When one garage door spring breaks, many homeowners are surprised when the technician recommends replacing both springs instead of just the broken one. At first glance, this can feel unnecessary or even like an upsell. After all, if only one spring snapped, why replace the other?
In reality, replacing both springs together is often the safest and most cost-effective choice. Springs work as a system, not as independent parts. When one fails due to wear, the other is usually not far behind. Understanding why technicians make this recommendation helps you avoid repeat breakdowns, uneven door operation, and additional repair costs in the near future.
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How Garage Door Springs Wear Over Time
Garage door springs wear out gradually through cycles, not suddenly because of a single event. Every time the door opens and closes, the springs flex under load. Over thousands of cycles, the metal slowly fatigues until it reaches its breaking point.
In a two-spring system, both springs typically experience the same number of cycles. That means they age together. When one spring finally breaks, it is usually because it has reached the end of its designed lifespan. The second spring may still be intact, but it has gone through the same stress and is often close to failure.
This is why spring replacement is treated as a system repair rather than a single-part fix. The goal is to restore balanced, predictable operation, not just get the door moving again temporarily.
If you want to see what spring service typically includes, this page is the most direct reference: Garage Door Spring Repair
How Garage Door Springs Wear Over Time
What Happens If Only One Spring Is Replaced
Replacing just one spring can technically get the door working again, but it often introduces new problems.
When a new spring is paired with an old, worn spring, the door becomes unbalanced. The new spring has more strength, while the older spring has lost some of its tension over time. That imbalance can cause the door to lift unevenly, put stress on the cables, and increase wear on drums and bearings.
In many cases, the door may feel “off” even if it technically opens and closes. The opener may work harder than it should, and the door may not stay in place when opened halfway. All of this increases the chance that the older spring will break soon after, resulting in another service call.
This scenario is one of the most common reasons homeowners end up paying twice for spring service within a short period.
Safety And Opener Strain Are Often Overlooked
Beyond convenience and cost, there is a safety issue to consider. An unbalanced door is harder to control manually and less predictable during operation. If one spring is significantly weaker than the other, the door can shift or drop unevenly.
The garage door opener is also affected. Openers are designed to guide a balanced door, not compensate for uneven spring tension. When the door is unbalanced, the opener takes on extra load, which can shorten its lifespan or cause premature failure.
If your opener has been straining or behaving inconsistently, this service page is relevant: Garage Door Opener Repair
Safety And Opener Strain Are Often Overlooked
When Replacing Both Springs Makes The Most Sense
Replacing both springs together is usually recommended when:
- The door uses a two-spring torsion system
- One spring broke due to normal wear rather than impact damage
- The springs are the same age and cycle rating
- The door is heavy or used frequently
- You want to avoid another breakdown soon after repair
In these situations, replacing both springs restores proper balance and reduces the likelihood of another emergency service call in the near future. While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, it often saves money and inconvenience over time.
Understanding how spring configurations affect balance can also be helpful. This article explains it clearly: One Spring Vs Two Springs
The Role Of Maintenance In Extending Spring Life
Even when both springs are replaced together, maintenance still matters. A door that runs smoothly places less stress on the springs, which helps them reach their full expected lifespan.
Dry rollers, misaligned tracks, or worn bearings increase resistance and force the springs to work harder. Over time, that added strain shortens spring life and affects door balance.
Routine Garage Door Maintenance helps reduce friction, catch early issues, and protect your investment in new springs.
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