Garage door springs are the hardest-working part of your entire garage door system. Every time you open or close the door, those tightly wound coils absorb and release the full weight of the door. Most homeowners never think about them until something goes wrong. By then, the door won’t move, the opener is straining, or a loud snap in the middle of the night has them searching for answers.
This post covers the complete picture: what causes springs to break, how Houston’s humidity makes rust a serious threat, how to prevent failure before it happens, and what to consider if you’re weighing a DIY repair against calling a professional.
TLDR:
Springs last about 10,000 cycles, roughly 7 to 10 years of daily use.
Common causes of failure: wear and tear, lack of lubrication, rust, bad installation, temperature swings, and impact.
Houston’s humidity is a real threat. Rust can cut spring lifespan significantly if you’re not on top of it.
Lubricate springs twice a year and inspect for rust every spring and fall.
DIY is doable if you’re handy, but springs are under serious tension, and it’s not a beginner project.
Hiring a pro costs more upfront but comes with parts and labor warranty and gets done same-day.
If a spring breaks, do not try to operate the door until it’s been repaired.
How Garage Door Springs Work
A garage door spring is a tightly wound metal coil designed to counterbalance the weight of the door. As the door closes, cables attached to the bottom corners cause the spring to wind up and store mechanical energy. When the door opens, the spring unwinds and releases that energy to help lift the door. Without functioning springs, even a motorized opener would struggle to move the door at all.
Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the door opening and wind around a metal shaft. They are the most common type found on modern garage doors and generally offer more balanced lifting and a longer lifespan. Extension springs run along the upper tracks on either side of the door and stretch as the door closes. Both types do the same job, but torsion springs tend to last longer and put less stress on the overall system.
Why Garage Door Springs Break
Most spring failures are predictable. Understanding the causes helps you catch problems early or prevent them altogether.
Natural Wear and Tear
Spring life is measured in cycles, with one open-and-close counted as a single cycle. Most standard springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles, which translates to roughly 7 to 10 years of typical use. High-cycle springs rated for 20,000 or more cycles are available and worth the upgrade if your garage sees heavy daily use. No amount of maintenance will make a spring last forever, but catching one that’s nearing the end of its cycle count before it fails is always better than dealing with a sudden break.
Lack of Lubrication
Springs need lubrication to reduce friction between the coils as they wind and unwind. Without it, the metal grinds against itself, generating heat and wearing down faster than it should. Lubricating your springs twice a year is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to extend their life. Use a dedicated garage door lubricant or a silicone-based spray. Never use WD-40, which is a degreaser, not a lubricant.
Rust and Corrosion
Rust weakens the metal coils and causes them to bind, which puts extra stress on the spring every cycle. In Houston, where humidity runs high and rain is frequent, rust can form faster than most homeowners expect. A spring with surface rust may still be functional, but it will fail earlier than its rated lifespan suggests. Regular lubrication creates a barrier against moisture and slows corrosion significantly.
Improper Installation
A spring that is not correctly calibrated during installation will be under the wrong amount of tension. Too much tension puts excessive stress on the coils. Too little means the door is not balanced properly. Either way, the spring wears unevenly and is more likely to break prematurely. This is one of the main reasons professional installation includes a calibration step that DIY repairs can get wrong.
Temperature Changes
Cold temperatures cause metal to contract and become less flexible. A spring that is already worn or lightly corroded becomes more brittle when the temperature drops. Houston does not see hard winters often, but the occasional freeze, especially on a spring that is already a few years old, can be enough to push it to the breaking point.
Accidental Damage
Impacts to the garage door from vehicles, storm debris, or large objects can knock the door slightly out of alignment. Even a small misalignment changes how the cables pull on the spring, creating uneven wear that shortens its life. Keeping your safety sensors in good working order and making a habit of checking that the path is clear before closing can prevent most accidental damage.
How Houston’s Humidity Affects Your Garage Door Springs
Houston averages around 50 inches of rain a year, and the humidity rarely lets up. That environment is hard on any exposed metal, and garage door springs are especially vulnerable because of their coiled shape. Moisture collects in the gaps between coils and sits there, accelerating rust from the inside out.
