Springs are rated in cycles, not years
One cycle is the door going up and coming down. A standard torsion spring is built for 10,000 cycles. If your household opens the door 4 times a day, that is about 7 years. A household with teenagers and a home business can burn through it in 4.
What shortens spring life along the Front Range
Cold contracts the steel and makes the first cycle of a January morning the hardest one of the year. The 40 degree swings between afternoon and morning fatigue the metal faster than a steady climate. Dry air means less rust but also less natural lubrication, and most homeowners never lubricate the spring at all.
Signs a spring is near the end
The door feels heavier than it used to. The opener strains or the door stops short on cold mornings. The door drops faster than it rises. Rust on the coil. Any of those means months, not years.
High cycle springs: the upgrade that pays
A high cycle spring uses a longer, heavier wire to do the same lifting with less stress per cycle. Rated for 25,000 to 50,000 cycles, it costs $40 to $100 more per pair than standard and lasts two to three times longer. The techs we refer recommend them on every replacement in Fort Collins.
Extend the life of the springs you have
Lubricate the spring coil with a lithium or silicone garage door lubricant twice a year. Keep the door balanced (a tech can rebalance in 15 minutes). Replace both springs when one fails. And do not add weight to the door (new windows, insulation panels) without resizing the springs.
What replacement costs
$180 to $280 for a single torsion spring and $260 to $450 for a pair in Fort Collins, parts and labor, usually the same day. Add $40 to $100 for high cycle.
If you are past the easy fixes, the pros we refer handle garage door spring repair in Fort Collins the same day in most cases. For the manufacturer and safety background on this topic, see Clopay’s product information.
Frequently asked questions
How many cycles are garage door springs rated for?
Standard springs 10,000; high cycle springs 25,000 to 50,000 or more.
Do garage door springs last longer in Colorado or shorter?
Shorter than a mild climate because of cold snaps and daily temperature swings.
Should I replace both springs?
Yes. They have the same wear and the second will fail soon after the first.
Are high cycle springs worth it?
Yes for almost every home. The upcharge is small and the life is double or triple.
Can I lubricate my garage door springs myself?
Yes. Spray the coil lightly with a garage door lubricant twice a year. Do not touch the set screws or winding cones.
What happens when a spring reaches its cycle limit?
It snaps, usually with a loud bang, and the door becomes too heavy for the opener.
Does a heavier door need different springs?
Yes. Springs are sized to the door weight. Adding insulation or windows changes the weight.
How do I know how old my springs are?
If the door is original to the house and the house is more than 8 years old, assume they are due.