Garage Door Springs 101
Garage door springs are one of the more surprising problems that can pop up with garage doors. When they break, springs often make a very loud noise, which can frighten a homeowner. Even if you don’t hear the noise, your broken spring will make the door impossible to use correctly, leaving you stuck. So how long does a garage door spring last? Here’s a look at the answer.
What Garage Door Springs Do?
Garage door springs are a part of the door’s torsion system. This system supports the door’s weight during the opening and closing process. Without a working torsion system, the door’s weight would send it crashing down. Unfortunately, the springs take the brunt of that load, and over time, the day-in-and-day-out work of the springs can cause them to break down and wear out.
Garage Door Spring Lifespan Measured in Cycles
Because each household uses their garage doors differently, the lifespan of garage door springs is measured not in days or years but rather in cycles. Most standard garage door springs are rated to last 10,000 cycles, while some can be rated to last 25,000 and 50,000 cycles. Therefore, homeowners need to balance the spring’s lifespan with the potential lifespan of the door that it opens.
Again, the number of cycles does not always coordinate to a specific lifespan in years, but for an average household that opens and closes the door four times a day, a 10,000-cycle spring will last about seven years. High-cycle springs can last up to 20 years. If you open and close your garage door more frequently than that, the lifespan will drop.
Factors that Lessen a Spring’s Lifespan
Some factors can shorten the lifespan of your garage door spring. The first is the climate in your area. If you have a lot of moisture in the air, you will have more potential problems with rust buildup. This issue, in turn, can weaken the springs. Cold can also make the metal more brittle, increasing the likelihood of breaking prematurely.
Factors that Lengthen a Spring’s Lifespan
Similarly, some factors can increase the potential lifespan of your garage door springs. Keeping them lubricated is a big part of that. Use a silicone coating spray to lubricate the garage door springs and help protect against rust. If possible, allow the garage to warm up before using the garage door when temperatures are cold.
If you have further questions bout how to prevent springs from breaking prematurely, reach out to the team at Hostetler & Askew Door for a comprehensive list of garage door repair and maintenance services.