What Rust Does to a Spring
Rust does not just discolor the surface. It eats into the metal, weakening it structurally. It also causes the coils to stick together slightly, which means the spring has to work harder on every cycle. That added friction generates heat, speeds up wear, and shortens the spring’s life. A heavily rusted spring that looks intact may be months away from snapping without warning.
How to Prevent Rust on Your Springs
Inspect your springs twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Look for any orange or brown discoloration on the coils. If you catch surface rust early, you can wipe it down and apply a fresh coat of lubricant to protect the metal going forward. Deep pitting or rust that has penetrated the coils means the spring should be replaced before it breaks.
When lubricating, apply the lubricant directly to the coils and work it in by cycling the door a few times. This distributes the product evenly and helps push it into the small gaps where moisture tends to collect.
Do Not Forget the Hardware
The cables, hinges, and rollers on your garage door are just as vulnerable to rust as the springs. Inspect each hinge and replace any that are heavily corroded. Check your cables for fraying or corrosion, and replace them if they show significant wear. Switching from metal rollers to nylon rollers eliminates one more rust-prone component and makes the door quieter in the process.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Failing
Knowing what to look for can give you time to schedule a repair before you’re dealing with a door that will not open.
A loud snap or bang from the garage area, which is often the sound of a spring breaking.
The door feels significantly heavier than normal when lifted manually.
The door opens unevenly, with one side sitting lower than the other.
The automatic opener strains, hesitates, or reverses when trying to open.
Visible gaps in the spring coils, which indicate a clean break.
Visible rust, pitting, or coil deformation on the spring surface.
If you notice any of these signs, stop using the door and have it looked at. A weakened spring puts stress on the opener motor, cables, and tracks, and can cause additional damage the longer you wait.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional for Garage Door Spring Repair
When a spring breaks, the natural question is whether to call a professional or handle it yourself. There is no universal right answer. It depends on your skill level, schedule, and priorities. Here is an honest breakdown.
How Difficult Is the Repair?
Replacing a garage door spring is not the most complex repair in the world, but it is not a beginner project either. If you regularly take on DIY home repairs and are comfortable following detailed instructions carefully, it is within reach. If you are not used to mechanical work or feel uncertain about the steps involved, the risk of getting something wrong is real.
Is It Dangerous?
Yes, if you are not careful. Garage door springs store a significant amount of tension. A spring that releases suddenly during a repair can cause serious injury or property damage. The danger is manageable with proper safety procedures, the right tools, and a clear understanding of each step before you take it. If you decide to go the DIY route, read a detailed guide specific to your spring type before touching anything.
How Long Does It Take?
For someone experienced with the process, a spring replacement takes a couple of hours. For a first-timer, expect it to take longer, especially if you’re troubleshooting as you go. If your garage is your primary access point to your home and you need it back in service quickly, a same-day professional appointment may be the faster option.
What About Cost?
A professional repair costs more upfront than buying replacement springs and doing it yourself. But the calculation is not always straightforward. If you make a mistake during a DIY repair, fixing it costs time and potentially more money in parts. A professional repair typically includes a parts and labor warranty, which means if something goes wrong with the installation in the months following the repair, they come back and fix it at no charge. For a lot of homeowners, that warranty makes the higher upfront cost worthwhile.
Which Should You Choose?
If you are comfortable with DIY home repairs, have a few hours available, and are willing to follow safety procedures carefully, there is no reason you cannot replace your own springs. If you are not confident in your mechanical ability, do not have the time, or want the peace of mind of a warranty and same-day service, calling a professional is the smarter move. Both are legitimate options.
What to Do When a Spring Breaks
If you hear a loud snap and the door suddenly will not open, there is a good chance a spring has broken. Here is what to do.
Do not try to open or close the door manually or with the automatic opener. A door with a broken spring can fall unexpectedly and cause injury.
If the door is partially open, leave it where it is until a repair is made.
