How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last? (And How to Make Them Last Longer)

Springs don't age in years — they age in cycles. One open plus one close is a cycle, and every spring leaves the factory with a cycle rating stamped into its design. Do the math on your household and you'll know roughly when yours is due.

The cycle math

Standard builder springs are rated around 10,000 cycles. At four cycles a day, that's about seven years; at eight a day, under four. High-cycle springs rated 25,000 to 50,000 cycles exist for exactly this reason and cost modestly more at replacement time.

What shortens spring life

Corrosion near the coast, heat inland, an unbalanced door, a too-heavy door for the spring fitted, and zero lubrication. The spring that snaps at year five usually had help.

Making the next set last

At replacement, ask for the cycle rating in writing, consider the high-cycle upgrade, replace both springs together, and keep them lubricated and inspected yearly. That's how a seven-year part becomes a fifteen-year part.