Explore 7 Causes of Garage Door Spring Failure
Garage door springs might be small, but they do a huge job—they’re the unsung heroes that lift and lower your garage door every day. But what happens when they fail? A broken spring can leave you stuck, frustrated, and maybe even a little nervous about what went wrong. Understanding the common causes of garage door spring failure can help you prevent these issues and keep your door running smoothly. Let’s dig into what causes these springs to give out and how you can avoid a sudden breakdown.
1. Wear and Tear: The Everyday Grind
Garage door springs are designed to handle a certain number of cycles—each cycle being one full opening and closing of the door. Over time, even the best springs wear out. Most standard springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles. Now, that might sound like a lot, but if you open and close your garage door multiple times a day, those cycles add up quickly.
- What to Watch For: As the springs age, they start to show signs of fatigue. You might notice your door doesn’t open as smoothly as it used to, or it might feel heavier than usual.
- Prevention Tip: Regularly check the balance of your garage door. If you notice that the door is harder to lift or the opener struggles, it might be time to replace the springs before they snap.
2. Rust: The Silent Killer
Rust is one of the biggest enemies of garage door springs. When metal is exposed to moisture, it can start to rust. This rust can weaken the springs, making them more likely to break under tension. Rust also causes friction, which adds to the wear and tear on the springs.
- What to Watch For: Look for any signs of rust on your springs. Even a small amount of rust can be a big problem over time.
- Prevention Tip: Keep your springs lubricated with a good quality garage door lubricant. Regular lubrication can prevent rust from forming and keep the springs operating smoothly.
3. Lack of Maintenance: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Let’s face it—most of us don’t think about our garage door springs until there’s a problem. But like any other part of your home, garage door springs need regular maintenance to stay in good working order.
- What to Watch For: If you can’t remember the last time you checked your springs, it’s probably been too long. Pay attention to any unusual sounds, like creaking or grinding, which could indicate that the springs are under stress.
- Prevention Tip: Schedule a regular maintenance check for your garage door. This includes lubricating the springs, checking for balance, and inspecting for wear and tear.
4. Imbalanced Door: A Weighty Issue
Your garage door needs to be properly balanced for the springs to work correctly. If the door is imbalanced, one spring might be doing more work than the other, leading to uneven wear and a higher chance of failure.
- What to Watch For: If your door looks uneven or doesn’t close all the way on one side, it might be imbalanced. This is a sign that the springs are not sharing the load equally.
- Prevention Tip: Check the balance of your door regularly. Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay in place, it’s time to adjust the balance or call in a professional.
5. Extreme Temperatures: Hot and Cold Stress
Garage door springs are made of metal, which means they expand and contract with temperature changes. In areas with extreme weather, this constant shifting can weaken the springs over time, leading to premature failure.
- What to Watch For: In colder climates, springs can become brittle and more prone to snapping. In hot weather, they might stretch out more than usual, losing some of their tension.
- Prevention Tip: While you can’t control the weather, you can make sure your garage is insulated to reduce the impact of temperature changes. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, consider having your springs checked more frequently.
6. Poor Quality Springs: You Get What You Pay For
Not all garage door springs are created equal. If your springs were low-quality to begin with, they’re more likely to fail sooner than later. Cheap springs might save you money upfront, but they can lead to more frequent repairs or replacements down the line.
- What to Watch For: If you’ve experienced multiple spring failures in a short period, it could be a sign that the springs are of poor quality.
- Prevention Tip: Invest in high-quality springs from the start. They may cost a bit more, but they’ll last longer and perform better, saving you money and hassle in the long run.
7. Overloading the Door: More Than It Can Handle
Adding insulation, windows, or other heavy materials to your garage door increases its weight. If the springs aren’t rated for this additional load, they can wear out faster or even break under the strain.
- What to Watch For: If you’ve recently added any extra weight to your garage door, pay close attention to how it operates. Straining sounds or slow movement are red flags.
- Prevention Tip: When making upgrades to your garage door, make sure the springs are rated to handle the additional weight. It might be necessary to upgrade the springs at the same time.
Book Our Spring Repair and Replacement Team Today!
Garage door springs are small but mighty—they do a lot of work and deserve a little attention now and then. By understanding the common causes of spring failure, you can take steps to prevent problems before they start. Regular maintenance, proper lubrication, and paying attention to any signs of wear can keep your springs in good shape and your garage door running smoothly.
If you’re dealing with a spring issue or just want to make sure your garage door is in top condition, Friendswood Garage Door Repair is here to help. Give us a call at (346) 275-3504 for expert advice and spring repair service.
