What to Do When Your Garage Door Spring Breaks!

Dealing with a Broken Garage Door Spring? Here’s What You Need to Know

A broken garage door spring can be a major inconvenience for any homeowner. Whether it leaves you stuck outside in the rain or unable to go to work, it’s an issue that demands quick attention. A malfunctioning garage door spring can severely impact your home’s functionality, but understanding when to replace it can help prevent further complications. In this blog, we’ll discuss the two types of garage door springs, common causes of spring breakage, and how to handle a broken spring.

Types of Garage Door Springs

Garage doors typically use one of two types of springs—torsion or extension—each designed to serve specific needs:

1. Torsion Springs:

Torsion springs are the most common type of garage door spring. These springs operate using torque, which is a twisting force that helps open and close the door. Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door and are more durable than extension springs. They come in two variations: standard torsion springs and torque master torsion springs. The torque master system is considered safer because the springs are enclosed within a shaft, preventing them from posing a hazard if they break. Torsion springs are ideal for heavier garage doors and provide smoother, more controlled operation.

2. Extension Springs:

Extension springs are typically found on the horizontal tracks on both sides of the garage door. These springs extend when the door opens and contract when the door closes, balancing the door’s weight. While extension springs are more affordable, they can be less safe than torsion springs because they are more likely to break and cause injury. For this reason, extension springs are often paired with safety cables to prevent injury or property damage in case the spring fails. There are three types of extension springs: open-looped, double-looped, and clip-ended, each offering varying levels of strength and service life.

Common Causes of Garage Door Spring Breakage

Garage door springs are built to last but will eventually break due to a few common factors:

1. Normal Wear and Tear:

Garage door springs are rated for approximately 10,000 cycles (each complete opening and closing counts as one cycle). Frequent use, especially over an extended period, can wear out the springs. Once the springs surpass their cycle limit, they begin to lose tension and are more likely to snap.

2. Rust:

Rust is a major enemy of garage door springs. As time passes, moisture can accumulate on the metal parts, leading to rust. This weakens the springs and accelerates wear and tear, ultimately causing premature failure.

3. Poor Maintenance:

Lack of routine maintenance is a significant factor that shortens the lifespan of garage door springs. Regularly inspecting and lubricating the springs can help prevent rust buildup and spot early signs of wear. Neglecting these simple maintenance tasks can lead to sudden spring failure.

When to Replace Your Garage Door Springs

Signs that your garage door spring may be broken include difficulty opening or closing the door, unusual noises, or a door that falls or sags when manually operated. Attempting to replace a broken spring yourself is dangerous due to the immense tension these springs are under. It's essential to contact a professional to handle the repair safely.

A broken garage door spring can cause significant disruption, but understanding the different types of springs and their common causes of failure can help you address the issue before it becomes more serious. Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your springs and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. If you suspect a problem with your garage door springs, don’t hesitate to call a professional to inspect and replace them.

Need a garage door spring replacement? Contact us today for fast, reliable service and ensure your door is back to functioning smoothly!