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Garage door springs: everything you need to know (and why you should never DIY)

Every time you open your garage door, you’re relying on a spring system the quietly handles the heavy lifting. In fact, a single garage door spring can balance up to 400kg of force, making it one of the most important com[ponents in your doors operation.

Springs do more than just a lift, they help your door open smoothly, reduce strain on the motor and ensure the door stays properly balanced. But like any hardworking part, they don’t last forever.

In this guide, we will explain how garage door springs work, how long they last, the signs of wear and tear and the safest, smartest way to replace them.

What do garage door springs actually do?

Garage door springs are responsible for one essential job: counterbalancing the weight of your garage door.

A typical sectional door can weigh anywhere from 80kg to 150kg (or more for double doors), but thanks to the springs, you can open and close it with minimal effort. The springs take the strain, so your motor doesn’t burn out, and so your door stays balanced when opening and closing.

Here are the basic physics of garage door springs:

 

Without functioning springs, your motor is doing all the heavy lifting. That’s when breakdowns, misalignment or injury can occur.

Torsion vs extension springs: what’s the difference?

here are two main types of garage door springs, torsion and extension. Both achieve the same purpose but their function and install differently.

Torsion springs:

 

Extension springs:

How long do garage door springs last?

The lifespan of a spring is measured in cycles – one cycle equals one full open and close.

Standard torsion spring:

 

High-cycle springs:

 

Want a longer-lasting system? Investing in a high-cycle system from the start can pay off in lower repair costs over time.

Warning signs your garage door spring is failing

Springs rarely fail without warning- but signs can be subtle if you’re not looking for them.

 

Watch for the following signs that your door springs may be failing or require maintenance:

  1. The door feels heavy: if the spring is losing tension or broken, the door will resist opening – even with the motor
  2. Door opens unevenly or crookedly: this often means one side of the spring is weaker or has failed entirely
  3. A loud bang in the garage: a snapped torsion spring can sound like a firecracker going off with a large bang.
  4. Visible 2-inch gap in torsion spring: this is a clear sign that the spring has broken
  5. Noise: Your door is making an excessive or unusual amount of noise. This could be a sign that there is an issue with the spring.

If any of the above signs appear, stop using your door and call a garage door professional immediately to conduct an inspection and service. B&D has a network of accredited and experienced professionals. Find your nearest garage door specialist here.

Why DIY spring replacement is extremely dangerous?

Replacing garage door springs is not a DIY job – and for good reasons.

B&D garage doors are under extreme tension. Releasing or installing them incorrectly can result in severe injuries including:

 

Special tools like winding bars and professional experience are required to remove and install springs safely and correctly. To put it simply, this is not a job to attempt yourself, always call an experienced garage door professional.

What does it cost to replace a garage door spring?

Replacement costs depend on a range of factors such as door size, spring type and whether you’re upgrading to high-cycle options.

 

Type Approx. cost
Single torsion spring $75-$150
Double torsion spring $150-$300
High-cycle upgrade +$100-$150

B&D high cycle and safe spring options

B&D offers advanced spring and safety systems. These are designed with longevity, performance and user safety in mind.

B&D features include:

 

By choosing B&D parts and services with our network of experts, you can be confident your system is built to last – with access to genuine components backed by local support.

Maintenance tips to extend spring life

Garage door springs don’t need much attention, but a little preventative care goes a long way. At B&D, we recommend servicing your garage door every two years. In your routine service, the garage door technician will assess the state of your springs, motor and other door components to ensure it will continue to operate at its best for years to come.

*conclusion*

Garage door springs are small components doing heavy lifting. They make daily access possible for many households. Whether your door is moving strangely or just due for a check-up, don’t ignore the warning signs.

 

Need a spring replacement or check-up?

At B&D, our network of experienced garage door professionals install B&D torsion spring systems to ensure optimal garage door performance.

 

Protect your garage. Protect your family. Let the professionals handle the technical parts.

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