The Most Important Component You've Never Thought About

Garage door springs do the heavy lifting — literally. They counterbalance the weight of your door, making it possible for your opener (or your own hands) to lift hundreds of pounds with ease. When a spring breaks, the entire system can fail suddenly and dangerously.

Two Types of Garage Door Springs

Torsion Springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They wind and unwind to store and release energy as the door moves. Torsion springs are more durable, last longer, and provide a more balanced lift. Most modern garage doors use this type.

Extension Springs run along the horizontal tracks on each side of the door. They stretch and contract to support the door's weight. Extension springs are more common in older garage door systems and typically have a shorter lifespan than torsion springs.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

The average garage door spring is rated for about 10,000 cycles — one cycle being one full open-and-close operation. If you use your garage door 4 times a day, that translates to roughly 7 years of use. Higher-cycle springs (25,000 to 100,000 cycles) are available for homeowners who want longer-lasting performance.

Signs Your Spring Is About to Fail

• The door opens a few inches and then stops
• The door feels extremely heavy when lifted manually
• You hear a loud bang from the garage — a spring snapping sounds like a gunshot
• The door is crooked or hangs unevenly when open
• You notice a visible gap in the torsion spring coil

Why You Should Never DIY Spring Replacement

Garage door springs are under extreme tension — enough to cause severe injury or death if mishandled. This is not a job for DIY enthusiasts. Professional technicians have the tools, training, and experience to safely remove and replace springs without injury. Attempting this repair yourself voids most warranties and risks serious harm.

Trust Holt's for Spring Repairs in the Treasure Coast

Our technicians at Holt's Reliable Garage Door & Repair are fully trained and equipped to handle all spring repairs quickly and safely. We carry a wide inventory of springs for same-day repairs, so you're never left without access to your garage for long. Contact us anytime — we're available 24/7 for emergency spring repairs.