Look but do not touch. You can inspect the spring visually to confirm a break, but do not attempt to unwind or manipulate it without proper training and tools.
Call a professional for a same-day repair, or get your replacement parts ordered if you plan to do it yourself.
Garage Door Spring Repair in Houston
Spectrum Overhead Door has been replacing and repairing garage door springs in Houston since 2006. We offer same-day service and back our work with a parts and labor warranty. Whether your spring just broke or you want to get ahead of one that is wearing out, we are ready to help.
Call 281-748-9542 to schedule service. We cover Houston and surrounding communities, including Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pearland, Cypress, Spring, Humble, Conroe, and more.
Fall weather in Houston can be unpredictable. One moment it’s cool, the next you’re into second (or maybe third) summer. There will come a time when it starts to really cool down, and that’s when garage door springs can start to break. And it never happens at a convenient time. But why? Why do garage door springs break in the fall in Houston, even before the first real freeze? The answer usually lies in what a garage door spring is made out of: metal. Let’s take a closer look.
TLDR:
Fall temperature swings in Houston put stress on aging garage door springs.
Humidity and leftover summer wear contribute to rust and fatigue.
Many springs are already near the end of their 10,000-cycle lifespan.
Lack of lubrication and seasonal maintenance causes increased friction.
Professional inspections in the fall can prevent sudden, costly failures.
Life Expectancy of Springs
Most garage door springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. One cycle = one full open and close. That works out to about 7 to 10 years of average daily use. In busy households, especially during Houston’s brutal summers when garages are used more frequently, that lifespan shrinks fast.
If your door was installed before 2016 and you haven’t had a spring replaced, you’re likely on borrowed time.
How Fall Weather Affects Springs in Houston
Rapid Temperature Swings
Houston’s fall weather can be unpredictable. It’s not unusual to see a high of 85°F and a low of 50°F in the same 24-hour period. That kind of fluctuation causes the metal in your springs to expand and contract repeatedly. Think of it like bending a paperclip back and forth. Eventually, it snaps. Over time, this thermal stress weakens the steel, especially in older springs, and makes them far more prone to failure in October and November.
Humidity and Corrosion
Although the oppressive heat of summer begins to fade, Houston doesn’t exactly dry out in the fall. High humidity levels continue into late October. If your springs were already exposed to moisture, now is when that rust shows up in full force.
Even minor corrosion weakens the spring’s tension. As rust eats into the coil, it creates weak spots that can snap under pressure, often without warning.
Heavy Summer Use Catches Up
Garage Doors Work Harder in the Summer
During the summer, homeowners tend to open their garage doors more often. Whether you’re grabbing lawn equipment, storing summer gear, or coming and going more frequently, those cycles add up.
If your springs were already nearing the end of their lifespan, the heavy summer use could be the final straw. The fall is simply when the damage shows.
Missed Maintenance and Lubrication
Why Lubrication Matters as Temps Drop
As temperatures drop, metal contracts. Springs become less flexible and more brittle, especially if they’re dry. Without proper lubrication, the coils rub against each other, increasing internal friction and weakening the material. You wouldn’t drive a car 10,000 miles without an oil change. Your springs need the same kind of care. Garage door professionals recommend lubricating your springs every six months. If you can’t remember the last time you did it, now’s the time.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs May Be Failing
Spotting a failing spring before it snaps can save you money and prevent a dangerous situation. Here’s what to look for:
Your garage door opens slowly or feels unusually heavy.
The opener strains or sounds louder than usual.
One side of the door rises faster than the other.
You see a gap in the middle of the spring.
There’s a loud bang in the garage even when no one is home.
If you notice any of these signs, stop using the door and call a professional immediately.
How to Prevent a Fall Breakdown
Schedule Seasonal Maintenance
Fall is the perfect time to schedule a garage door checkup. At Spectrum Overhead Door, we offer free consultations and affordable maintenance services.
A technician can inspect the tension, balance, and condition of your springs and recommend a replacement if needed. Getting ahead of the issue means avoiding the emergency.
