Garage door springs are probably not something you think about every day, especially not while your garage door is in perfect working condition. However, springs are very important for the overall functionality of a garage door.
Operating a garage door continuously exerts extreme forces on the springs, which may lead them to eventually break. Understanding the causes of a broken garage door spring will help you identify when your garage door needs service.
How Do Garage Door Springs Work?
Garage door springs are essential to open and close your garage door daily. They counterbalance the door’s weight, making it possible to open and close. The two main types of residential garage door springs are:
- Torsion springs connect to the lifting cable. They wind up to store energy and unwind to release it, which helps open and close the garage door.
- Extension springs stretch horizontally on each side of the door. They expand and contract to counter the door’s weight.
Both types of springs follow Hooke’s Law of elasticity. You don’t need to comprehensively understand the science behind the mechanical workings of garage door springs — that’s what expert garage door technicians are for.
Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
Several signs may indicate a broken garage door spring, or one about to break:
- Loud noises: At first, you may hear loud noises as the spring unwinds, leading up to an unexpected noise that sounds like a loud bang or slam when the spring breaks. Your door may slam into the ground quickly.
- An unbalanced door: Your door’s movement may be uneven or one side will move faster than the other. It may also sag on one side.
- An immobile door: Your garage door may start moving slower as it gets heavier. Your door may open only a few inches before it gets stuck or it may not open at all.
- Noticeable damage: You may notice damage, such as gaps in the springs, rusted springs, snapped springs or loose cables.
If you notice these common signs, you should seek emergency repair and maintenance services to prevent accidents or further damage to your garage door. Spring repair can be dangerous and is best undertaken by a garage door professional.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
There are several reasons garage door springs break. Some known causes may be unavoidable, while others may be managed with the right protocols and preventive maintenance.
Incorrect Spring Type or Installation
It’s critical to use trusted garage door technicians for assistance with selecting the correct springs and performing the installation. The right springs must be paired with the right door to manage the tension exerted on the spring. Incorrect springs may undergo a lot of stress and high tension, leading them to fail quickly.
Similarly, cheap, low-quality components suffer wear and tear more quickly. Consequently, you’ll have to replace your springs more frequently, which will cost you more.
Improper Maintenance
If a garage door works seamlessly, it’s easy to assume all components function as they should. However, springs can deteriorate and break unexpectedly if you do not perform regular inspections and follow certain standard maintenance procedures.
Even though springs may fail eventually, this process can be slowed down by proper maintenance, including lubricant application, rust prevention and regular inspections. Inspections may be especially helpful to catch any problems early on and prevent costly repairs in the future!
High Frequency Operation
The longevity of springs may directly correlate with the frequency of operation. If you open and close your garage door more than two times per day, the springs may wear out sooner. Many people use their garage entrance as the main entrance to their home. Opening and closing your garage door four to six times a day may reduce the lifespan of your springs significantly.
Rust and Corrosion
Metal items deteriorate due to rust and corrosion. The same is true for garage door springs. Humid environments with little or no ventilation often lead to the corrosion of metal items. A rusted garage door spring that undergoes continuous pressure and friction will become brittle and fractured over time. Rust-resistant coatings can aid in lengthening the lifespan of your springs.
Wear and Tear Over Time
General wear and tear over time is inevitable. A garage door may look aesthetically pleasing from the outside, but the mechanical aspect is a lot more complicated than meets the eye.
Your garage door springs work extremely hard to lift and lower the door every time you open and close it. The repeated cycles of contraction and expansion cause gradual wear and tear, eventually weakening the metal and causing it to snap.
Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature fluctuations also impact the durability and longevity of garage door springs — hot temperatures cause the springs to expand and while cold temperatures make them contract. The continuous expansion and contraction of metal harms its structural integrity. Over time, metal springs will become brittle, and the risk of cracks and breakage will increase.
Preventive Maintenance for Garage Door Springs
You can prolong the lifespan of your garage door springs by following preventive measures:
- Lubricate your garage door, springs and all other moving parts regularly to ensure a smooth operation.
- Listen closely for any irregular or unusual sounds that may signal to you that your garage door springs are about to break.
- Try to open and close your garage door a maximum of twice daily.
- Install vents to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Try to manage temperature fluctuations with insulation.
- Replace moving parts before they break.
Ultimately, the best way to avoid a garage door with a broken spring is by using expert technicians to implement annual preventive maintenance procedures. Once your garage door maintenance team notices wear and tear, the springs can be replaced quickly. Timely repair will prevent the inconvenience of a garage door that does not open or close.
Contact Quality Door Company for Expert Garage Door Spring Assistance
Proactively addressing garage door spring issues may save you time, money and a lot of inconvenience down the road. Call on the professionals at Quality Door Company to fix your broken garage door spring.
Our team of expert garage door technicians is here to provide all the support you need! We understand how vital a functional garage door is to your daily routine. Contact us today via our online submission form or request a no-charge cost estimate. Whether you’re looking for preventive maintenance, an emergency repair or assistance when something seems off, we’ve got you covered!
