Garage door springs are responsible for lifting 90% of the door’s weight, yet many homeowners are unaware of the signs of stress before a spring breaks. In Rochester, cold temperatures and frequent garage door usage can dramatically shorten the lifespan of these springs, often leading to the need for professional garage door repair. Here are some unique early warning signs that our technicians often encounter and what you can check yourself to ensure proper garage door maintenance and timely garage door repair.
One of the earliest signs is that the door feels slightly heavier. If you primarily use the opener, you might not notice this change, but the motor will start to sound like it's working harder. If your opener becomes louder, slows down during the first 12 inches of travel, or occasionally reverses, it may indicate that your springs are weakening and need garage door repair.
Another sign to look out for is uneven movement. If one spring is weakening faster than the other, the door may tilt slightly or operate with a shaky motion. Additionally, Rochester’s humidity contributes to metal fatigue, making double-spring systems particularly vulnerable and increasing the likelihood of required garage door repair. Keeping an eye on these signs can help you address issues early, ensuring that your garage door operates smoothly and extends its lifespan, whether you're considering garage door installation, professional garage door repair, or ongoing garage door maintenance.

Check the torsion springs visually as part of your garage door maintenance: look for gaps, rust, or worn coils. A visible gap in the spring indicates it has already snapped, while small uneven spaces can signify early failure. You may also notice increasing black dust around the center bearing plate, which is metal dust from the spring coils wearing down.
A unique sign in Rochester related to garage door repair is weather-related binding. When springs weaken, cold weather makes the door heavier, causing the opener to struggle more. If your door works fine in summer but becomes unreliable in winter, the springs may be nearing the end of their cycle and require attention during garage door installation or repair.
Another overlooked symptom is the door not staying halfway open when manually lifted. A properly balanced door should remain in place. If it drops even a few inches, it’s time to consider a spring replacement to ensure proper garage door maintenance.
Waiting for a spring to break is dangerous and can lead to more expensive repairs. When a spring snaps, the cable can unwind, causing a full system jam. This not only stops the door from opening but can also bend the top panel or damage the opener.

To avoid emergency repairs, we recommend replacing springs when they reach 8–10 years old or 9,000–12,000 cycles, depending on usage. Rochester homes with multiple drivers may reach that cycle count much faster.
A proactive spring inspection takes only a few minutes and can save you hundreds in repairs.