- Factors like usage, corrosion, and temperature affect spring longevity.
- Understand how often garage door springs break and their lifespan.
- Learn what happens when a garage door spring breaks and why prompt replacement is important.
Garage door springs play a critical role in the operation of your garage door, lifting and lowering the door smoothly. However, over time, these springs can weaken and eventually break. By understanding what causes garage door springs to break, you can identify early warning signs and avoid expensive repairs and the inconvenience of dealing with a non-operational garage door.
What Causes Garage Door Springs To Break?
1. Wear and Tear Over Time
The daily wear and tear is the most common cause of broken garage door springs. Each time your garage door opens or closes, the springs experience a cycle of tension and release. On average, garage door springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, which translates to about 7-10 years of regular use for most households. For homeowners who use their garage as the primary entrance, the springs may wear out even faster. This repeated cycling weakens the metal over time, causing the spring to eventually snap.
2. Rust and Corrosion
Another key factor in what causes garage door springs to break is rust. Springs are typically made of high-tension steel, and when exposed to moisture and humidity, they can rust. Rust weakens the metal and increases the friction between the coils, making it more likely that the spring will break. Regularly applying a silicone-based lubricant can help reduce the likelihood of rust and extend the life of the spring.
3. Temperature Fluctuations
Fluctuations in temperature can greatly affect the longevity of garage door springs. Cold weather, in particular, causes the metal to contract, which can make already weakened springs more brittle and prone to breaking. If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, your springs may wear out faster than those in more temperate climates.
4. Poor Maintenance
Garage door springs require routine maintenance to stay in good working order. Neglecting tasks like lubrication and visual inspections can lead to premature failure. Springs should be lubricated at least twice a year, and it's important to periodically check for signs of wear, like gaps between the coils or corrosion. Regular maintenance can help you avoid asking, how often do garage door springs break, by catching small issues before they become big problems.
How Often Do Garage Door Springs Break?
As mentioned earlier, garage door springs are generally rated for about 10,000 cycles. But how does that translate into time?
For households that use the garage door as a primary entrance, opening and closing it multiple times a day, the springs may last only 5-7 years. On the other hand, if you use your garage door less frequently, the springs could last up to 10 years or more. It's important to note that even if you don't use your garage door often, factors like rust, poor installation, or environmental conditions can cause the springs to wear out prematurely.
Here are some signs that it may be time to replace your garage door springs:
- The door becomes heavy or hard to lift.
- You notice visible gaps between the coils.
- The door moves unevenly or jerks when opening.
- The springs make a squeaking or creaking noise when in use.
Monitoring the condition of your springs is key to preventing a sudden failure. When you start to notice these signs, it's a good idea to replace the springs before they break completely.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
So, what happens when a garage door spring breaks? When a spring snaps, the immediate result is that your garage door will become extremely difficult or impossible to open. The springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door, and without them, the full weight of the door (which can be 150-200 pounds or more) will rest on the opener or on anyone attempting to lift it manually.
Here's a breakdown of common issues that arise when a spring breaks:
- The Door Won't Open or Close Properly: With a broken spring, your garage door opener will likely strain to lift the door, and in some cases, it may not be able to lift it at all. Even if it manages to raise the door, it may come down too quickly, posing a significant safety risk.
- Increased Wear on the Opener: When a spring breaks, the door opener will bear the brunt of the door's weight. Over time, this extra load can damage the opener's motor and components, leading to costly repairs.
- Safety Concerns: A broken spring can also cause safety concerns. If the garage door is opened with a damaged spring, it could close unexpectedly and forcefully. This creates a danger to anyone or anything in the door's path, including pets, children, or vehicles.
Because of these risks, it's essential to replace a broken spring as soon as possible. Attempting to operate a garage door with a broken spring can cause additional damage to your opener and put your safety at risk.
Preventing Garage Door Spring Breakage
While no spring will last forever, there are steps you can take to extend their lifespan:
- Regular Maintenance: Lubricate your springs at least twice a year and check them for signs of wear.
- Balance Check: Have a professional inspect and balance your door annually. An unbalanced door puts extra strain on the springs, causing them to wear out faster.
- Rust Prevention: Keep the springs clean and free from rust by using a silicone-based lubricant.
- Replace Both Springs: If one spring breaks, replace both. Springs are installed in pairs and have the same wear and tear, so it's likely the second spring will break soon after the first.
Garage door springs are essential to the smooth operation of your garage door, but they will eventually wear out. Now that you know what causes garage door springs to break, you can be proactive in maintaining them and replacing them before they fail. If you're unsure about the condition of your springs or you've already experienced what happens when a garage door spring breaks, don't hesitate to reach out to Balanced Garage Doors for expert advice and service.
Contact us today for spring replacement or other garage door needs.
