Top 3 Causes of Garage Door Spring Failure

Your garage door springs are under immense tension every time the door opens or closes. Over time, this constant stress can lead to wear and eventual failure. By identifying the common causes of spring failure, you can take proactive steps to maintain your springs and extend their lifespan.

1. Regular Wear and Tear

Garage door springs are designed to last for a specific number of cycles – typically between 10,000 and 15,000 cycles. A cycle refers to one complete opening and closing of your garage door. However, the most frequent cause of spring failure is the gradual wear and tear that occurs with repeated use.

• Signs of Wear: For instance, you may notice your door struggling to open or see rust forming on the springs.
• Prevention Tips:

1. Track your garage door usage, especially if you use it multiple times a day.
2. Alternatively, you can opt for higher-cycle springs if your household relies heavily on your garage door.

In addition, regular maintenance, such as lubricating the springs and keeping them rust-free, can help minimize the effects of wear and tear.

2. Lack of Proper Maintenance

Neglecting routine maintenance can significantly reduce the lifespan of your garage door springs. Over time, dirt, debris, and moisture can corrode the springs, making them more likely to break. Moreover, springs that aren’t properly lubricated will face increased friction, which accelerates wear.

Steps for Proper Maintenance

1. Inspect Springs Regularly: For example, look for visible damage, rust, or stretching.
2. Keep the Springs Lubricated: Use a garage door-specific lubricant every six months to prevent friction and corrosion.
3. Address Minor Issues Quickly: If your door starts making unusual noises or seems misaligned, don’t wait—call a professional to inspect the components.

Therefore, by staying consistent with basic maintenance, you can significantly increase the lifespan of your springs.

3. Environmental Factors

The environment around your garage can also impact the durability of your springs. Extreme temperatures, high humidity, and poor insulation within the garage can increase the likelihood of spring failure.

Impact of Weather

• Cold Temperatures: For instance, during winter, metal can become brittle, making springs more likely to snap under tension.
• Heat and Humidity: Excess moisture, on the other hand, can lead to rust, which weakens the springs over time.

How to Protect Your Door from Weather

• Install weatherstripping to regulate the temperature inside your garage.
• Additionally, use a dehumidifier in humid climates to keep your garage dry.
• Finally, clean and oil your springs more frequently during extreme weather periods.

By creating a controlled, stable environment for your garage, you can better protect the springs and other components of the door from the stresses of temperature fluctuations.