How Often Do Garage Door Springs Break?

Garage door springs play a crucial role in the operation of garage doors. They bear a significant amount of tension and weight, ensuring the door opens and closes smoothly. However, due to their constant use and the stress they endure, garage door springs can break. Understanding how often these springs break involves examining several factors, including usage frequency, spring type, maintenance, and environmental conditions.

Types of Garage Door Springs

There are primarily two types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.

Torsion Springs: These are located above the garage door opening. They operate by twisting and coiling on a shaft. Torsion springs are known for their durability and can last between 15,000 to 20,000 cycles (one cycle is an opening and closing of the door).

Extension Springs: These are found on either side of the garage door and stretch and contract when the door operates. Extension springs generally have a shorter lifespan compared to torsion springs, usually around 10,000 cycles.

Factors Influencing Spring Longevity

Usage Frequency: The most significant factor determining how often garage door springs break is how often the garage door is used. For instance, if a household uses the garage door 4 times a day, a spring rated for 10,000 cycles would last approximately 7 years. More frequent use would decrease the lifespan proportionally.

Quality of Springs: Not all springs are created equal. Higher-quality springs, although more expensive, tend to last longer. Cheap or substandard springs might save money initially but could lead to more frequent replacements.

Maintenance: Regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of garage door springs. Lubricating the springs, checking for wear and tear, and ensuring the door is balanced can help prevent premature breakage.

Environmental Factors: Environmental conditions also play a role in the longevity of garage door springs. Springs in coastal areas are more prone to rust and corrosion due to high humidity and salt in the air, leading to quicker breakage. Similarly, springs in extremely cold climates might become brittle and break more easily.

Signs of Wear and Potential Breakage

Noisy Operation: One of the early signs that garage door springs are wearing out is increased noise during operation. Squeaking or grinding sounds indicate the springs are under stress and might break soon.

Uneven Door Movement: If the garage door starts moving unevenly or gets stuck, it could be a sign that the springs are losing their tension. This uneven movement can place additional stress on the springs, leading to breakage.

Visible Wear and Tear: Regular inspection of the springs can reveal visible signs of wear, such as rust, corrosion, or a gap in the spring itself. These indicators suggest the springs are close to breaking and need replacement.

Preventive Measures

Regular Lubrication: Applying a lubricant designed for garage door springs can reduce friction and wear, extending the springs’ lifespan.

Professional Inspection: Having a professional inspect the garage door system annually can identify potential issues before they lead to spring breakage. A professional can adjust the tension and balance the door, ensuring smooth operation.

Replacing Both Springs: If one spring breaks, it’s advisable to replace both springs, even if the other one seems fine. This ensures even tension and reduces the likelihood of the second spring breaking shortly after.

Consequences of Spring Breakage

When a garage door spring breaks, the door can become extremely heavy and difficult to open manually. This can pose a significant safety risk, especially if someone is in the way when the door falls. Additionally, a broken spring can damage other components of the garage door system, such as cables and openers, leading to more extensive repairs.

Cost Implications

The cost of replacing garage door springs varies depending on the type and quality of the springs, as well as labor costs. On average, homeowners might spend between $150 to $300 for a single torsion spring replacement, including labor. Extension springs are usually less expensive, but replacing both can still add up.

Conclusion

Garage door springs break due to a combination of usage, environmental factors, maintenance, and the inherent quality of the springs. Understanding these factors can help homeowners take preventive measures to extend the lifespan of their springs. Regular maintenance, professional inspections, and prompt replacement of worn springs are essential practices to ensure the garage door operates smoothly and safely. While the frequency of spring breakage varies, being proactive can mitigate the inconvenience and potential danger associated with a broken garage door spring.

A1 Garage Doors is providing maintenance and installation services related to garage doors and their parts. If you’re looking for a trustworthy service by skilled technicians you can count on, give us a call at 343-309-9964 for a free quote.