Garage doors are essential for keeping our homes secure and offering convenience when accessing our vehicles. One of the most critical components in any garage door system is the garage door spring. It works tirelessly to lift and lower the heavy door, and when it breaks, it can leave you locked out or worse, create a dangerous situation.
So, why is yourgarage door spring broken? Understanding the common causes behind broken springs can help you prevent this issue in the future and avoid costly repairs. In this post, we’ll explore why garage door springs break, the types of springs you might have, and what you can do to get your garage door back in working order.
Understanding the Function of a Garage Door Spring
Before we dive into the reasons a spring may break, it’s important to understand what the spring does. There are two types of springs typically used in garage doors:
Torsion Springs: These springs are located above the garage door and provide the majority of the lifting power. When the garage door opens, the torsion spring unwinds to release tension, helping lift the door. When the door closes, the spring winds up again, storing energy.
Extension Springs: These springs are typically located on either side of the door and stretch as the door opens, then contract to help the door close.
Both types of springs help balance the weight of the garage door and make it easy to open and close. However, when one or both of these springs breaks, your garage door becomes incredibly difficult or impossible to operate.
Common Reasons Why Garage Door Springs Break
Now that we know the role of the springs, let’s dive into why they might break. Here are the most common causes:
1. Normal Wear and Tear
Just like any mechanical part, garage door springs experience wear and tear over time. They are under constant tension as they help lift and lower the garage door, and eventually, they simply wear out. Most garage door springs are designed to last about 10,000 cycles (open and close), which typically amounts to 7-10 years for the average household. When they reach the end of their lifespan, they are more likely to break.
2. Rust and Corrosion
Garage door springs are usually made of steel, which is prone to rust if exposed to moisture. If your garage is exposed to high humidity or if you live in a region with frequent rain, snow, or salt exposure, corrosion can cause the springs to weaken. Rust creates friction, which can cause the springs to break much earlier than expected.
3. Improper Maintenance
Garage door springs need proper lubrication to function smoothly. Without regular maintenance, friction builds up, which can cause the springs to deteriorate more quickly. Lack of maintenance can also lead to misalignment of parts, putting extra strain on the springs.
4. Improper Installation
If the springs were not installed correctly or if the wrong size springs were used for your garage door, it can cause undue stress on the springs. Over time, this can lead to premature failure. If your garage door springs were installed incorrectly, it’s always best to call a professional to correct the issue before the springs break completely.
5. Sudden Force or Impact
If your garage door is hit by a vehicle, a heavy object, or even a sudden gust of wind, the force can put stress on the springs. This can cause the springs to break immediately or weaken them over time, making them more prone to failure.
6. Uneven Door Balance
If your garage door is unbalanced meaning one side is heavier than the other it will cause extra strain on the springs. This uneven load distribution can lead to one or both springs breaking sooner than expected. A professional technician can test and adjust the balance of the door to prevent such issues.
7. Faulty Cables
The cables that work in conjunction with the springs can also contribute to the failure of your garage door springs. If a cable snaps or becomes frayed, it can cause the springs to bear more weight than they’re designed to handle, which may lead to a break.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring is About to Break
Before the spring completely breaks, you might notice some early warning signs that indicate it’s time to call for repair. Keep an eye out for:
The door becomes difficult to open: If the door seems unusually heavy when you try to lift it manually or using the opener, it could be a sign that the spring is weakening or on the verge of snapping.
Visible damage to the spring: If you see a visible gap in your torsion spring or if it appears stretched, it’s time to replace it.
Unusual noises: A popping or cracking sound when opening or closing the door could indicate a broken spring or one that’s about to break.
Uneven door movement: If your door opens or closes unevenly or jerks, it may be a sign that the spring is not functioning properly.
What to Do if Your Garage Door Spring Breaks
If your garage door spring breaks, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Broken springs are under a significant amount of tension, and attempting to repair them without proper tools and training can result in serious injury. Instead, follow these steps:
Stop using the garage door: If you can still use the garage door opener or manually lift the door, refrain from doing so. Continued use could cause further damage to the door or other components.
Contact a professional: Call a licensed garage door repair service to inspect the broken spring and replace it. A professional will have the right tools, experience, and safety equipment to replace the spring safely.
Consider a spring upgrade: If your springs are nearing the end of their lifespan, or if you’ve experienced repeated issues, consider upgrading to a higher-quality spring to avoid future problems.
Preventing Future Spring Breakage
While it’s impossible to completely prevent a spring from breaking over time, regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your garage door springs. Here’s what you can do:
Lubricate the springs annually with a specialized garage door lubricant.
Inspect the springs for visible damage or signs of wear.
Keep the garage clean and dry to reduce moisture exposure.
Have your garage door balanced and aligned regularly by a professional.
Conclusion: Protect Your Garage Door Springs with Regular Maintenance
A broken garage door spring is not only inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous. Understanding why garage door springs break and taking proactive steps to maintain them can save you both time and money in the long run. If you notice any signs of damage or if your spring is nearing the end of its life, don’t wait—schedule a professional repair to keep your garage door functioning safely and smoothly.
