6 min read
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. They bear the weight of the door.often 150-400 pounds.making it possible for you (or your opener) to lift it with minimal effort. Understanding how springs work and when they need replacement helps you maintain a safe, functional garage door.
There are two main types of springs used in residential garage doors:
Mounted horizontally above the door opening, torsion springs use torque to lift the door. When the door closes, the spring winds up and stores energy. When opening, this energy is released to help lift the door. Torsion springs are found on most modern doors and are generally safer and longer-lasting than extension springs.
These springs run along the horizontal tracks on both sides of the door. They stretch and contract to provide lifting force. Extension springs are typically found on older doors or lighter single-car doors. They should always have safety cables running through them to contain the spring if it breaks.
Garage door springs are rated by cycles.one cycle equals one complete open and close. Standard springs are rated for approximately 10,000 cycles. If you open your garage door four times daily, that's about 7 years of expected life. High-cycle springs (20,000-50,000 cycles) are available for frequently-used doors.
Factors affecting spring life include:
Watch for these indicators that your springs are failing:
We strongly advise against DIY spring replacement, and here's why:
Torsion springs are under extreme tension.enough to cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Each spring can have up to 200 foot-pounds of torque, and improper handling can cause the spring to unwind violently. Every year, emergency rooms treat thousands of injuries from garage door spring accidents.
Professionals have specialized tools, training, and experience to replace springs safely. They also properly match spring specifications to your door's weight and size, ensuring safe operation.
When our technicians replace your springs, here's what to expect:
The entire process typically takes 1-2 hours. We recommend replacing both springs simultaneously since they wear at similar rates.
Garage Door Milpitas uses high-quality springs rated for extended life. Our spring replacement service includes:
Don't risk injury or further damage by attempting spring repair yourself. Call us for safe, professional service.
## Related guides - [Torsion vs. Extension Springs in Milpitas: Which Do You Have?](/blog/garage-door-spring-types-milpitas-torsion-extension) - [Snapped Garage Door Springs in Milpitas: How to Spot and Fix Them Fast](/blog/garage-door-springs-repair-milpitas-snapped) - [Emergency Garage Door Service in Milpitas: When to Call and What to Expect](/blog/emergency-garage-door-service-milpitas) - [Every garage door service we offer](/services) - [Garage door service in Hayward, CA](/service-areas/hayward-ca) - [Garage door service in Stockton, CA](/service-areas/stockton-ca)