Your garage door relies on springs to lift and lower its heavy weight with ease. These springs, whether tension or torsion, are built to withstand a certain number of cycles (one cycle = one full open and close). When a garage spring breaks, it’s not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous. Let’s break down the most common reasons behind garage door spring failure.
1. Normal Wear and Tear: The Inevitable Culprit
Garage door springs are designed to last a finite number of cycles, typically ranging between 10,000 to 20,000 cycles. If you open and close your garage door multiple times a day, those cycles can add up quickly.
Over time, the constant stress weakens the springs until they can no longer support the door’s weight. When your garage door opener spring breaks due to wear and tear, it’s a clear sign that the springs have simply reached the end of their lifespan.
How to Prevent It:
- Schedule regular maintenance to inspect the health of your springs.
- Consider upgrading to high-cycle springs if you use your garage door frequently.
2. Rust: The Silent Killer
Rust is another common reason why garage door springs break. When rust forms on the springs, it weakens the metal by causing friction and corrosion. Over time, this makes the springs brittle and more likely to snap.
Rust can also increase the rate of wear and tear by adding extra stress to the coils as they move. So, if you notice your garage door coil spring is broken, rust might be the sneaky culprit.
How to Prevent It:
- Apply a silicone-based lubricant to your garage door springs every few months.
- Keep your garage dry and well-ventilated to minimize humidity.
3. Improper Maintenance (Or Lack Thereof)
Neglecting regular maintenance is one of the top reasons for garage door spring failure. Springs that aren’t inspected, lubricated, or balanced correctly are more prone to breaking prematurely.
Skipping routine checks means you’re less likely to spot warning signs like uneven tension or worn coils. When a garage door tension spring breaks, it could’ve been avoided with timely care.
How to Prevent It:
- Schedule professional garage door inspections annually.
- Keep an eye out for signs like squeaking, uneven door movement, or visible wear on the springs.
4. Extreme Weather Conditions
Drastic temperature changes can wreak havoc on garage door springs. During cold winters, metal springs can contract and become brittle, making them more prone to snapping. On the other hand, excessive heat can weaken the integrity of the springs over time.
If your garage spring broke during an extreme weather event, this could be the primary cause.
How to Prevent It:
- Insulate your garage to regulate temperature fluctuations.
- Perform regular inspections during seasonal changes to catch potential issues early.
5. Poor Installation or Mismatched Springs
Using the wrong type of springs for your garage door is a recipe for disaster. Springs that are too small or not rated for the weight of your garage door are likely to fail prematurely.
Similarly, poor installation can lead to uneven tension, putting unnecessary stress on one side of the door. If your garage door spring snapped shortly after installation, improper setup might be to blame.
How to Prevent It:
- Always hire a professional for garage door spring installation and repairs.
- Ensure the springs are properly calibrated and matched to your door’s weight.
6. Overloading the Garage Door
Are you guilty of piling heavy items on your garage door or installing aftermarket hardware that adds extra weight? Overloading your garage door can strain the springs and lead to premature failure.
When the load exceeds the capacity of your springs, it’s only a matter of time before you’re dealing with a garage door spring repair or a full garage door replacement.
How to Prevent It:
- Avoid attaching non-essential hardware to the door.
- Store heavy items elsewhere to prevent extra strain on your garage door system.
7. Neglecting Other Components
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the springs themselves but with other components of the garage door system. Damaged cables, misaligned tracks, or a faulty opener can put added stress on the springs, causing them to break sooner.
For instance, if the cables aren’t supporting the weight evenly, the springs end up working harder than they should.
How to Prevent It:
- Perform a full inspection of your garage door system to ensure all parts are in good condition.
- Replace worn-out cables, rollers, or tracks as needed.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Failing
Not sure if your springs are about to give out? Watch for these warning signs:
- A loud “bang” or snapping noise coming from the garage door.
- The garage door feels heavy or uneven when opening.
- Visible gaps or stretches in the spring coils.
- The opener struggles to lift the door, or it won’t open at all.
If you notice any of these red flags, it’s time to call a professional for a garage door spring repair.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some maintenance tasks can be done yourself, repairing or replacing garage door springs is not a DIY job. Springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly.
When you’re dealing with a garage door spring failure, always contact a trusted service provider like Marko Door Services to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are vital to the functionality of your garage door, but they don’t last forever. By understanding the common causes of failure—whether it’s normal wear and tear, rust, or improper maintenance—you can take proactive steps to extend their lifespan.
If your garage door spring snapped or you’re unsure about its condition, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and using high-quality springs can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
