Your garage door is one of the hardest-working parts of your home. Day in and day out, it opens and closes without a second thought until, suddenly, something goes wrong. Maybe it jerks violently, slams shut, or refuses to move at all. Frustration sets in as you are left stranded, late for work, or stuck outside in bad weather.

More often than not, the issue lies with your garage door springs, the unsung heroes responsible for lifting and lowering the door smoothly. When they fail, though, your door’s longevity and safety are at risk.

That is why preventive care is essential. In this guide, we will explain why garage door springs fail, and provide five important measures to keep them in top shape.

Understanding Garage Door Springs: Types and Functions

Before going deep into why garage spring doors fail, it is important to first understand the types available and how they function. After all, not all springs work the same way; some rely on tension, while others use torque to handle the weight of your door.

Your garage door likely operates with one of two main types:

  • Torsion springs
  • Extension springs

Torsion springs sit above the garage door, winding and unwinding to smoothly lift and lower it. They are built for longevity and offer better balance and durability over time.

Extension springs, on the other hand, are installed on either side of the door and stretch when it opens. While effective, they experience more wear and tear compared to torsion springs, which means they may need replacement sooner.

Nevertheless, both types of garage door springs are important in your door’s operations.

Why Garage Door Springs Fail: Common Causes

Like most mechanical parts, garage door springs won’t last forever, as they go through constant tension and release, supporting the full weight of your garage doors every time they open and close.

Here are the major causes of failure:

1. Natural wear and tear

Every garage door spring has a limited lifespan of around 10,000 cycles. A single cycle means opening and closing your door once. While that might not seem like much, if you use your garage door multiple times a day, those cycles may add up fast. The more cycles the springs undergo, the weaker they become, eventually leading to spring failure.

2. Rust and corrosion

Moisture and humidity can cause torsion and extension springs to rust. When rust builds up, it weakens the metal and increases friction, forcing the springs to work harder than they should—this accelerates spring failure.

3. Lack of preventive care

Neglecting preventative care is, without a doubt, one of the quickest ways to shorten your spring’s lifespan. Without regular maintenance, such as lubrication and inspection, extension and torsion springs wear out faster. Always keep an eye out for misalignment or gaps in the springs.

4. Poor installation and wrong spring type

Using the wrong-sized springs can cause severe imbalances in your garage door, thus leading to early spring failure. If torsion or extension springs aren’t installed properly, they may be under excessive strains, which makes spring replacement necessary sooner than expected.

5. Sudden temperature changes

Extreme weather swings can make garage door springs expand and contract, thus weakening the metal over time. For instance, freezing temperatures make springs brittle, while excessive heat can reduce their elasticity, increasing the risk of spring failure.

Preventative Measures and Maintenance Tips

With proper care, you can extend the longevity of your springs. Here are five essential tips to follow:

1. Regular lubrication

As earlier stated, friction and rust are the biggest enemies of garage door springs. To prevent failure, apply a silicone-based lubricant every few months to keep the coils moving smoothly.

2. Routine inspections

A quick check can save you from costly garage door repair down the line. Look for gaps in the coils, rust spots, or signs of weakening. If you notice loose or stretched springs, it is time to schedule a spring replacement before they snap unexpectedly.

3. Keep the door balanced

To test balance, disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, your springs are working fine, but if it drops, they may be too weak or improperly adjusted. When this happens, the help of professional preventative care becomes essential.

4. Avoid DIY repairs

High-tension springs can be extremely dangerous if handled improperly. DIY repairs might seem like a cost-saving idea, but they often lead to serious injuries or further damage. For any necessary adjustments, always call a professional to ensure home safety.

5. Replace both springs at the same time

If one spring breaks, the other is likely close to failure, so replacing both at once is the smart option. This will keep the door balanced, reduce strain on the system, and prevent premature spring replacement in the near future.

Why should I hire a professional to fix my garage door springs?

Both extension and torsion springs support the heavy weight of the garage door. If a spring breaks unexpectedly, it can cause the door to slam shut, damaging the door itself and anything in its path.

The best way to avoid such risks and ensure home safety is to hire a professional garage door expert. Here are two key reasons why their expertise is important:

  • Specialized tools and training: Spring adjustment requires precision. The most skilled professionals have the right tools and knowledge to measure the exact tension needed for proper door function, which prevents unnecessary wear and tear.
  • Long-term savings: While professional spring replacement comes at a cost, it saves you money in the long run. For instance, poorly installed springs lead to frequent breakdowns and garage door repair, while expert installation and regular maintenance reduce the likelihood of sudden failures that require high costs to repair.

We Are Your Go-to Experts for Garage Door Spring Repair

A garage door that works seamlessly every time you press the remote is something that every homeowner appreciates. However, when the garage door springs wear out, and the door becomes heavy, unbalanced, or stops working altogether, TBC Garage Doors is your best bet to get a reliable fix.

We specialize in garage door repair and handle everything from spring adjustment and change to full system upgrades. Whether your torsion or extension springs have snapped or are losing tension, our team of expert technicians is ready to fix the problem. We use high-quality parts to ensure longevity and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

If you ever need an upgrade, the TBC Garage Doors team can also install automatic door openers, so you never have to worry about losing your keys or leaving your door open.

We serve Toronto, the GTA, and the surrounding areas, offering reliable service at fair prices. Call us today at 647-372-2150, or contact us online for professional and reliable garage door repair!