How Often Should You Service Your Garage Door Springs?

Garage doors are an essential part of every home, providing both security and convenience. Yet, they are often overlooked when it comes to regular maintenance. One of the most important components of a garage door system is the spring mechanism. These springs bear the full weight of the door, allowing it to open and close smoothly. When neglected, they can wear out, break, or cause serious damage. The question most homeowners ask is — how often should you service your garage door springs?

At Long Island NY Garage Door Repair, we emphasize preventive maintenance as the key to ensuring long-lasting performance and safety. Here’s a complete guide to understanding how frequently your garage door springs should be serviced and why it matters.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are designed to counterbalance the door’s weight and make lifting easier. There are two primary types used in most systems:

1. Torsion Springs:
   Mounted above the door opening, these springs twist to store and release energy. They are durable and typically found in modern garage doors.

2. Extension Springs:
   Located on either side of the door, these springs stretch and contract with movement. While effective, they tend to wear out faster than torsion springs.

Both spring types work under high tension, which means they can be dangerous if mishandled. That’s why servicing should always be done by trained professionals who have the right tools and safety knowledge.

How Often Should You Service Them?

In general, garage door springs should be serviced at least once a year. However, several factors can influence how often maintenance is needed:

1. Frequency of Use

If you use your garage door multiple times a day, your springs undergo more cycles of tension and release. A standard torsion spring lasts around 10,000 cycles (one cycle equals an open and close). For homes where the garage door serves as the main entrance, scheduling a biannual inspection is recommended.

2. Age of the Springs

Springs weaken over time. Even if your door appears to be working properly, older springs can fail without warning. If your springs are five years or older, it’s wise to have them checked every six months.

3. Local Climate

Living in Long Island means dealing with humidity, salt air, and temperature shifts. These conditions can accelerate rust and corrosion, reducing the lifespan of metal components. A professional check-up before winter and after summer can prevent weather-related wear.

Signs Your Springs Need Immediate Attention

Even with scheduled maintenance, some warning signs indicate that your springs may need servicing sooner:

• The door feels heavier than usual when opening manually

• You hear a loud snapping or popping sound from the garage

• The door opens unevenly or jerks during movement

• Visible gaps, rust, or fraying on the springs

• The garage door won’t stay open or slams shut suddenly

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a professional technician immediately. Continuing to use a damaged spring can cause the entire system to fail, resulting in costly repairs or safety hazards.

Why Professional Servicing Is Essential

Garage door springs are under extreme tension, and attempting to adjust or replace them yourself can lead to severe injury. Professional servicing ensures that every component — from the torsion system to the cables and pulleys — is inspected, lubricated, and balanced correctly.

At Long Island NY Garage Door Repair, our team provides comprehensive spring maintenance and replacement services. We check for wear, lubricate moving parts, and ensure the springs are properly calibrated for safe operation. Whether it’s a simple tune-up or a complete spring replacement, our goal is to keep your garage door running efficiently and safely year-round.

Maintenance Tips Between Professional Visits

While it’s best to leave the technical work to experts, homeowners can perform basic preventive steps between professional inspections:

• Apply a light silicone-based lubricant to springs every three months to reduce friction.

• Visually inspect the springs for rust or cracks.

• Keep the area around your garage door clean and dry to prevent corrosion.

• Listen for unusual sounds during operation — early signs of tension issues.

• Avoid pulling the emergency release cord unless necessary, especially when the door is open.

These small actions can significantly reduce wear and extend the life of your garage door system.

Need your garage door springs checked?

So, how often should you service your garage door springs?
The answer depends on usage, age, and environmental factors — but as a rule of thumb, schedule a professional inspection at least once a year. For homes with heavy use or older doors, every six months is even better.

When it’s time for your next service, trust the experts at Long Island NY Garage Door Repair. We specialize in spring repair, replacement, and maintenance across Nassau and Suffolk counties — delivering prompt, professional, and affordable service every time.