Garage door springs are essential for the operation of a garage door. When they break, it’s not only inconvenient but dangerous as well. These parts need to be inspected and maintained regularly so that you don’t experience unexpected problems. So, why do garage door springs break?
The ten most common reasons garage door springs break include:
- 1. Wear and Tear
- 2. Improper installation
- 3. Extreme Temperatures
- 4. Rust and Corrosion
- 5. Weight of the Door
- 6. Overuse
- 7. Age
- 8. Poor quality Springs
- 9. Lack of Regular Maintenance
- 10. Improper Spring Size
This blog post will take a closer look at the most common reasons garage door springs fail. Additionally, we’ll discuss what garage door springs are and how they work. So, if you have any questions about garage door springs, be sure to read on!
Table of Contents
What are Garage Door Springs, and How Do They Work?
Garage door springs are essential for the overall function of your garage door. All garage door systems have springs that assist in lifting and lowering the door. Springs do most of the hard work, but they can wear out over time.
A garage door spring is a device that helps open and closes your garage door. These springs help to counterbalance the door’s weight and help to absorb any shocks that may occur when the door is in use. Without these springs, your garage door would be much heavier and more challenging to operate.
There are two types of springs that are commonly used in garage doors:
- Torsion springs
- Extension springs
Torsion springs are the most common type of spring used in garage doors. They are mounted on the header above the door and wound around a shaft. When the door is opened, the springs unwind and help to lift the door. Torsion springs are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous if they break.
Extension springs are mounted on the sides of the door frame and stretch as the door is opened. They provide balance and help to counterbalance the weight of the door. Extension springs are not under as much tension as torsion springs, but they can still be dangerous if they break.
Both torsion and extension springs work by helping to store energy and then releasing it to help lift or open the door. If your garage door isn’t working correctly, it may be because one or more of the springs is broken or damaged.
Replacing garage door springs can be a potentially dangerous task, so it’s important to know what you’re doing before attempting to do it yourself. It’s always good to contact a professional garage door repair company for assistance.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
Your garage door is a heavy piece of equipment, and it takes a lot of torque to open and close it. That’s why you need strong springs to keep it moving. But even the most robust springs can break, so it’s essential to understand why garage door springs break so you can adequately address any potential problems.
1. Wear and Tear
The most common reason garage door springs break is constant and repeated use over a long period. Inevitably, garage door springs will gradually weaken until it finally snaps without any warning.
This often occurs when the homeowner is away from home or during the night, leaving them stranded in their driveway until help arrives. If you regularly use your garage, it’s crucial to inspect your garage door and its components periodically.
Not only does this help prevent problems, but it also allows you to make repairs before these issues get worse. If you have a heavy garage door, it’s a good idea to upgrade the springs to a higher grade wire to increase the strength and durability of the springs.
2. Improper installation
Improper installation is one of the most common reasons garage door springs fail. When springs are not installed correctly, they can become damaged and eventually break. This can be a significant problem, preventing your garage door from functioning correctly.
Some homeowners try to save money by installing the springs themselves, which often leads to disaster. Improperly installed springs can cause the door to come crashing down, injuring anyone who happens to be standing nearby.
In some cases, a broken garage door spring may even cause your door to fall off its tracks. If you suspect that your garage door springs may be improperly installed, it is vital to have them checked by a professional as soon as possible.
3. Extreme Temperatures
Garage door springs are designed to withstand a fair amount of abuse during their service life. However, they can eventually break due to extreme temperatures. Hot weather can cause the springs to expand, while cold weather can make them contract. This repeated expansion and contraction can eventually cause the springs to snap.
In addition, garage door springs are under a lot of tension. This can cause them to break if they are not properly maintained. If you live in extreme climates, it is essential to have your garage door springs inspected regularly by a professional.
4. Rust and Corrosion
Another common problem affecting garage door springs is rust and corrosion. Rust can weaken the metal and cause it to break under the garage door’s weight. If you live in an area with a lot of humidity, this can be a huge problem.
If your springs are starting to rust, it’s essential to regularly inspect your garage door springs for rust and keep them lubricated to help resist corrosion.
You can also buy garage door springs made of rust-resistant materials, such as stainless steel. If you live in an area with a lot of salt air, you may also want to consider buying springs specifically designed to resist corrosion from salt.
5. Weight of the Door
Your garage door springs are designed to support the garage door’s weight. However, these springs can become weak and unable to keep the door’s weight, causing them to snap.
