Garage Door Springs: The Silent Workhorse
When you think of a garage door, what comes to mind? The sleek panels? The motor pulling up like it owns the driveway? Maybe that satisfying click of the remote.
But behind all that, there’s one part doing the real heavy lifting every single day, and it rarely gets the spotlight. Let’s talk about springs. Not the season. Not the mattress kind. We’re talking about those tightly wound, high tension steel coils that make your sectional garage door glide up like magic.
What Springs Actually Do (And How Long They Last)
There are two main types of springs:
- Torsion Springs: Mounted above the door, they twist to store energy.
- Extension Springs: Run along the sides, stretching and contracting.
Both types are rated by cycles, one open and close equals one cycle. Most standard springs are rated for about 10 000 cycles, which translates to roughly 7 – 10 years for a low use homeowner. But lifespan depends heavily on factors like daily usage, door weight, and even environmental conditions like humidity or rust.
A Real World Example: The Domino Effect
We recently serviced a client with a beautiful double custom sectional door where one of the torsion springs had failed after years of neglect. The homeowner continued using the system, hoping the motor would “power through,” but that only made things worse.
The sudden strain overloaded the motor, leading to a complete failure. What could have been a simple spring replacement turned into a much more costly repair, including a new motor installation. It’s a reminder that even one neglected spring can trigger a chain reaction.
Signs Your Springs Need Immediate Attention
Don’t wait for a motor breakdown. If you notice any of the following, stop using the motor immediately and call for service:
- The door feels heavy or jerky when lifting manually.
- You hear a loud bang or snapping sound (a clear sign a spring has broken).
- The door lifts unevenly or sags on one side.
- You see visible rust or a gap in the torsion spring coils.
Why Maintenance Saves Money
A small investment in preventative spring maintenance is nothing compared to the damage it prevents. Regular servicing keeps your springs balanced, your motor stress free, and your door operating smoothly and safely. It’s the kind of preventative care that pays off, in peace of mind and in your wallet.
Don’t wait for the snap. Book your Spring & Motor Health Check today, let’s inspect, service, and keep your garage door flexing like it should.
Tags: Garage Door Spring Repair, Broken Garage Door Spring Repair, Garage Door Spring Snapped, Fix Garage Door Spring, Torsion Spring Replacement, Tension Spring Replacement, Sectional Garage Door Spring Replacement, Garage Door Spring Service, Garage Door Cable and Spring Repair, Garage Door Motor and Spring Repair, Torsion Springs For Sale, Garage Door Spring Maintenance.
