Garage Door Spring Replacement 

Why Garage Door Springs Matter

Garage door springs play a critical role in the safe and smooth operation of your garage door. These high-tension components counterbalance the door’s weight, allowing it to open and close effortlessly, whether manually or with an automatic opener. Because they work under constant pressure, springs eventually wear out. On average, a well-maintained spring lasts 10,000–20,000 cycles, but factors like poor maintenance, rust, wrong sizing, or daily heavy use can cause premature failure.

Signs Your Garage Door Spring May Be Broken

A faulty spring can quickly become a safety hazard. Look out for these warning signs:

Loud snapping noise – a sudden “bang” when a spring breaks.
Visible gaps – torsion springs may appear stretched or separated.
Heavy or stuck door – the opener struggles to lift the door.
Fast falling door – the door drops abruptly instead of lowering smoothly.
Jerky movement – one spring may be failing in a two-spring system.
Crooked alignment – the door may sag or tilt on one side.
Loose cables – dangling or uncoiled cables can indicate a spring issue.
Poor balance – a properly balanced door should stay halfway open when released manually; if it slams shut, the springs are worn.

Types of Garage Door Springs

 

Choosing the right spring is vital for both performance and safety.


Torsion Springs – Installed above the garage door, these springs twist under torque to lift the door. They provide smoother, quieter operation and are built for durability and high-cycle use.

Extension Springs – Positioned along the horizontal tracks, these stretch and contract as the door opens and closes. While effective, they generally wear out faster than torsion springs.

Selecting the right type ensures balanced movement, longer lifespan, and reduced strain on your garage door opener.

Spring Specifications: Size & Capacity

When replacing springs, exact measurements matter. Spring length and diameter directly affect how well the door is counterbalanced. Capacity is another key factor — using springs with the wrong weight rating can lead to early failure or even dangerous accidents.
At Smart Doors, we provide springs for garage doors ranging from 60 lbs up to 850 lbs, ensuring the perfect match for your system.

Safety First: Why Hire a Professional

Garage door springs are under extreme tension and should never be handled without proper training. Attempting a DIY replacement can result in serious injury or property damage.

Important safety Tips:

• Never pull the emergency release handle with the door open if the spring is broken — the door could slam down.
• Don’t leave your garage door open with a broken spring. If unavoidable, block the tracks securely and disconnect the opener.
• Always replace both springs (if your system uses two) to maintain balance and prevent uneven wear.

For your safety and peace of mind, spring replacement should always be done by trained professionals.

Choose Smart Doors for Your Spring replacements

Since 2002, Smart Doors has been Toronto’s trusted name for garage door installation, repairs, and replacement. Don’t wait until a broken spring leaves your car trapped inside. Contact Smart Doors for fast, reliable, and safe garage door spring replacement across Toronto and the GTA.