Standard torsion springs are rated for 10,000 cycles — but Ottawa's climate can cut that significantly. Here's what to expect and when to replace proactively.
The 10,000 Cycle Standard
Most garage door springs are rated for 10,000 open/close cycles. If you use your door 4 times per day, that's roughly 7 years of life. Heavy users (6–8 times daily) may see springs fail in 3–5 years.
Ottawa's Climate Accelerates Wear
Extreme cold makes metal brittle. Freeze-thaw cycles stress springs repeatedly. Ottawa homeowners typically see spring life 15–20% shorter than the rated specification. A 10,000-cycle spring often lasts 8,000–8,500 cycles in our climate.
Signs Your Springs Are Near End of Life
Watch for: door feels heavy when lifting manually, opener strains or slows on the way up, squeaking or grinding noises when opening, visible rust or corrosion on the spring coils, or a door that doesn't stay open halfway.
High-Cycle Upgrades
Ottawa - GDR recommends upgrading to high-cycle springs (25,000 or 50,000 cycle rating) when replacing. The cost premium is $60–$120, but they last 2–5x longer. For Ottawa homeowners who want to avoid repeat service calls, it's the smart choice.
Replace Both Springs at Once
If one spring breaks, the other is likely close behind — especially if both were installed at the same time. Replacing both together saves a second service call and labour charge within months. We always recommend it.
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