Garage door springs hold a lot of power. These parts lift hundreds of pounds every time we open the garage. Over time, they weaken and stretch. Eventually, the tension drops low enough that the door doesn’t move as it should. That change can seem small at first. However, it can grow into a dangerous situation if ignored.
Let’s walk through what spring tension really is, how it degrades, and what signs show it’s becoming unsafe. Knowing when to act can help avoid serious damage or injury.
What Garage Door Spring Tension Actually Does
Springs store energy that makes a heavy door easy to move. They’re wound tight when the door closes. That stored force unwinds and helps lift the door back up. Without this support, most openers can’t handle the weight alone. That is to say, the springs do the heavy lifting, and the opener just guides the movement.
There are two main types of springs: torsion and extension. Torsion springs sit above the door and twist to store energy. Extension springs stretch out along the sides. Both work in different ways, but they have the same goal—balance the door so it opens smoothly and safely.
We rely on this balanced motion every day. Most importantly, it keeps the door from slamming or jerking when moving. That kind of control also protects cables, rollers, and openers from excess wear. When springs lose tension, everything else works harder than it should.
How Time and Use Affect Spring Tension
Every garage door spring has a life expectancy. It’s usually measured in cycles. One cycle means opening and closing the door once. Most standard springs last between 10,000 to 20,000 cycles. For a door used four times daily, that’s roughly seven to thirteen years. However, the timeline shortens with weather changes, lack of maintenance, or heavier-than-normal use.
Rust, cold temperatures, and moisture speed up the wear. So, in places like Calgary, where winters hit hard, tension loss can happen faster than expected. Each time the spring moves, it stretches slightly more than before. This adds up. Eventually, it can’t store the same amount of force.
We often don’t notice the early signs. The door still opens, but it feels heavier. The opener sounds strained. Or the door doesn’t stay in place when raised halfway. These are all hints that tension is dropping and action is needed.
The Hidden Dangers of Worn-Out Springs
We understand how tempting it is to keep using the door “just a little longer.” However, worn springs are one of the most dangerous parts to delay fixing. A weak spring can snap without warning. When that happens, the energy it holds gets released suddenly and violently. That can damage the door, bend tracks, or send pieces flying.
Even if the spring doesn’t break, it can still fail silently. A door might fall too fast. Or the opener motor burns out trying to lift extra weight. In more serious cases, someone near the door can get injured when it slams shut.
There’s also extra risk if only one spring is weak. Most systems have two to keep things balanced. If one side loses strength, the door shifts unevenly. That pulls on cables and rollers at sharp angles. These parts aren’t meant to handle that strain. As a result, they often give out early too.
When we inspect spring problems, we also check for signs of cable wear. If you’re dealing with unbalanced motion, it may be time to look into garage door cable replacement in Calgary.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Losing Tension
Not all signs are obvious. Sometimes, the change feels more like a subtle drag in the motion. Still, there are a few clear signs that tension is dropping:
- The door feels heavier than usual
- The opener struggles or stalls partway
- One side moves faster than the other
- The door slams shut or doesn’t stay open
- Gaps appear in extension springs when closed
- The torsion spring looks loose or stretched
If you notice any of these issues, it’s worth testing the balance. Disconnect the opener by pulling the release cord and lift the door manually. If it doesn’t stay open on its own or feels too heavy, the springs likely need service.
These early checks don’t take long. However, they can prevent costly breakdowns or safety issues. It’s always better to fix a minor problem than wait for something to snap.
Why DIY Spring Work Is Not Worth the Risk
We’ve seen people try to tighten springs themselves. It often seems like a simple twist or two would do the trick. But this job carries serious danger if done without the right tools or training. Springs are under extreme force. Even slightly turning the wrong bolt can cause a release.
Professionals use bars designed for winding, clamps to hold things in place, and safety gear. Most importantly, we know the order in which to loosen or tighten things. Without that order, accidents happen fast.
It’s also easy to choose the wrong replacement spring. Many look the same but have different load ratings. If the rating doesn’t match the door’s weight, the new spring won’t last long. Or worse, it could snap because of overload.
Instead of guessing, it’s safer to rely on services designed specifically for garage door spring repair. That way, the door stays safe, balanced, and reliable.
Why Regular Maintenance Makes a Big Difference
Tension loss happens gradually. That’s why regular checks help catch the issue early. A technician can measure spring balance and test performance before failure shows up. They can also apply lubricant to prevent rust and reduce friction. This slows down wear and adds years of life.
It’s also a good chance to inspect the opener, rollers, and hinges. If the door is unbalanced, all those parts will show stress signs. Fixing the spring without looking at the rest could mean more repairs later.
Regular tune-ups might seem small, but they save money long term. When tension stays in the right range, the whole system works with less effort. That means fewer surprises, fewer breakdowns, and less chance of injury.
When we visit for scheduled care, we also check parts like opener settings. Sometimes, an opener gets reprogrammed to “push harder” instead of fixing the real issue. If you’re dealing with opener strain, a proper garage door opener installation may be a better fix.
When to Replace Garage Door Springs Before It’s Too Late
Springs rarely stop working overnight. Most slowly lose their strength until they can’t do the job anymore. So, the best time to replace springs is when the first signs appear—not after a full break.
If your door is over ten years old and used often, it’s smart to check the spring lifespan. Even if things feel fine now, old metal gets brittle. At some point, it crosses the line from “worn” to “unsafe.”
We also recommend replacement if only one side has failed. Replacing both at the same time keeps balance even and reduces stress on the system. It avoids a second service call later too.
If you’ve had recent trouble, or if your door feels off balance, it’s best to start with a full inspection. You can book garage door repair in Calgary to figure out what’s really going on before it turns worse.
How to Get Help Before It Becomes an Emergency
If your door is showing any of the warning signs, or if it has been years since your last inspection, now’s a good time to get ahead of it. A simple balance check, spring tension test, or full tune-up can give peace of mind and prevent bigger repairs.
We help with everything from spring swaps to cable adjustments and opener issues. When things feel off but you’re unsure why, we can track it down quickly.
Reach out to Contact Us and get a proper check scheduled. It’s always easier to fix things early.
FAQs
How long do garage door springs usually last?
Most last between 10,000 to 20,000 cycles. That’s about 7 to 13 years for an average home.
Can I add more tension to my springs instead of replacing them?
It’s not safe to add tension to worn springs. When they lose their shape or stretch, they need replacement.
What happens if one spring breaks and the other still works?
The door becomes unbalanced. It might still move, but the extra strain can break other parts fast.
Do cold temperatures affect spring tension?
Yes. Cold makes metal stiff and brittle. That can speed up wear or cause snapping in winter.
What does a spring inspection include?
It includes checking balance, measuring lift strength, inspecting cables, and looking for signs of rust or wear.
