How can I tell how old my garage door springs are?

Some springs have a date stamp on them. Otherwise, check any paperwork from when you bought the house or had work done. If you don't know, assume they're original to the home. Springs typically last 7-10 years with average use.

Can I replace just one spring if only one is bad?

We strongly recommend replacing both springs together. They wear at the same rate, so if one is failing, the other is close behind. Replacing both saves a second appointment and ensures balanced operation.

Is it dangerous if my garage door spring breaks?

Yes. A broken spring can cause the door to fall suddenly, which can cause injury or damage. The spring itself can also snap with significant force. Never stand near a failing spring, and call a professional immediately if one breaks.

How much does it cost to replace garage door springs?

In Montreal, spring replacement typically costs $180-$350 for a single spring or $280-$450 for a pair. High-cycle springs cost more but last 2-3x longer. Emergency service may cost additional fees.

Can I extend the life of my garage door springs?

Yes. Regular lubrication (twice yearly), keeping the garage temperature moderate, annual balance checks, and promptly addressing rust can extend spring life. High-cycle springs are also an option for homes with heavy garage door use.

7 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is About to Break

A broken garage door spring is one of the most common—and most dangerous—garage door problems. The good news? Springs rarely break without warning. Knowing these 7 signs can help you catch a failing spring before it snaps, preventing a dangerous situation and saving you from an emergency repair bill.

Why Springs Break

Garage door springs are under tremendous tension—they counterbalance the full weight of your door (200-400+ pounds). Over time, this constant stress causes metal fatigue. Most standard springs are rated for 10,000-15,000 cycles (one cycle = one open + close). With average use of 4 cycles per day, that's about 7-10 years of life.

However, Montreal's extreme temperatures, humidity, and lack of maintenance can significantly shorten this lifespan.

Sign #1: The Door Feels Heavier Than Usual

This is often the first sign homeowners notice. When springs weaken, they can't counterbalance the door's weight as effectively. If you disconnect the opener and lift the door manually, a properly balanced door should feel light—maybe 10-15 pounds of effort.

If the door suddenly feels heavy (more than 20-25 pounds to lift), your springs are losing tension and nearing failure.

Sign #2: The Door Opens Unevenly or Crooked

If your door rises faster on one side than the other, or appears crooked when moving, one spring may be weaker than its partner. On double-spring systems, when one spring weakens significantly, the imbalance creates uneven movement.

This is also hard on your opener and can cause track damage, so address it quickly.

Sign #3: Loud Squeaking or Grinding Noises

Healthy springs should operate relatively quietly. If you hear:

Loud squeaking when the door moves
Grinding or groaning sounds
Popping or creaking noises

These sounds often indicate rust, corrosion, or metal fatigue. Lubrication may help temporarily, but persistent noise usually means the spring is deteriorating.

Sign #4: Visible Gaps in the Spring Coils

For torsion springs (mounted above the door), look at the coils. On a healthy spring, the coils should be evenly spaced and tightly wound. Warning signs include:

Visible gaps between coils (the spring is stretched)
Rust or corrosion on the coils
Deformation or kinking

If you see any of these, replacement is needed soon.

Sign #5: The Door Jerks or Stutters When Moving

A door that doesn't move smoothly—jerking, stuttering, or hesitating—often indicates spring problems. As springs wear, they provide inconsistent tension, causing erratic door movement.

This symptom can also indicate track or roller issues, so have a professional diagnose it.

Sign #6: The Opener Is Straining

Modern garage door openers have safety features that detect resistance. If your opener:

Sounds louder or strained
Takes longer to open the door
Stops and reverses partway up
Trips the motor protection (some openers have this)

It may be working harder to compensate for weakened springs. This puts excessive wear on the opener and can burn out the motor.

Sign #7: It's Been 7-10 Years Since Installation

Even with no obvious symptoms, springs that are 7-10 years old are living on borrowed time. If you're not sure when your springs were installed:

Check for a date stamp on the spring (some have one)
Think back to when you moved in or last replaced them
Assume they're original if you bought the house without records

Proactive replacement before failure is safer and often cheaper than emergency service.

What To Do If You Notice These Signs

Don't ignore the warning signs. A spring that snaps can:

Cause the door to fall suddenly (extremely dangerous)
Damage the door, tracks, or opener
Leave your car trapped or your home unsecured

Call a professional. Spring replacement is dangerous—springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if handled improperly. This is not a DIY job.

Consider replacing both springs. On two-spring systems, if one is failing, the other is likely close behind. Replacing both at once saves a second appointment.

Extending Spring Life

To maximize spring longevity:

Lubricate springs twice yearly with silicone lubricant
Keep the garage temperature moderate when possible
Balance the door annually
Address rust immediately
Consider high-cycle springs if you use the door frequently

7 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is About to Break