When a garage door spring snaps, homeowners often face a common dilemma: should you replace just the broken spring or both springs at once? While replacing only the damaged spring might seem like the economical choice, experienced professionals almost always recommend replacing both springs simultaneously. Here’s why this approach makes sense for your garage door system, your wallet, and your safety.
Understanding Spring Lifespan and Wear
Garage door springs typically last about 10,000 cycles, with each opening and closing counting as one cycle. For most households, this translates to approximately 7 to 9 years of service, though heavy use can considerably shorten this lifespan. If both springs were installed at the same time, they’ve endured the same amount of stress and completed the same number of cycles. When one spring fails, the other has experienced identical wear and is likely nearing the end of its functional life as well.
The reality is straightforward: if one spring has reached its breaking point, the second spring isn’t far behind. Typically, the second spring will fail within six months of the first. This means you’ll soon face another service call, more disruption to your daily routine, and additional labour costs.
The Safety Factor
Safety should be your top priority when dealing with garage door spring repair. Springs are essential components that bear the full weight of your garage door—often more than 300 pounds. They work together to keep your door balanced, ensuring smooth and even operation on both sides.
When one spring breaks, it disrupts the door’s balance, causing both sides to rise and fall at different speeds. This imbalance creates several dangerous scenarios. Your door may close suddenly and unexpectedly. It could speed up or slow down without warning, putting family members at risk when entering or exiting the garage. An unbalanced door can also fall on vehicles, bicycles, or other property stored near the entrance.
Operating your garage door with only one functional spring places excessive strain on the remaining spring and your opener motor. The motor must work harder to compensate for the missing spring tension, which can lead to premature motor failure and more expensive repairs down the road.
Long-Term Cost Efficiency
While garage door spring repair for both springs requires a larger upfront investment, it proves more economical over time. Consider the math: if you replace only the broken spring now, you’ll pay for parts and labour. When the second spring inevitably fails months later, you’ll pay for another service call with full labour charges again. By addressing both springs during a single visit, you eliminate the duplicate labour costs and minimize inconvenience.
Most reputable garage door companies offer better pricing when replacing both springs at the same time because the technician is already on-site with tools and materials ready. The incremental cost of adding the second spring is significantly less than scheduling an entirely separate service appointment.
Professional Assessment and Peace of Mind
When you contact a professional for garage door spring repair, skilled technicians conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your entire door system. They examine both springs for signs of fatigue, check cable condition, inspect rollers and tracks, and assess the overall balance and safety of your door. This thorough approach ensures that underlying issues are identified and addressed before they become serious problems.
Replacing both springs during one service visit provides peace of mind. You won’t need to worry about another spring failure disrupting your schedule or leaving you unable to access your garage. Your door will operate smoothly with matched springs that have equal tension and strength, extending the lifespan of all your garage door components.
The Bottom Line
When facing a broken garage door spring, the smart choice is clear: replace both springs at the same time. This approach ensures balanced operation, enhances safety for your family and property, prevents future breakdowns, and ultimately saves you money. While exceptions exist for doors with meticulous maintenance histories or different installation dates for each spring, these situations are rare.
At Ams Garage Door, we prioritize your safety and satisfaction. Our experienced technicians can assess your specific situation and provide honest recommendations tailored to your garage door’s needs. Don’t wait for the second spring to fail—take a proactive approach and replace both springs during a single convenient service call.
If you’re experiencing issues with your garage door springs or need professional advice, contact Ams Garage Door today. We’re here to keep your garage door operating safely and reliably for years to come.