A spring replacement is one of the most common garage door repairs needed, and if the springs break, your door won’t work. Understanding the causes can help you prevent them and get the most from your springs, saving money and time. Below are the top reasons garage springs break.

Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?

1. Age

Springs undergo wear and tear just like any component in a moving object, losing their tension and ability to hold the door. Springs are rated for a specific amount of cycles that determine their lifespan, with the standard being around 10,000.

As a spring reaches the maximum amount of cycles it’s rated for, it has a higher chance of breaking. If your garage door gets a lot of use each day, you may want to opt for springs rated for 20,000 cycles.

2. Corrosion

Springs are susceptible to corrosion in the form of rust. A humid environment, salt or deicing agents being transferred to the springs when they come off your tires, and repeated exposure to moisture can all contribute to rust development. Rust weakens the spring and eats away at the material, eventually causing it to snap under the weight of the door. 

3. Lack of Maintenance

Your springs should be greased a few times a year, and their tension and the balance of the door should be checked. The grease helps prevent corrosion, as well as dirt buildup, and ensures that they move the way they’re supposed to without resistance that can lead to extra wear.

To check the door balance, put your door in manual mode (usually done by pulling the emergency release cord) and lift the door about halfway up. If the springs are good, it’ll stay there. If they’re worn, the door may drop back down or wobble.

4. Wrong Spring Type

Your door needs a spring that’s rated to handle its weight when moving. The specifications for what spring you need should be in your owner’s manual, but a professional should be able to check and install the right one. However, if you’ve performed a spring replacement yourself in the past, it’s possible you installed the wrong spring, which could lead to it snapping early on.

Are you in need of a spring replacement? Tracey Door in Rochester, NY, has over 30 years of experience in overhead doors, including repairs, installations, and maintenance. Their employees are certified, and the business is family-owned. Learn more about their services online and call (585) 426-6060 to schedule your garage door repair today.