A garage door spring can break for a few common reasons. Springs work hard every day. They lift and lower a heavy door many times. Over time, they wear out. When the metal gets weak, the spring snaps.
Normal Wear and Tear
The top reason for a broken spring is age. You’ll need garage door spring repair after about 10,000 cycles – sooner if you don’t maintain them.
One cycle is defined as one opening and one close of your garage door. If you use your door four times a day, the spring may last about seven years. If you use it more, it may wear out faster. The metal slowly gets tired and can no longer hold the tension.
Rust on the Spring
Rust can form on a spring when there is moisture in the air. Rust makes the metal rough. This adds friction when the spring moves. The extra friction puts stress on the coils. Over time, the coils weaken and can snap. A small amount of oil on the spring can help stop rust and keep it moving smooth.
Poor Maintenance
A garage door needs simple care to stay in good shape. If you never check or service the door, small issues can grow. Dry rollers, loose cables, or dirty tracks can make the door work harder. This puts more load on the spring. When the spring has to do extra work, it can break sooner.
It’s important to regularly inspect and maintain your complete garage door mechanism, and that’s why we offer free inspections.
According to the National Institute of Health, about 35,000 injuries per year result from broken garage door springs. Get an inspection every year, that way you can have peace of mind.
Wrong Spring Size
Not all springs are the same. Each door needs the right size and strength. If the wrong spring is installed, it may not lift the door the right way. A weak spring will stretch too much and fail early. A spring that is too strong can also cause stress on parts. A trained tech should match the spring to the door weight and size.
Cold Weather
Cold weather can make metal stiff and brittle. In winter, a spring may snap when you try to open the door. This often happens in the early morning when it is very cold. The metal cannot flex as well, so it breaks under the load.
Sudden Heavy Impact
If the door hits the ground hard or gets stuck and then forced open, the spring can take a shock. This sudden load can cause the metal to fail. Also, if a cable slips or a roller comes off track, the spring may carry uneven weight and break.
Signs Your Spring Was About to Break
You may notice warning signs before the spring breaks. The door may feel heavy when you lift it by hand. The opener may strain or move slower than usual. You might hear squeaks or grinding sounds. The door may not stay open halfway. These signs mean the spring is getting weak.
What To Do Next
When a spring breaks, stop using the door. Do not try to open it with the opener. The door will be very heavy and can fall. Do not try to replace the spring on your own. Springs hold a lot of tension and can cause injury.
Call a trained garage door tech. They have the tools and the right parts. They will install a new spring that fits your door. They will also check the rest of the system to make sure it is safe and balanced.
At Loop340 Garage Door, we fix broken springs, replace worn parts, and tune up your whole door. We work fast and keep your home safe. Call us today to book your service and get your garage door running smooth again.