Garage Door Spring Longevity

Published On
June 23, 2023
by Metro GDS

Garage door springs are essential and necessary equipment for a operational garage door – being mechanical devices that the door will utilize every single time it opens or closes. So what is the average longevity of a garage door spring? How can you make your garage door springs last as long as possible. Here’s a guide to garage door spring longevity, as prepared by the garage door repair experts at Los Angeles Garage Door and Gate.

TYPES OF GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS

These springs are often torsion type springs, and are separated into cycle based categories. 10,000 cycle torsion springs are the most common, but higher cycle number springs including anywhere from 25,000-50,000 cycle springs are cost effective ideal choices for busy garages. When deciding what type of spring to work with it’s essential to take the garage itself, it’s style and potential lifespan is, into account. Don’t buy a garage door spring that outlasts the garage itself!!

AVERAGE LONGEVITY

Since, as stated above, most garage door spring’s longevity is categorized in cycles, you can estimate that the average house opens and closes the garage at least 4 times a day. So when working with a 10,000 cycle garage door spring, this usage would translate to a spring that lasts around 7 years – so higher cycle springs can last anywhere from 13-20 years!

CAUSES OF GARAGE DOOR SPRING EARLY DEGRADATION

If you live in a wet climate or have common leaks or moisture in your garage, rust and buildup can accumulate, increasing the core friction of the spring and wearing down it’s metal quickly. Cold, also, makes metal contract and become brittle, so garage door springs subject to low temperatures are more vulnerable than those placed in more temperate or hot climates.

EXTENDING GARAGE DOOR SPRING LONGEVITY

Make sure to spray springs with a silicone coating every 3 months to prevent rust. Don’t use WD-40 – a lubricant, NOT silicone coating spray – especially if your car is parked in your garage. WD-40 is corrosive to paint. In cold weather, try to warm up the garage if possible before opening it using a space heater. Then, as you open the garage, listen carefully for any creaking sounds – if you hear it, quickly shut the garage and contact a licensed garage door spring repair expert as soon as possible.

Garage Door Spring Longevity

TYPES OF GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS

AVERAGE LONGEVITY

CAUSES OF GARAGE DOOR SPRING EARLY DEGRADATION

EXTENDING GARAGE DOOR SPRING LONGEVITY

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