How long do garage door springs last?

Standard garage door springs are rated for 10,000-15,000 cycles, which typically translates to 7-12 years of normal use. High-cycle springs can last 20,000+ cycles. Factors like climate, maintenance, and usage frequency affect lifespan.

Why did my garage door spring break?

Springs break due to metal fatigue from constant tension and release cycles. Other factors include rust/corrosion (especially in coastal areas), poor maintenance, extreme temperature changes, and manufacturing defects. Most springs simply reach the end of their cycle life.

Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?

While technically possible, it's extremely dangerous. A standard door weighs 70-150kg and without spring tension, you'd be lifting this entire weight manually. The door could also fall unexpectedly. Wait for professional repair.

How long does spring replacement take?

A professional technician typically completes spring replacement in 30-60 minutes. This includes removing the old spring, installing the new one, adjusting tension, and testing the door balance. Same-day service is usually available.

Should I replace both springs at once?

Yes, always replace springs in pairs. If one spring broke, the other is likely close to failure too - they've had the same wear. Replacing both also ensures balanced door operation.

What's the difference between torsion and extension springs?

Torsion springs mount above the door and use rotational force - they're safer, longer-lasting, and provide smoother operation. Extension springs run along the tracks on each side and stretch to lift the door - they're more common on older doors but wear faster.

Can I replace garage door springs myself?

We strongly advise against DIY spring replacement. Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Professional technicians have proper tools and training.

Garage Door Spring Replacement in Australia: Risks & What to Expect

Heard a loud bang from your garage? That's usually a snapped spring - and it's one of the most dangerous DIY repairs you could attempt. Here's what you need to know about spring replacement, why it's a job for professionals, and how to get your door working again safely.

Door stuck? Car trapped?

Call now for urgent garage door repair in Australia

0461 410 198

Quick Answer: What to Do Right Now

✓ Try these safe checks first:

Look (don't touch) for a visible gap in the spring coil
Check if the door feels extremely heavy when lifted manually
Look for loose cables hanging beside the door
Note if the door is sitting crooked or uneven

⚠ Call a professional immediately if:

You heard a loud bang (spring has snapped)
Spring has a visible gap or break
Door won't stay open when released manually
Cables are loose or frayed

Spring Failure Symptoms & What They Mean

Symptom	Likely Cause	Safe DIY Check	Call a Tech If...
Loud bang heard from garage	Torsion spring has snapped under tension	Look (don't touch) for visible gap in coil	Any gap visible - do not operate door
Visible gap in spring coil	Extension spring has broken	Observe from a safe distance	Spring replacement required - do not attempt DIY
Door feels extremely heavy	Spring tension lost or spring broken	Try lifting door manually (carefully)	Door weighs more than 10kg to lift
Cables hanging loose beside door	Broken spring has released cable tension	Visual check for loose or frayed cables	Any cables are loose, frayed, or off drum
Door sits crooked or uneven	One spring broken while other intact	Compare left and right spring condition	Door is visibly tilted or unbalanced
Rust or corrosion on springs	Age, humidity, or coastal salt air	Look for orange/red discolouration	Significant rust or pitting visible

Loud bang heard from garage

Likely cause: Torsion spring has snapped under tension

Safe DIY check: Look (don't touch) for visible gap in coil

Call a tech if: Any gap visible - do not operate door

Visible gap in spring coil

Likely cause: Extension spring has broken

Safe DIY check: Observe from a safe distance

Call a tech if: Spring replacement required - do not attempt DIY

Door feels extremely heavy

Likely cause: Spring tension lost or spring broken

Safe DIY check: Try lifting door manually (carefully)

Call a tech if: Door weighs more than 10kg to lift

Cables hanging loose beside door

Likely cause: Broken spring has released cable tension

Safe DIY check: Visual check for loose or frayed cables

Call a tech if: Any cables are loose, frayed, or off drum

Door sits crooked or uneven

Likely cause: One spring broken while other intact

Safe DIY check: Compare left and right spring condition

Call a tech if: Door is visibly tilted or unbalanced

Rust or corrosion on springs

Likely cause: Age, humidity, or coastal salt air

Safe DIY check: Look for orange/red discolouration

Call a tech if: Significant rust or pitting visible

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Need Help Today?

If you're seeing crooked movement, loose cables, or a heavy door, it's safer to stop using it. Call us for spring replacement in your area or request a callback in 2 minutes.

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