The garage door spring dies some time during its 10,000th operation. Typically while the door is closed. However, this is not to say that it won’t break while the door is open, or during operation. 10,000! That is the average number of cycles you can expect the average spring, whether torsion or extension, to last. In an active family, where the garage door is opened and closed four times per day, the springs will resist breaking for five to seven years.
There are two types of springs used on today’s garage doors: The torsion springs, which are located above the door, and the extension springs which are located on either side of the door. Extension springs are installed in pairs, whereas, torsion springs can be installed singly or in pairs. When one of these springs breaks, you are stuck – literally, until you can get it professionally replaced.
Despite popular belief, the springs often go out without much drama, and often with little to no warning – unless they were nearing their time. Because a malfunctioning, or broken spring is quite dangerous, it is advisable for you to halt any further use of the door immediately. Unplugging the opener from its power source is an even better option. It is always better to err on the side of caution.
The replacement of a broken garage door spring is a complex task. Requiring a great deal of expertise, this job is not DIY recommended, especially considering the fact that these springs are responsible for counterbalancing the entire weight of your door. A door that can weigh anywhere between 300 and 1,500 pounds. Doing-it-yourself is simply not worth risking your safety or that of your loved ones. Be sure to contact a professional.
One option you may want to consider is high-cycle springs. Despite being more expensive compared to standard springs, high-cycle springs generally last about four times as long, making them a worthwhile expenditure. When replacing broken garage door springs, it is additionally recommended that both springs be replaced at the same time, because the unbroken spring will have lost some of its tension from years of use.
