- Discover if you should replace garage door springs one at a time or together.
- Learn why installing new garage door springs in pairs improves balance and longevity.
- Understand the risks of only replacing garage door spring on one side.
Garage door springs play a crucial role in the smooth operation of your garage door. If one breaks, you may wonder whether replacing garage door spring on just one side is enough or if you should replace garage door springs as a pair.
While it may seem like a cost-saving measure to replace only the broken spring, most experts recommend installing new garage door springs on both sides at the same time. Doing so helps maintain balance, reduces strain on the opener, and extends the overall lifespan of your garage door system.
In this guide, we'll explain why professionals suggest replacing both springs at once and what could happen if you only replace one.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Most garage doors have either torsion springs or extension springs:
- Torsion Springs - Located above the garage door, these springs twist to store energy and assist with lifting.
- Extension Springs - Found on the sides of the garage door, these stretch and contract to provide lifting force.
When one of these springs breaks, it can put additional strain on the entire system, leading to operational issues and safety concerns. That's why installing new garage door springs in pairs is often the best approach.
Why You Should Replace Both Garage Door Springs
1. Even Wear and Balance
Garage door springs work together to lift and lower the door evenly. When one spring is older than the other, it can create an imbalance, making the door lift unevenly and causing premature wear on other components.
By installing new garage door springs together, you ensure that both springs provide equal tension, allowing the door to function smoothly.
2. Extending the Lifespan of Your Garage Door System
When one spring breaks, the other is often not far behind. Springs have a typical lifespan of 10,000 cycles, and if one has failed, the second is likely already worn out. Replacing garage door spring on just one side may lead to another failure soon after, resulting in additional repair costs.
3. Reducing Strain on the Garage Door Opener
A worn-out spring forces the garage door opener to exert more effort, potentially causing motor strain, damaged gears, or even complete opener failure. If you only replace garage door springs on one side, the uneven tension can make the opener struggle to lift the door properly.
Replacing both springs at the same time helps the opener function efficiently, preventing unnecessary stress on the motor.
4. Preventing Sudden Breakdowns
If you choose to replace just one spring, the older spring remains a weak point in the system. It may break unexpectedly, leaving you with a malfunctioning garage door and another repair bill.
By installing new garage door springs together, you lower the chances of unexpected breakdowns, keeping your door operates reliably.
What Happens If You Replace Only One Spring?
Some homeowners attempt to cut costs by replacing garage door spring on only one side, but this can lead to several problems:
- Uneven lifting force, causing the door to tilt or move unpredictably.
- Faster wear and tear on the new spring, since it must compensate for the weakened old spring.
- Potential opener damage, as the motor struggles to balance the load.
- Increased safety risks, since a weakened spring can snap without warning.
For these reasons, professionals strongly advise homeowners to replace garage door springs as a set rather than one at a time.
How Professionals Replace Garage Door Springs
If your garage door springs need replacement, a trained technician will follow these steps:
- Inspection - The technician assesses both springs to determine their condition.
- Removing the Old Springs - The broken or worn-out springs are carefully removed.
- Installing New Garage Door Springs - A matching set of high-quality springs is installed to ensure even tension.
- Testing and Adjustments - The technician tests the door's balance and opener function to confirm smooth operation.
Because spring replacement involves high-tension components, it's best to leave the job to professionals to avoid injury or improper installation.
How to Tell If Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement
Signs that it's time to install new garage door springs include:
- A loud snapping noise, indicating a replacing garage door spring is needed.
- The garage door is difficult to open or won't stay open.
- The door moves unevenly or slams shut unexpectedly.
- Visible gaps in the springs or signs of wear, such as rust or stretched coils.
If you notice any of these signs, don't wait for a complete failure—schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible.
Trust Balanced Garage Doors for Spring Replacement
When it comes time to replace garage door springs, choosing a professional service ensures safety, reliability, and long-term performance. Whether you're dealing with a broken spring or simply want to install new garage door springs as preventive maintenance, Balanced Garage Doors provides expert solutions.
Don't wait until your garage door stops working—schedule replacing garage door spring services today for smooth and safe operation.
Contact Balanced Garage Doors for expert service.
