Essential Maintenance Tips to Extend Your Garage Door Spring Life

Garage door springs do a lot of the heavy lifting—literally. Whether you're using a remote or Smart Phone Control, every open and close cycle adds wear and tear. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to extend your garage door spring life and reduce the risk of sudden failure.

This guide covers the key maintenance tips every homeowner should know—and when to call in the professionals.

Why Garage Door Springs Wear Out Over Time

Garage door springs are built for thousands of open-close cycles. But constant use, seasonal temperature changes, and general wear can all cause them to lose tension, corrode, or fail early.

B&D springs are designed with durability in mind. You’ll find them in our trusted sectional and roller door ranges, including the Roll-A-Door® and Panelift® Icon models. But like any moving part, they still need regular attention, especially if you want to get the most out of your investment.

1. Schedule Preventative Servicing

Regular servicing is the single best way to extend your garage door spring life.

During a standard B&D service, an accredited technician will:

Check spring tension and balance
Inspect for signs of wear, corrosion, or fatigue
Ensure smooth operation of all moving components, including proper lubrication

This professional upkeep helps prevent rust buildup, excessive friction, and uneven spring tension, all of which can shorten your system’s lifespan. Your technician uses specialised tools and products to keep springs moving freely without putting your safety at risk.

2. Watch for Early Warning Signs

Springs tend to fail gradually, not all at once. Catching early signs can save you money and hassle.

Call a B&D dealer if you notice:

The door feels heavier than usual
Jerky, uneven movement during opening or closing
A loud bang from the garage, even if the door isn’t in use
A loud bang from the garage, even if the door isn’t in use

These symptoms often point to weakening springs or imbalances that need prompt adjustment.

3. Keep Your Door Aligned and Balanced

An unbalanced garage door puts uneven stress on your springs and that shortens their lifespan. During your service, your technician will test the balance and alignment of your door to ensure it operates efficiently and safe.

Noticed the door dragging on one side, or not closing fully? These are common signs that the springs are compensating for a misaligned track or door panel. Left unchecked, it can accelerate wear on your opener motor too.

4. Protect Components From Environmental Damage

Garage door springs are vulnerable to rust, especially in coastal, humid, or wet environments. Corrosion can cause springs to weaken or fail sooner than expected.

That’s why B&D designs its doors with weather-resistant materials, finishes, and seals. During your scheduled service, a technician will check for signs of rust and apply protective treatments where needed, keeping your springs and hardware in better condition for longer.

5. Upgrade Your Opener for Smooth, Consistent Motion

Your opener and springs work as a team. A jerky, underpowered opener can put extra strain on the spring system and reduce its working life.

B&D’s range of Controll-A-Door® openers offers soft start/stop technology, safety beams, and smooth belt drives to reduce wear on your garage door system. When installed alongside quality springs and panels, they help ensure smooth, balanced movement, and longer overall system life.

If your door starts to shudder or strain during operation, it might be time to discuss a motor upgrade with your local dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do garage door springs usually last?
Most springs last between 7–10 years with average daily use. Preventative maintenance through regular servicing can help you reach the upper end of that range.
Can I service or adjust the springs myself?
No. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and should only be handled by trained professionals. Attempting to adjust or replace them yourself is dangerous and could cause injury or further damage to the system.
Which B&D doors use torsion vs. extension springs?
Most B&D sectional doors, such as the Panelift® and Panelift® Icon, use torsion springs for smoother and quieter operation. B&D roller doors typically use counterbalance systems engineered for high-cycle durability.

Garage door springs won’t last forever. But with the right preventative maintenance, you can keep yours in top shape for years to come. Book an annual service with your local B&D Accredited Dealer to keep your door running safely and smoothly.