Lubricate and Inspect Springs
You can do a basic inspection yourself by looking for signs of rust, gaps, or elongation in the coils. Use a silicone-based garage door lubricant to spray the spring evenly. Don’t use WD-40; it’s a degreaser, not a lubricant. If your door creaks, jerks, or squeals, don’t ignore it. That’s your spring begging for help.
When to Call a Professional
Garage door springs are under extreme tension. They can break violently and cause injury if handled improperly. Even if you’re confident with DIY repairs, this isn’t a job to take on with a YouTube tutorial and a socket wrench. A trained technician has the tools and experience to safely replace garage door springs and test the door’s balance and function. Spectrum Overhead Door serves the entire Houston area and offers same-day service in most cases. We’ve helped thousands of homeowners avoid expensive breakdowns, and we’d be happy to help you, too.
Conclusion
Fall in Houston brings cooler mornings, backyard fire pits, and, unfortunately, a spike in garage door spring failures. Between temperature shifts, summer fatigue, and missed maintenance, this season is the tipping point for many aging springs. Don’t wait for yours to snap unexpectedly. It’s one of the smartest things you can do to avoid an expensive surprise this fall.
Home repair projects are a good way to save money and have the project go exactly the way you want it. For some homeowners in Houston that are really handy at repairs, this may not be a bad idea even for garage door repair work. However, many homeowners are not so used to doing repair work, and that can lead to some serious risks if you are trying to DIY garage door repair. These risks include harming yourself, others, and causing the issue to actually get worse instead of better, costing you more than having a professional do it in the long run. One of the most dangerous garage door repairs to DIY is spring repair. Here, we will be listing a few risks that your DIY Garage Door Spring Repair can possibly lead to.
TLDR
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly.
DIY spring repair often leads to accidents, improper installation, or further damage to the door system.
Specialized tools and experience are required to safely replace or adjust springs.
Mistakes can result in costly repairs, damaged openers, or a door that won’t function properly.
Hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely, correctly, and efficiently.
What is a Garage Door Torsion Spring?
Torsion springs are typically mounted horizontally above the door opening. As the garage door comes down, cables that are attached to the bottom corners of the door cause the torsion springs to wind up and this winding creates stored energy. When the door is opened, the springs unwind, and the released energy helps lift the garage door. As this cycle repeats through the years, the steel in the springs starts to weaken and can no longer lift the door.
Dangers of DIY Garage Door Repair
Torsion Springs can cause accidents
With garage doors that use Torsion springs (also known as tension springs), it can be very dangerous when trying to fix it yourself without the appropriate tools or the right type of springs. When a garage door with a torsion spring closes, the heavy springs curl up together causing enormous pressure and tension. When the garage door spring is released from its spot improperly, the result can be a serious injury causing a trip to the Emergency Room.
Common Torsion Spring Repair Mistake: Not Using Winding Bars
One of the most common mistakes is not using the right tools. A winding bar helps unwind and wine up the garage door spring. Some homeowners use things like screwdrivers, that can shoot out and cause harm to themselves or damage property.
The garage door can break off or fall on anyone or anything
A garage door usually weighs way more than all the other doors in your home. Many are at least 100lbs with wooden doors weighing a lot more. So just imagine the damage to you, a loved one or your vehicles were to suddenly have 100lbs or more dropped onto them. Body damage to your vehicle, as well as glass replacement, and paint repair costs much more than having the door properly repaired in the first place. If you are not absolutely sure of what you are doing or do not have the right tools, it just may not be worth the risk.
It will cost you more
When you are hiring a professional to repair the garage door for you, he comes with a fixed rate that includes the price of all the services provided and the taxes. This is not the case when you are trying to restore it by yourself. Trial and error tend to cost homeowners more in the long run. That is exactly what you are doing when you Google a garage door problem or start watching YouTube videos about garage door repairs. You’re guessing as to what the problem is and gambling that you can fix it yourself. The problem is a lot of times those gambles, when you add up the time, tools, parts, etc., end up costing you more than having a professional do the garage door repair.
