If your garage door suddenly feels impossibly heavy or won't open at all, a broken spring is the most likely culprit. Here is how garage door springs work and what {state} homeowners should know. Homeowners across Westmilford, NJ trust us for honest, same-day service — (973) 273-4953.
A two-to-three-inch gap in the coil, a door that opens a few inches then stops, an opener that strains or reverses, or a door that feels like dead weight by hand all point to a spring. You don't always hear the bang.
Torsion springs sit on a bar above the door, last longer, and balance the door more smoothly — the modern standard. Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks and should always have a safety cable so broken pieces can't fly. Knowing which you have helps describe the problem.
If your door has two springs and one broke, replace both. They share the same cycle life, so the second is right behind the first, and doing both at once saves a second service call. A good technician also checks the cables and bearings while they are there.
Springs are rated in cycles — one up-and-down is a cycle, and a standard spring lasts about 10,000 of them, or 7-10 years for a typical family. Rust from {state} humidity, cold snaps that make steel brittle, poor balance, and undersized springs all shorten that life.
Most modern doors use torsion springs mounted on a shaft above the opening; older or lighter doors use extension springs along the tracks. As the door closes the springs wind and store energy, then release it to lift the door. That stored energy is what makes a heavy door feel light.
How long do garage door springs last?
A standard spring is rated for about 10,000 cycles — roughly 7-10 years of normal use. High-cycle springs rated for 20,000+ cycles last much longer and are worth it for busy households.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
It is strongly discouraged. The springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury. This is one repair that should always be left to a trained professional.
Whether it's a quick fix or a full replacement, our Westmilford team is here to help. Explore our garage door services, read more on the blog. Call (973) 273-4953 for a free estimate.
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