Garage door springs are often overlooked until they break, disrupting daily routines and posing safety hazards. Understanding why they fail is crucial for homeowners.
This garage door spring guide will address the common reasons behind garage door spring breakage and provide actionable tips for prevention and maintenance. Below, we have the ways to preserve the integrity of your garage door system.
Table of Contents
Common Reasons for Garage Door Spring Breakage
Some of the common reasons for garage door spring breakages are mentioned below.
1. Wear and Tear Over Time
Constant usage of garage doors gradually weakens the springs due to the repetitive stress they endure during opening and closing cycles.
Over time, this strain causes the springs to lose their elasticity and resilience, making them more susceptible to breakage.
Signs of aging springs include visible gaps or spaces between coils, uneven movement or jerking of the garage door during operation, and increased noise, such as squeaking or grinding.
Check the post on signs of broken garage springs to learn about the signs of broken garage door springs.
Additionally, if the door struggles to open or close smoothly, it could indicate that the springs are nearing the end of their lifespan.
2. DIY maintenance tips and tricks
Environmental factors like moisture and exposure to harsh weather conditions can accelerate rust and corrosion on garage door springs, weakening their structural integrity over time.
This deterioration increases the risk of spring breakage, compromising the garage door’s smooth operation.
To prevent rust and corrosion, regularly inspect the springs for signs of wear and apply a lubricant to create a protective barrier against moisture.
Additionally, consider installing rust-resistant springs or coating them with a rust inhibitor to prolong their lifespan and ensure optimal performance.
3. Poor Installation or Incorrect Spring Type
Improper installation of garage door springs significantly increases the risk of premature failure, compromising the safety and functionality of the entire system.
It can lead to uneven tension distribution, causing the springs to wear out unevenly and eventually break, potentially causing damage or injury.
Professional installation ensures that garage door springs are correctly fitted and calibrated to the specific requirements of the door.
Additionally, selecting the correct type of spring based on factors like door weight and size is critical for optimal performance and longevity.
Professional expertise minimises the likelihood of installation errors and maximises the lifespan of the springs, ultimately enhancing safety and reliability.
How to Prevent Garage Door Spring Breakage?
Regular maintenance is critical to prolonging the life of garage door springs. Inspect them every six months for wear, lubricate with silicone-based lubricant, and tighten screws and bolts. These DIY steps help prevent breakage and ensure smooth operation.
To prevent garage door spring damage, install weather seals to keep moisture out and apply rust-inhibiting spray regularly, especially in humid or salty environments. These measures safeguard the springs, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
Regular professional inspections are essential for assessing spring conditions and addressing issues before they worsen. Upgrading to high-quality, high-cycle springs ensures extended durability and reliable long-term performance.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining the integrity of garage door springs is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation and safety of the entire system.
Homeowners can minimise the risk of disruptions and safety hazards by understanding the common reasons behind spring breakage and implementing preventive measures such as regular maintenance, environmental protection, and professional consultation.
Investing in high-quality springs and professional installations further enhances the longevity and reliability of garage door systems, providing homeowners with peace of mind.