Also, when you hire a professional, you get an installation warranty of up to 2 years depending on the job. So, if something goes wrong from their installation, it can be fixed at no additional extra cost. That is not something you can say if you do it yourself. The only warranty you get is the manufacturer’s warranty, which in this case (where something went wrong upon repair or installation) is usually is not that helpful.
When to Call a Professional Immediately
Garage door spring issues can escalate quickly. In some cases, continuing to use the door—or attempting a DIY fix—can make the situation dangerous.
Call a professional right away if you notice any of the following:
A loud bang from the garage — This often means a spring has snapped. The door is no longer properly supported.
The garage door won’t open or feels extremely heavy — The opener may still run, but without spring tension, it can burn out trying to lift the door.
Visible gaps or separation in the spring — This is a clear sign the spring has failed or is about to.
The door is crooked or lifting unevenly — This could indicate a broken spring or cable issue, both of which can cause the door to fall unexpectedly.
Cables appear loose or frayed — These work alongside the springs and can fail under stress, creating a serious safety risk.
Garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds. Without properly functioning springs, that weight is no longer controlled.
Therefore, our advice to you is to save yourself the trouble and risk of a DIY garage door spring repair, and the moment you suspect a faulty door, call out the professionals to fix the issue permanently and quickly. Visit https://spectrumoverheaddoor.com/ for further details.
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Whether you currently own a home or buying a home for the first time, if your home has a garage, it’s important to know how long each one of the major components of your garage door system will last. That is because sooner or later you will probably have to either replace your garage door, repair or replace your garage door spring, or install a new garage door opener. That is why we want to go over the lifespan of each one of these major components, the garage door, opener, and springs, so you can anticipate the costs better and understand why maintenance of each of these parts is important.
How Long Does the Typical Garage Door Will Last?
The short answer, most doors will last 15 to 30 years by most manufacturers’ standards. Yet when you look at that number, that is a pretty big gap, by double of years to be precise. Why such a big gap? This is because there are a lot of determining factors in determining the lifespan of the garage door.
What Determines How Long Your Garage Door Will Last?
One of the biggest factors in how long your garage door will last is the type of material used in its construction. The most common materials used for garage doors are steel, wood, and aluminum.
The Lifespan of Garage Doors By Material
Steel doors tend to last the longest, with an average lifespan of 20 to 25 years. They are durable, resistant to rust and corrosion, and require minimal maintenance.
Wooden doors, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. They are susceptible to rot, warping, and cracking due to changes in temperature and humidity. However, they provide a natural and warm aesthetic appeal that many homeowners prefer.
Aluminum doors have the shortest lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. They are lightweight, rust-resistant, and require minimal maintenance. However, they are not as durable as steel doors and can dent easily.
Another factor in the lifespan of a garage door also depends on how well it is maintained. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts, tightening loose screws and bolts, and keeping the door clean, can significantly extend its lifespan. Neglecting maintenance can cause parts to wear out quickly and lead to costly repairs or replacement.
Frequency also plays a part, The more frequently it is opened and closed, the more wear and tear it will experience. Therefore, a garage door that is used several times a day will have a shorter lifespan than one that is used only a few times a week.
You also have to take into account that your environment also affects the lifespan of a garage door. Here in Houston, the weather can be extreme. Extreme temperatures, exposure to sunlight, and exposure to saltwater or other corrosive substances can cause the door to deteriorate quickly. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, it is essential to choose a garage door material that can withstand those conditions.
Replacing Your Garage Door
Now, how do you know when it’s time to replace your garage door? Here are some signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement:
Age: If your garage door is approaching its expected lifespan, it’s time to start considering a replacement. Waiting until it breaks down can be more costly in the long run.
Damage: If your garage door has significant damage, such as a dent, crack, or broken panel, it may be more cost-effective to replace it than to repair it.
Noise: If your garage door makes loud, unusual noises when opening or closing, it could be a sign that some parts are worn out and need replacement.
Safety: If your garage door does not have safety features such as sensors or fails to close properly, it’s time for a replacement to ensure the safety of your family and property.
