Garage door spring life expectancy is usually measured in cycles rather than years. One cycle refers to the garage door opening and closing once. Each time the door is used, the spring completes a cycle and moves closer to the end of its service life.
Most standard residential garage door springs are rated for around 10,000 cycles. Higher-cycle springs may be designed to last 20,000 cycles or more. How long a spring lasts in years depends largely on how often the garage door is used.
For example, a door used three to five times per day may reach its rated cycle limit in five to seven years. Doors used more frequently will typically experience a shorter spring lifespan.
Several factors can reduce spring life expectancy. Heavy doors, improper balance, lack of lubrication, and exposure to extreme temperatures all place additional stress on the spring. Poor installation or incorrect spring selection can also cause premature wear.
While regular maintenance cannot prevent eventual spring replacement, it can help reduce wear and allow the spring to reach its expected lifespan. Understanding how spring life is measured helps homeowners plan ahead and avoid unexpected failures.