Garage door springs are the hardest-working component of your garage door system, bearing hundreds of pounds of tension to lift your door smoothly. Understanding how they work, how long they last, and when to replace them can save you from dangerous situations and costly repairs.

🚨 Critical Safety Warning

Garage door springs are under extreme tension (200-400 lbs). Attempting DIY spring replacement causes serious injuries or death every year. ALWAYS hire certified professionals for any spring work.

How Do Garage Door Springs Work?

Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of your door, making it easy to lift. Without springs, a typical double garage door would weigh 150-200kg — far too heavy to open manually or for your motor to handle safely.

There are two main types of garage door springs used in Perth:

Torsion Springs

Mounted horizontally above the door
Use twisting motion to store and release energy
Most common for modern sectional doors
Safer and more durable than extension springs
Typical lifespan: 10,000-20,000 cycles (7-12 years)

Extension Springs

Run along both sides of the door
Stretch and contract to lift the door
Common on older doors and tilt doors
More prone to failure and less safe
Typical lifespan: 8,000-12,000 cycles (5-8 years)

What's a Cycle?

One cycle = one complete open and close. A family using their garage twice daily accumulates about 730 cycles per year. This means springs last 7-15 years depending on quality and use.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

Average Lifespan by Type:

Standard Torsion Springs: 10,000 cycles (7-10 years)
High-Cycle Torsion Springs: 20,000-30,000 cycles (12-15 years)
Extension Springs: 8,000-12,000 cycles (5-8 years)
Commercial/Heavy-Duty Springs: 20,000-50,000 cycles (10-20 years)

Factors That Affect Spring Lifespan

1. Usage Frequency

More use = shorter lifespan. A garage door opened 4 times daily wears springs twice as fast as one opened twice daily.

2. Spring Quality

Not all springs are equal. Budget springs may be rated for 10,000 cycles while premium springs handle 25,000+ cycles. Investment in quality springs pays off long-term.

3. Maintenance

Lubricated springs last longer. Regular lubrication reduces friction and extends spring life by 1-2 years. Learn more about proper maintenance in our guide on fixing noisy garage doors.

4. Climate

Perth's generally mild climate is spring-friendly, but coastal areas experience more corrosion. Humidity and salt air accelerate rust, shortening spring life.

5. Door Balance

Improperly balanced doors put extra stress on springs, reducing their lifespan significantly.

Warning Signs Your Springs Need Replacement

Don't wait for springs to snap. Watch for these warning signs:

1. Visible Wear

Gaps or separation in spring coils
Rust or corrosion on springs
Springs appear stretched or elongated
Visible cracks or breaks

2. Door Imbalance

Door heavy to lift manually
Door won't stay open partway
Door closes too fast
One side higher than the other

3. Operational Issues

Door only opens 6 inches then stops
Motor strains or struggles to lift door
Jerky or uneven movement
Loud squeaking or grinding from springs

4. Age

Springs are 7+ years old
No record of when springs were last replaced
Original springs on door 10+ years old

5. Broken Spring (Emergency)

Loud bang when door closes
Door won't open at all
Visible gap or break in spring
Cables hanging loose

⚠️ DO NOT use door with broken spring - call for emergency service immediately

Spring Replacement: What to Expect

The Replacement Process

Safety First: Technician ensures door is properly supported and power is disconnected
Release Tension: Old springs are carefully released using professional winding tools
Remove Old Springs: Worn springs are removed and measured
Install New Springs: Premium quality springs matched to your door weight are installed
Wind & Tension: Springs are precisely wound to proper tension
Test & Balance: Door is tested for smooth operation and proper balance
Safety Inspection: All cables, hardware, and safety features checked

Typical Service Time

Single spring replacement: 1-2 hours
Both springs replacement: 2-3 hours
Includes full safety inspection

Cost of Spring Replacement in Perth

Average Costs 2025:

Single door spring replacement: $200-300
Double door spring replacement: $300-400
High-cycle premium springs: Add $50-100
Emergency after-hours service: Add call-out fee

For a complete breakdown of all garage door repair costs, check out our comprehensive cost guide for Perth homeowners.

Pro Tip: Replace Both Springs

If one spring breaks, the other is likely near failure. Replacing both springs at once prevents future breakdowns and ensures balanced operation. Most professionals recommend this approach.

Extending Spring Life: Maintenance Tips

Every 6 Months:

Apply garage door lubricant to springs (avoid over-lubrication)
Visually inspect springs for rust or wear
Test door balance (door should stay in place when halfway open)
Listen for unusual squeaking or grinding

Annually:

Professional inspection and tune-up
Comprehensive safety check
Spring tension adjustment if needed
Hardware inspection and tightening

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Extend spring life by 1-3 years
Prevent unexpected failures
Maintain warranty coverage
Ensure safe operation
Reduce noise
Save money on emergency repairs

High-Cycle Springs: Worth the Investment?

High-cycle springs cost $50-100 more than standard springs but last 2-3 times longer. Here's when they make sense:

Worth It For:

High-use doors (4+ times daily)
Heavy doors
Commercial applications
Long-term homeowners
Doors with past spring failures

Standard Springs OK For:

Average use (2-3 times daily)
Lightweight doors
Budget constraints
Short-term ownership
Rental properties

FAQ: Garage Door Springs

Can I replace just one spring?

Technically yes, but professionals recommend replacing both springs simultaneously. If one breaks, the other is likely near failure. Replacing both ensures balanced operation and prevents another breakdown soon after.

Why do springs break at night or in cold weather?

Metal contracts in cold temperatures, adding stress to already-weakened springs. Springs also rest at night, and the initial tension when operating can cause a fatigued spring to finally snap.

Is it safe to use my door with a broken spring?

No! A door with a broken spring is extremely dangerous. The full weight of the door (150-200kg) is no longer counterbalanced. The door can slam shut unexpectedly, causing serious injury or property damage. Call for professional repair immediately.

What's the warranty on replacement springs?

Quality spring replacements typically come with 3-5 year warranties on parts and 12 months on labor. High-cycle springs may have longer warranties. Always ask your technician about warranty coverage.

How can I tell if my springs need replacement?

Test door balance: Disconnect opener and manually lift door halfway. If it doesn't stay in place, springs need attention. Also watch for rust, visible wear, gaps in coils, squeaking, or door feeling heavy.

Need Spring Replacement in Perth?

Our certified technicians provide same-day spring replacement with premium quality springs and 5-year warranty

Call 0475 333 335

About Capital Garage Doors Perth: With over 15 years of experience, we're Perth's trusted garage door spring specialists. All technicians are certified and insured. We use only premium quality springs with comprehensive warranties. Same-day service available throughout Perth metro.

The Truth About Garage Door Springs and When to Replace Them