Aesthetics: If your garage door looks outdated, faded, or does not match the style of your home, it may be time for a replacement to improve your home’s curb appeal.
Garage Door Springs
Another part of your garage door system you should keep track of is your garage door springs. Your torsion springs are what keep your garage door from just slamming down as they help the door defy gravity to open and close. The lifespan of a garage door spring is measured in garage door cycles, with the garage door going up and down one time considered a cycle. Most garage door springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles.
The life expectancy of a 10,000-cycle spring translates these estimates based on daily usage.
Two times daily should last about 13-14 years
Four times daily should last about 6-7 years
Six times daily should last about 4-5 years
Eight times daily should last about 3 years
Once your garage door spring does break, do not try to fix it yourself. It can cause you more damage and issues than you started with. Call a professional to replace your garage door spring. It will save you time and money in the long run.
Garage Door Openers
The garage door opener is another piece that you really should know the age of. The lifespan of a garage door opener will depend on various factors, such as usage, maintenance, and quality of the device. Generally speaking, a well-maintained garage door opener from a reputable brand like LiftMaster can last 10 to 15 years, while a cheaper and poorly made model may only last for 5 to 10 years.
Factors That Wear Down a Garage Door Opener
Usage
The more you use your garage door opener, the shorter its lifespan will be. Every time you open or close your garage door, you’re putting stress on the motor and other components of the opener. This wear and tear will accumulate over time and eventually lead to failure.
You can expect the device to wear out sooner if you use your garage door opener multiple times a day, such as if you have a large family or run a home-based business. On the other hand, if you only use your garage door opener a few times a week, it may last longer.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your garage door opener. Like any mechanical device, a garage door opener needs to be lubricated, adjusted, and inspected regularly to keep it functioning properly. One of the most important maintenance tasks is lubrication. The moving parts of a garage door opener, such as the chain or belt, need to be lubricated periodically to prevent friction and wear. Other maintenance tasks include adjusting the tension of the chain or belt, tightening screws and bolts, and inspecting the safety sensors.
Quality
The quality of the garage door opener is another factor that affects its lifespan. A well-made opener from a reputable brand will generally last longer than a cheaper and poorly made model.
Now, why do we mention parts other than the garage door? Because to get the most out of your garage door and extend its lifespan your garage door parts need to be regularly maintained as well. If you want to know more about getting the most out of your garage door, read our post, Extend the Life Of Your Garage Door
Spectrum Overhead Door LLC has been serving Houston area garages for over 16 years with award-winning garage door repair service. Call either 281-748-9542 or if you are closer to East Houston 713-557-3407 for a free quote today with no trip charge!
One of the essential parts of the garage door system is the garage door springs. The garage door springs are the springs that keep the door held up when you want to raise the garage door. At some point though, just like anything else mechanical, the garage door springs eventually will break and need to be replaced. So how much does a typical garage door spring replacement cost? And what are the factors that go into that cost? We will give you the breakdown so you have some idea of the costs involved when you call a garage door company for garage door spring repair and replacement.
First, let’s give a quick disclaimer. Though the factors that go into the cost of replacing your garage door spring probably will not change over the years, the numbers will. So when reading this, prices may have changed since the time of writing this.
Typical Lifespan of a Garage Door Spring
The lifespan of a garage door spring is measured in garage door cycles, with the garage door going up and down one time considered a cycle. Most garage door springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles.
The life expectancy of a 10,000-cycle spring translates these estimates based on daily usage.
Two times daily should last about 13-14 years
Four times daily should last about 6-7 years
Six times daily should last about 4-5 years
Eight times daily should last about 3 years
Typical Cost of a Garage Door Spring Replacement
If you are looking to replace springs on a single-car garage door, the typical cost is $250-$300. If you are looking to replace springs on a two-car garage door, the typical cost is $350-$550
Factors that Go Into The Cost of a Garage Door Spring Replacement
There are several factors that go into how much your garage door spring replacement will cost. First, as noted above, is the size of the garage door, whether it’s a single or double garage door. Next is whether it’s a standard garage door spring or what is known as a high-cycle garage door spring. High-cycles can last about twice to 3 times as much usage over a standard garage door spring.
