time, not just make it work.
Jared Carter, Owner of UpDown Garage Doors
A garage door can operate even when adjustments are not ideal. The goal should not be simply getting the door moving again. Proper spring selection, balance, adjustment, and complete-system service help protect the long-term performance of the door.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The average lifespan is approximately 8 to 10 years, although the exact lifespan depends on the spring, its cycle rating, proper sizing, maintenance, and use.
One complete opening and closing of the garage door counts as one spring cycle.
One of the biggest causes is installing the wrong spring for the garage door. Proper spring selection and correct adjustment are important to achieving the intended cycle life.
Colorado's large temperature swings can contribute to metal fatigue as springs repeatedly expand and contract. Proper maintenance is also important in Colorado's dry climate.
Often, no. Springs frequently break before showing an obvious warning sign, and it can be difficult to judge remaining spring life without the proper tools.
Yes. Professional lubrication, balancing, and proper adjustment of the door and torsion system help the springs operate as intended.
UpDown Garage Doors recommends replacing both springs when one spring in a two-spring system breaks because the second spring has usually experienced similar wear.
No. Spring manufacturers vary. UpDown Garage Doors works with vetted, American-based manufacturers that offer reasonable warranties and accessible support.