Most often, garage door springs fail when not correctly installed or when they are old and worn out. However, spring failure can also be caused by adding too much weight to the door, such as adding extra insulation or panels.
The garage door will eventually become too heavy to open and close if the springs are not replaced. If you suspect that your garage door springs are failing due to the door’s weight, you should have them checked by a professional to ensure that they are correctly installed and in good condition.
6. Overuse
Garage door springs are designed to last for about 10000 cycles and will eventually break due to overuse if not adequately maintained. The most common reason for this is that people use their garage doors more often than they should, which puts extra strain on the springs.
In addition, garage doors are also subject to wear and tear from the elements, which can also cause the springs to break. If you want to avoid replacing your garage door springs, it is vital to use them sparingly and keep them well lubricated.
7. Age
One common issue homeowners face is that their garage door springs break due to age. While it may seem like a minor problem, it can be dangerous if not appropriately addressed. Metal fatigue can result in the garage door springs breaking down over time.
This is even more likely to happen if the springs are constantly under stress, such as when the door is opened and closed frequently. Even if your garage door springs are not overused, garage door springs have a limited lifespan.
After an average of ten to fifteen years, your garage door springs will eventually break down and need to be replaced.
8. Poor quality Springs
Garage door springs are known to break due to poor quality. In most cases, poor-quality springs are made of inferior materials that cannot handle the weight and tension of the door. As a result, the spring snaps, leaving the garage door inoperable.
Often, the manufacturing process is flawed, resulting in springs that are not up to par. As a result, these springs cannot withstand the same amount of wear and tear, eventually leading to failure.
If you are concerned about the quality of your garage door springs, it is essential to purchase them from a reputable source.
9. Lack of Regular Maintenance
Improper maintenance is one of the main reasons why garage door springs break. Most people don’t realize that these springs need to be regularly inspected and lubricated to keep them in good working condition.
However, without this regular maintenance, the springs can become dry and brittle, which causes them to break more easily. Over time, the hardware that holds these parts together can loosen, resulting in a dangerous situation.
Make sure you check all nuts and bolts regularly to ensure they’re properly secured. If any of them seem loose, you should tighten them to avoid this problem
10. Improper Spring Size
There are a few reasons why garage door springs break. However, one of the most common reasons is that the spring is not the proper size for the door. When the spring is too small, it puts extra stress on the door and can eventually cause it to break.
On the other hand, if the spring is too large, it may not provide enough support and cause the door to break. If you are not sure what size spring you need, it is best to contact a professional who can help you select the proper size for your door.
Wrong spring size is just one of many reasons why garage door springs break. To avoid this problem, consult with a professional before selecting a spring for your garage door.
Signs That Your Garage Door Springs Are Broken
There are a few clear signs that your garage door springs are broken. Springs are one of the most dangerous parts of your garage door system, so it’s essential to get it repaired as quickly as possible if there’s any sign that you need new springs installed.
Signs that one or more of your garage door springs may be broken include:
1. The garage door will not open or close properly when using the wall switch or remote. You may need to lift the door to close it manually.
2. An unusual noise coming from your garage door. This usually means that one of the springs has broken, which causes the “clank” sound you’re used to hearing.
3. If your garage door opener is working, but the door itself is not moving, this is another sign that a spring has broken.
4. Your garage door is difficult to open or close by hand. Failing or broken springs is the most common cause of a door that’s impossible to open manually.
5. Your garage door appears crooked or lopsided. When you have an uneven garage door, a broken torsion spring is often the reason. If one spring fails, your garage door will have two overhead springs or extension springs that torque to one side.
5. A gap appearing between the bottom of your garage door and the ground when it is in the closed position
What to Do if Your Garage Door Springs Break?
If your garage door springs break, don’t panic! While it’s certainly not an ideal situation, it’s not the end of the world. There are a few things you can do to safely handle your garage door situation until a professional can come out and make the necessary repairs.
Follow these four steps if your garage door springs break:
1. DO NOT try to open or close your garage door. This could cause severe injury or damage to your property.
2. Call a professional garage door repair company to come out and take a look. They will be able to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs.
3. Secure your garage door by placing a 2×4 or other sturdy objects in the door’s track. This will prevent the door from opening or closing until the springs are fixed.
