Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?

Why Do Garage Door Springs Break? Let’s Unwind the Mystery

Ever heard that ominous TWANG from your garage and thought, “Uh-oh… was that the sound of my wallet crying?” Spoiler alert: It probably was. Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your daily routine, lifting hundreds of pounds like it’s no big deal—until they snap. Let’s talk about why these metal workhorses give up the ghost and how we at Overhead Door Pros in Edmonton keep them (and your sanity) intact.

The Science of Springs: More Than Just Metal Coils

Garage doors aren’t exactly light. A standard door can weigh between 130–250 pounds, and those springs? They’re doing all the heavy lifting—literally. There are two main types of springs:

• Torsion springs (mounted above the door, twisting to generate lift).
• Extension springs (stretching along the tracks).

Both are built to last, but here’s the kicker: they’re designed to break eventually. Yep, even the best ones have a lifespan. Most torsion springs last 10,000–20,000 cycles (one cycle = opening/closing the door once). Do the math: If you’re a busy household, that’s 5–7 years.

Why Do Springs Break? Let’s Break It Down

1. Wear and Tear: The Silent Killer

Imagine doing bicep curls 10 times a day, every day, for years. You’d get tired too, right? Springs fatigue over time, especially if your door is older or used frequently. Commercial garage door repair calls often come from businesses that operate doors dozens of times daily.

2. Rust and Corrosion: Alberta’s Worst Enemy

Edmonton winters are no joke. Salt, moisture, and temperature swings turn springs into rust magnets. Once corrosion sets in, the metal weakens, and snap—there goes your spring. FYI, a little lubricant goes a long way (we’ll get to that later).

3. Poor Installation: A Recipe for Disaster

Ever tried DIY garage door installation to save a few bucks? Yeah, we’ve seen the aftermath. Springs need precise tension adjustments. Too tight? Extra stress. Too loose? The door slams shut. Either way, you’re shortening the spring’s life.

4. Lack of Maintenance: The “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” Trap

When’s the last time you checked your springs? Be honest. Most folks ignore them until they fail. A quick garage door spring adjustment or track alignment by a pro can add years to their lifespan.

Signs Your Spring is About to Snap (Literally)

• Sudden Noisy Garage Door: Grinding, popping, or screeching? That’s the sound of metal crying for help.
• Uneven Movement: If one side of the door sags or jerks, your springs might be waving the white flag.
• Gaps in the Coils: Inspect your springs. Visible gaps or rust? It’s time to call Overhead Door Pros for garage door torsion spring replacement.
• The Door Won’t Stay Open: Gravity 1, Springs 0.

Spring Repair vs. Replacement: What’s the Cost?

Let’s talk numbers. Replacing a spring isn’t cheap, but neither is ignoring it. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Pro Tip: Always replace springs in pairs. If one goes, the other isn’t far behind.

DIY vs. Pro: Why This Isn’t a “Watch a YouTube Tutorial” Job

Look, we get it. You’re handy. You’ve fixed a leaky faucet and even installed that smart thermostat. But garage door springs? They’re under insane tension. One wrong move and you’ve got a 40-pound metal projectile flying at your face. Not exactly a DIY win.

That’s why we’re here. Overhead Door Pros handles garage door repair in Edmonton and Sherwood Park safely and efficiently. Plus, we warranty our work—no sketchy “good luck with that” vibes.

How to Extend Your Spring’s Life (And Save $$)

• Lubricate Regularly: A silicone-based spray on the springs and tracks twice a year reduces friction.
• Balance Check: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it doesn’t stay put, your springs need adjusting.
• Inspect Cables and Rollers: Frayed cables or wobbly rollers strain the springs.
• Schedule Tune-Ups: Our $99 seasonal maintenance includes garage door track alignment, spring checks, and opener adjustments.

“But I Found a Cheaper Quote!” – The Hidden Risks of Bargain Repairs

We’ve all been tempted by the “$50 spring replacement special.” But cheap often means:

• Low-quality materials (read: another break in 6 months).
• Unlicensed contractors who ghost you post-repair.
• No insurance if something goes wrong.

Overhead Door Pros is a licensed garage door contractor in Edmonton. We’re local, transparent about pricing, and stick around to answer questions.

FAQs: Your Spring Questions, Answered

Q: Can I just replace one spring?
A: Nope. The surviving spring is already overworked. Replace both to avoid another breakdown.

Q: Why is my new garage door so noisy?
A: Could be loose hardware, track misalignment, or a worn opener. Let us diagnose it—noise drives everyone nuts.

Q: How urgent is spring replacement?
A: Extremely. A broken spring strains the opener, cables, and tracks. Plus, it’s a safety hazard.

Q: Do you offer emergency repairs?
A: Yep! We’re your 24/7 garage door superheroes in Edmonton and Sherwood Park.

When to Call Overhead Door Pros

• Your door sounds like a horror movie sound effect.
• You’re Googling “garage door repair near me” at 2 a.m.
• You need commercial garage door repair for your business.
• You’re considering automatic garage door installation (smart choice, BTW).

We handle everything from garage door cable repair to full replacements. And hey, if your springs are still kicking, book a maintenance check. A little TLC now saves a lot of hassle later.

Final Thought: Don’t Let Your Garage Door Spring a Surprise on You
Springs break—it’s science, not personal. But with regular care and a trusted pro on speed dial (hint: that’s us), you’ll dodge most disasters. Got a broken spring, a noisy door, or just want a pro’s opinion? Call Overhead Door Pros in Edmonton. We’ll keep your door running smoothly, so you can get back to ignoring it until next year. 😉

P.S. If your door’s acting up, don’t wait—spring into action! (See what we did there?)