Cycle life, not calendar years
A standard torsion spring is rated in cycles. One cycle is a full open and close. A 10,000-cycle spring on a door you use four times a day lasts about seven years. High-cycle springs (20,000–25,000) last longer if the door is balanced and the tracks are clean.
Extension springs on the sides of the tracks wear faster in coastal Orange County. Salt air pits the coils. You will see rust flakes on the floor before the spring snaps.
Two springs on a torsion bar should be replaced as a pair. One new spring and one tired spring fight each other. The door then lifts crooked and chews through cables.
Do not wind or unwind a torsion spring yourself. The stored energy can take a finger or an eye. If the door is too heavy to lift with one hand, leave it down and call. See broken spring repair and same-day spring replacement in Orange County.
- Loud bang, then the door will not lift
- Visible gap in the coil above the door
- Door feels heavy on the emergency release
- Opener strains or the belt/chain jumps
Common questions
How often should garage door springs be replaced?
When they reach their cycle rating, or as soon as you hear a snap or see a gap in the coil. Most Orange County homes hit that between 7 and 12 years. Call (949) 539-0009.
Can you repair a broken torsion spring?
No. A broken spring is replaced, usually as a matched pair, then the door is rebalanced. Call (949) 539-0009 for a same-day quote.
Why did my spring fail early?
Wrong wire size for the door weight, a door that is out of balance, or rust near the coast. We measure the door and install the correct pair. Call (949) 539-0009.
Is it safe to open the door on one spring?
No. One live spring still holds hundreds of pounds. Keep people away from the door and call (949) 539-0009.