Guide
Garage Door Spring Repair Aurora CO
Practical guidance for garage door spring repair Aurora CO — what to check, what not to force, and when to call Square One Garage Doors at (303) 994-0375.
Why Garage Door Springs Fail in Aurora
Aurora's climate does a number on garage door springs. Temperatures swing from single digits in January to over 100°F in July, and that constant expansion and contraction fatigues metal over time. Add in the dry air that accelerates surface rust, and springs that might last 10,000 cycles in a milder climate often wear out sooner here.
Most torsion springs are rated for 10,000–15,000 cycles. If you use your garage door four times a day, that's roughly seven to ten years before a break becomes likely. When it goes, it usually goes fast — a loud bang, a door that won't budge, and sometimes a cable that whips loose in the same moment.
---
Signs Your Springs Need Attention
You don't always get a dramatic snap as a warning. Watch for these earlier signals:
- Door feels heavy or jerky when you lift it manually
- One side rises faster than the other (a sign of uneven tension)
- Visible gaps in the coil of a torsion spring
- Squeaking or grinding at the spring or cable drum area
- Door reverses immediately after hitting the floor, because the opener is sensing unusual resistance
Any of these means it's time to have the springs inspected before a full failure strands your car inside.
---
Torsion vs. Extension Springs — What's on Your Door?
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs run horizontally above the door opening, mounted on a metal shaft. They store energy by twisting. Most modern doors in Aurora use this system because it's more balanced and lasts longer than the alternative. When a torsion spring breaks, the door typically stays put — it won't fall, but it also won't move easily.
Extension Springs
Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They stretch and contract as the door moves. Older homes and lighter single-car doors often have this setup. When an extension spring snaps, the broken coil can travel — which is why a properly installed safety cable threaded through each spring is essential.
If you're not sure which type you have, look above the door when it's closed. One horizontal spring (or two side by side on heavier doors) means torsion. Springs running parallel to the ceiling tracks on the sides mean extension.
---
This Is Not a Safe DIY Repair
Garage door springs are under extreme tension — enough to cause serious injury or death if released suddenly without the right tools and training. A torsion spring stores energy equivalent to several hundred foot-pounds of torque. Winding bars, proper anchoring, and knowing exactly how many turns to apply are not things you want to learn through trial and error.
Do not attempt to wind, unwind, or replace springs yourself. This applies to the cables attached to the bottom corners of the door as well — they're equally dangerous when the spring tension is off.
The only safe role for a homeowner is inspection (looking, not touching) and calling a qualified technician.
---
What a Spring Repair Involves
When a technician arrives, the process generally follows these steps:
1. Release remaining tension on the broken spring safely 2. Remove the damaged spring from the shaft or track 3. Measure and match the replacement — wire diameter, inside diameter, and length all have to be correct for your door's weight 4. Install and wind the new spring to the correct tension 5. Check cable condition — broken springs often stress cables, so both get inspected together 6. Test balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door manually to chest height; a balanced door stays put
If the door isn't balanced after the spring is set, the technician adjusts until it is. Skipping that step shortens the life of your new spring and puts extra wear on your opener motor.
---
Replacing One Spring or Both?
If you have two torsion springs and one breaks, most technicians will recommend replacing both at the same time. The logic is straightforward: the surviving spring has the same number of cycles on it. Replacing only the broken one means you'll likely be back in a few months doing the same job — paying for labor twice.
The same thinking applies to extension springs. Replace them in pairs.
---
How Long Should a New Spring Last?
Standard replacement springs are typically rated at 10,000 cycles. High-cycle springs — rated at 25,000 to 50,000 cycles — are available at higher material cost but significantly lower long-term cost if you use your door frequently. For a busy Aurora household using the garage as the main entry point, the upgrade often makes sense.
Ask your technician which option fits your usage pattern.
---
Keeping Springs Healthy Longer
A few simple habits extend spring life:
- Lubricate springs twice a year with a garage-door-specific spray lubricant (white lithium grease or a silicone-based product). Do not use WD-40 — it displaces moisture but doesn't protect metal long-term.
- Keep the door balanced. A door that's out of balance makes the springs work harder on every cycle.
- Don't force a door that feels heavy. Running the opener against a door that won't move strains both the springs and the motor.
- Schedule an annual inspection so a technician can catch early fatigue or rust before a break happens.
---
Serving Aurora and the Surrounding Area
Square One Garage Doors works throughout Aurora and the Denver metro down to Colorado Springs. If you're dealing with a broken spring, unusual door behavior, or just want a safety check before something fails, reach out.
- Call or text: 303-994-0375
- Request service online: Contact us
- Learn more about what's involved: Spring repair service
A broken spring doesn't have to mean a day lost. Get in touch and we'll walk you through what your door needs.