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Your garage door goes up and down roughly 1,500 times a year. That’s a lot of work, especially for a part of your home that doesn’t get much attention. But here’s the deal—if your garage door is the star of the show, then the torsion spring is the stage crew making sure everything goes off without a hitch.
It’s that tightly wound coil of steel that takes on the heavy lifting, letting your door glide open and shut with ease. When it’s doing its job, you hardly notice it. But when it’s not? That’s when the real drama starts.
Let’s break it down. Torsion springs might sound technical, but they’re pretty straightforward. These springs are made from high-carbon steel and are mounted above your garage door.
They’re wound tight, storing energy whenever the door is closed. When you press that button to open the door, the springs release their energy, making it easy to lift what would otherwise be a very heavy door. Without these springs, you’d be in for a real workout every time you wanted to get in or out of your garage.
Imagine it like this: you’re winding up a toy car. The more you twist, the more power it has when you let it go. Torsion springs work the same way, except they’re dealing with something a bit bigger than a toy—they’re handling the weight of a garage door, which can easily be a couple hundred pounds.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
These springs are specifically calibrated to match the weight of your garage door. So if your door starts feeling heavy or unbalanced, it’s probably a sign that the springs need some attention.
Torsion springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. If they’re working well, everything’s smooth sailing. But if they’re on the fritz, you’ll know something’s off.
When your torsion springs are in good shape, your garage door should open and close like butter. No jerks, no weird noises—just smooth, steady movement. But when those springs start to wear out, it’s a different story. The door might shake, struggle to open, or get stuck halfway.
Not exactly what you want when you’re trying to get out of the house in a hurry.
A broken torsion spring isn’t just a hassle—it’s dangerous. These springs hold a lot of tension, and if one snaps, that energy gets released all at once. We’re talking about serious force, enough to cause damage or even injury.
Plus, when the springs aren’t doing their job, your garage door opener has to pick up the slack, which can burn out the motor and leave you with an expensive repair bill.
Like anything else, torsion springs don’t last forever. They’re tough, but they do wear out. So, how can you tell if your springs are nearing the end of their lifespan? There are a few signs to keep an eye on.
A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in keeping your torsion springs in good working order. It’s like changing the oil in your car—small effort, big payoff.
You don’t have to be a garage door expert to keep your torsion springs happy. Just a few simple steps can help extend their lifespan and keep your garage door running smoothly.
One of the easiest ways to care for your torsion springs is to keep them lubricated. A quick spray of garage door lubricant every six months can reduce friction and help prevent wear and tear. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.
While basic maintenance is something you can handle on your own, it’s always a good idea to have a professional take a look at your torsion springs once a year. They can spot issues you might miss and ensure everything’s running smoothly. It’s a small investment for peace of mind.
Even with the best care, torsion springs have a lifespan. Knowing when to replace them can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.
Torsion springs are designed to last for about 10,000 to 20,000 cycles. That’s the number of times your garage door opens and closes. Depending on how often you use your garage door, that could be anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
If you’re in and out of the garage multiple times a day, you might reach that limit sooner.
If your door isn’t opening as smoothly as it used to, or if you see visible signs of wear on the springs, it’s time to consider a replacement. And here’s a tip: if one spring goes, the other one probably isn’t far behind. It’s usually a good idea to replace both at the same time to keep everything balanced.
Torsion springs might not be something you think about every day, but they’re definitely something you’ll notice when they stop working. These small but mighty coils are the backbone of your garage door’s performance, and keeping them in good shape is key to avoiding bigger problems down the line. So, if you’ve noticed any of the signs we’ve talked about—strange noises, visible wear, or balance issues—don’t wait. Get those springs checked out before they cause more trouble. And if you need a hand, Right Choice Doors is just a call away. With the right care, your torsion springs will keep your garage door running smoothly for years to come.
