* As a garage door ages, diminishing steel resiliency makes it heavier. Initially requiring just 10 pounds of force when springs are new, the force needed increases towards the end of their lifespan, nearly matching the door's weight.
The aging springs place additional strain on the garage door opener. An indication for spring repair is the sound of the electric opener struggling to lift the door.
Aging springs pose a risk of sudden breakage, causing significant damage. The break often produces a loud, gunshot-like sound when the spring, fully loaded, snaps. If a spring breaks, the door becomes exceptionally heavy to open manually, and the automatic garage door opener will fail to lift it.