One question we hear constantly: "My spring just broke — how long is this supposed to last?" The answer depends on the type of spring and how often you use your garage door.
The 10,000 Cycle Standard
Most garage door springs are rated for 10,000 cycles. One cycle = one open + one close. If you use your garage door 4 times per day, that's about 1,460 cycles per year — meaning your springs should last roughly 7 years.
High-Cycle Springs: Worth the Upgrade
We always recommend high-cycle springs when replacing. Here's why:
- 25,000 cycle springs — last ~17 years with average use
- 50,000 cycle springs — last 30+ years, virtually a lifetime
- The cost difference is small. The peace of mind is significant.
Signs Your Springs Are Wearing Out
Springs rarely give much warning, but watch for:
- The door is slower than usual, especially going up
- You can hear squeaking or grinding from the spring area
- The door doesn't stay open — it slowly falls down
- Visible rust or corrosion on the coils
- The coils look stretched or uneven
Should You Replace Both Springs at Once?
Yes — always. If one spring breaks, the other is at the same age and wear level. Replacing both now saves you a second service call in 6 months. We include this in our standard recommendation.
Texas Weather and Springs
DFW's temperature swings — from freezing winters to 110°F summers — put extra stress on springs. Homes in Texas often see shorter spring life than the national average. This is another reason we push high-cycle springs for every Texas customer.