4. Be sure to have your garage door inspected and serviced by a professional at least once a year. This will help prevent future problems and keep your garage door working correctly for years to come.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t despair! With a bit of know-how and some quick action, you can fix your garage door and get back to your routine in no time.
What Happens When Your Garage Door Spring Breaks?
A broken garage door spring can be a significant inconvenience. When one of your springs breaks, the door becomes difficult or impossible to open or close. Your garage door opener may not work correctly, and repairs can be costly.
It can be a severe problem when your garage door spring breaks. Garage door springs help to lift the door, and without them, the garage door will not be able to open or close. This can be extremely dangerous, as spring failure could cause the door to fall and possibly injure someone.
To avoid this situation, it is essential to know how your springs work, what signs to look for before they break, and what to do if they do break.
If your spring breaks without warning or you see signs of wear and tear, it’s essential to seek help from a garage door repair service as soon as possible. They can replace the spring for you and help ensure that your garage door is safe for use again.
How Long Should Garage Door Springs Last?
Garage door springs are one of the most critical components in a garage door system. They help keep the entire mechanism moving smoothly, without any issues or excessive wear and tear. A failing spring can cause the whole mechanism to break down, resulting in costly repairs for you.
For this reason, you must understand how long garage door springs are designed to last. This way, you can be proactive in replacing them before they fail and cause any damage or inconvenience.
The average garage door spring is designed to provide around 10,000 cycles. This means that it should be able to open and close your garage door around 10,000 times before it needs to be replaced.
However, keep in mind that the 10,000 cycle mark is just an average – some garage door springs may last longer while others will need to be replaced sooner. Factors such as how often you use your garage door and the quality of the spring (premium springs tend to last longer) can affect how long they last.
If you are concerned about the longevity of your garage door springs, it is always best to consult a professional. They will be able to determine when they are likely to fail and replace them before they do. This ensures that your system remains in good working order and saves you from costly repairs later on.
Tips to Help Prevent Your Garage Door Springs From Breaking
If you are a garage owner, you know that springs are essential to the proper function of your garage door. And while they typically last for several years, they can eventually break. However, there are some things you can do to help prevent this from happening to you.
If you’re looking to prevent your garage door spring from breaking, here are a few tips:
1. Inspect your garage door regularly. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or fraying cables. If you spot any damage, have a professional repair it before it worsens.
2. Keep your garage door lubricated. This will help prevent the springs from breaking prematurely.
3. Regularly check the sensors if you have an automatic garage door opener. Sensors tell the opener when to stop and start, so if they’re not working correctly, your door could be at risk of suddenly closing.
4. Always use proper safety precautions when working on or near your garage door. This includes wearing eye protection and gloves and ensuring that any children or pets are kept away from the area.
5. Don’t try to fix it yourself. Always call a professional to help you troubleshoot the problem and make any necessary repairs.
While it’s not possible to prevent every garage door spring break, there are a few things you can do to minimize the chances. Regular inspection and maintenance of your garage door system are vital and ensure that all components are working correctly.
If you experience any problems with your garage door or opener, be sure to have them fixed right away. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your garage door functioning safely and smoothly for years to come.
How do I Raise My Garage Door With a Broken Spring?
Raising a garage door that has a broken spring can be difficult, as it’s hard to move the door with all of its weight. However, there are some things you can do to help make the process easier and safer.
Follow these five steps to raising a garage door with a broken spring safely:
1. Make sure your garage door is fully open. This will give you more room to work and make it easier to raise the door.
2. Disconnect the opener from the door. This will help prevent any accidents if the door falls while your garage door springs are being replaced.
3. Pull the release mechanism. Look for a handle or lever on one side of the door that you can use to open and close the door manually.
4. Slowly lift the garage door into place using your hands. You might need a few people to help raise it if it is very heavy.
5. Finally, reconnect the opener to the door and test it out. After any necessary repairs are made, ensure your gate is working correctly before closing the door and leaving it unattended.
If you have difficulty raising the garage door with a broken spring, it is crucial to call in a professional. They will be able to help you safely raise and repair your garage door so that you can use it safely again.
By following these steps, you should be able to raise a garage door with a broken spring. Remember to be careful and take your time while working on the door to avoid accidents. If you have any questions, be sure to call in a professional to help.
Conclusion
While garage door springs may seem like a small part of your home, they are essential. It can be challenging to open and close your garage door when they break. If you are experiencing problems with your garage door springs, it is best to call a professional for help. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.
