Should You Replace One Garage Door Spring or Both?

Your garage door is one of the most critical aspects of your home, providing convenience, safety, and protection from the elements. However, as a mechanical system, it also relies on some parts to wear out over time, especially the garage door springs. One of the common questions we get asked at DoorMaster Garage Door Services is: “When one spring breaks, do I have to change both springs?” The short answer? Most of the time—yes. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of replacing both springs, which, as we’ll see, is often a more cost-effective, smarter, and safer decision.

Understanding Garage Door Springs

There are two primary types of springs used on garage doors: extension springs and torsion springs. Torsion springs are located above the door and twist to raise the door, as extension springs stretch along the horizontal tracks alongside the door. The majority of residential garage doors are equipped with two springs for the purpose of balancing the door’s weight and making it easy to operate.

Why Garage Door Springs Fail

Garage door springs have a limited lifespan, typically measured in cycles. Generally, springs will last for approximately 10,000 open/close cycles (one open and closing of the garage door) before wearing out, typically ranging from 7 to 12 years, depending on how often they are used.

Springs are under so much tension during every use of the garage door that, over time, the tension itself results in metal fatigue. Finally, the spring breaks — and when it does, your door can turn heavy, out-of-whack, and dangerous.

Should You Replace Just One Spring?

Technically speaking, you could replace the broken spring, but this is why we typically recommend replacing both:

Uneven Wear and Performance: When one spring snaps, that means the other is probably nearing the end of its life as well. To install a new spring next to an old one causes disharmony. The older spring will not offer the same amount of tension, which can lead to uneven movement, added stress on the garage door opener, and premature wear on the new spring.

Safety Concerns: An imbalanced garage door can be challenging to open and close, and it can become hazardous to use. It can’t open all the way and close, or it opens but doesn’t stay open. Replace two springs so that the tension remains even, and your door is much safer and easier to operate.

Save on Future Service Calls: If one spring has snapped, you can bet the other is not too far gone. Replace only one spring now, and you’ll probably be making another repair call before long — and you’ll have to shell out additional labor charges. It’s ultimately more economical to replace both at the same time.

Manufacturer Recommendation: You should ignore this advice, but not the reasoning behind it; it’s a freely made decision to either change both springs or not. Not only does it keep the truck balanced, but it also often keeps the parts under the manufacturer’s warranty.

When Might You Replace Only One?

There are some exceptions, such as if the garage door is already relatively new or if only one spring is significantly worn out compared to the other due to improper previous installation. However, this is the exception, not the rule, and such measures should only be undertaken after a professional evaluation.

You can count on DoorMaster Garage Door Services

You can trust DoorMaster Garage Door Services for a risk-free, hassle-free, convenient garage door installation. Our service calls include our professional technicians evaluating the health of both springs and providing you with their honest, expert-recommended service based on your situation. We only use high-quality, long-lasting springs, and we don’t leave your garage door until it’s operating at optimal performance.

Conclusion

Although opting for a single garage door spring replacement may seem like a way to save a few bucks, it creates an imbalance and endangers the safety of you and your loved ones. In the majority of cases, replacing both springs is the optimal decision. If your garage door spring has broken — or if you suspect something is wrong — call the professionals at DoorMaster Garage Door Services. We’ll put your door back on track with service and support you can trust.