The next factor is the weight of the garage door. Thicker steel garage doors and wooden garage doors weigh more than aluminum garage doors. Because of this, you may need a thicker, heavier garage door spring that can withstand the weight of your garage door and the force of gravity.
The last factor we want to talk about is the type of garage door spring. There are garage door springs that are made by a company called Wayne Dalton that are dramatically different from your normal garage door spring. In most cases, we recommend converting over to a standard garage door spring. With a torsion spring system, you can visually inspect your garage door spring and see if it’s rusting about to break, or has broken. With a Wayne Dalton Torquemaster system, the spring is hidden, so you don’t know what’s going on up there until your garage door stops working properly. This means you have to wait until something goes wrong and have it taken apart to see if the spring is broken. For more differences, read Differences Between Torsion Springs and Wayne Dalton Springs.
Warranties
If you have a garage door company replace your springs, you will typically get a one or two-year labor warranty.
Conclusion
We hope this helps in understanding how much a typical garage door spring job is and the factors that go into that cost. If you are in the Houston area and your garage door spring has broken, contact Spectrum Overhead Door. We offer fast friendly garage door services that won’t break the bank, and will be done right the first time!
Garage doors are an essential component of a home’s security and accessibility, and their operation relies heavily on the springs that support their weight. Holding that weight takes a toll on your garage door springs. That means your garage door spring doesn’t work forever, though we wish it would. Torsion springs are the type of garage door springs found on most homes. springs are located above the door and wind up tightly to store energy when the door is closed, then unwind to release that energy when the door is opened. Garage door torsion springs tend to break about 10 to 15,000 cycles depending on the type of torsion spring you have. For Single springs, the life expectancy is usually 7-10,00 cycles, dual springs up to and around 15 thousand cycles, and high cycle springs can last up to 40,000 cycles. That equates to about 10-15 years of usage on your garage door springs. It really depends on not just the type of spring you have to be also how much use your garage door gets. Some use their garage door as their front door, so the garage door springs get more use per day. If you feel it helps you in explaining to your garage door technician what part is broken or if you plan to try to replace the garage door spring yourself ( which we don’t recommend unless you have the right tools and are good at home repairs) we are going to explain how to measure your garage door spring.
Now when you see a broken garage door spring, there is usually about a 2-inch gap between the pieces of spring. It is easy to confuse as to whether include the gap or not in your measurements and answer to that is you do not include the gap.
How to Measure Your Garage Door Spring
You will need Tape Measure.
There are three measurements you will take:
Length
Inner Diameter Size
Wire Size or Known as Coil Wire Size
Garage Door Spring Length
There is a couple of ways you can measure the length of your garage door spring if it is still on the torsion tube. You can take your tape measure and go from the first coil to the last coil. Then measure the gap and subtract the gap measurement from the overall length. You can also measure the two sections separately and then add them together. Either way, do not measure a spring that is still under tension, as it will give you a false reading.
Garage Door Spring Inner Diameter
After that, you are going to want to measure the inner diameter of the spring. Most residential garage door springs are 2 inches, though there are occasions where it is 1 3/4. Commercial garage door springs start at 2 5/8.
Wire Size
The next measurement you want to take is to take your tape measure and put it at the end of the coil. Stretch your tape measure out and count 20 coils and see what the length of that is. The amount of 20 divided by the length will help give you the wire size. You will get a fraction, which you will convert to a decimal. We have broken down some of the common ones for you.
Our sister company, Parts 4 Garage Doors, has put together a video that also shows how to measure a garage door spring.
Though this is not super complicated, unless you have some handy person-type skills, it really is best to call a professional to replace your broken garage door spring. Spectrum Overhead Door LL has been fixing garage door springs in Houston since 2006 with award-winning service. We treat our customers the way we would like to be treated and have the knowledge and skills to get the job done right the first time. If your garage door spring is broken and you are in the Houston area, give us a call 281-748-9542 to schedule your appointment.
