Garage doors play a critical role in the security of your home. In fact, according to Garage Living, 55% of homeowners use the garage door as the main entryway into the home! However, when a spring breaks, your garage door may become difficult or impossible to operate, creating both inconvenience and safety risks. Understanding why garage door springs fail can help you spot warning signs early, extend the lifespan of your system, and avoid sudden breakdowns. Here are the 11 most common reasons garage door springs break, along with practical insights into prevention, maintenance, and garage door spring repair.

1. Normal Wear and Tear Over Time

The most common reason for broken garage door springs is simple wear and tear. Garage door springs are designed to last for a specific number of cycles, with one cycle defined as the door opening and closing once. In our professional experience, standard torsion springs typically last between 10,000 and 15,000 cycles, which often equates to seven to 10 years for an average household.

As the spring repeatedly coils and uncoils, the metal gradually weakens. Over time, microscopic cracks form within the steel, eventually leading to failure. Even with proper maintenance, springs will eventually reach the end of their lifespan. Regular inspections can help identify signs of aging, such as gaps in the coils or reduced lifting power, before the spring breaks completely. Professionals can perform garage door spring repair to try to save this key component.

2. Rust and Corrosion

Rust is a major enemy of garage door springs. Moisture in the air, especially in humid climates or unconditioned garages, can cause corrosion to develop on the spring’s surface. Rust increases friction between the coils, forcing the spring to work harder every time the door moves.

Over time, this added stress weakens the metal and accelerates wear. Applying a silicone-based lubricant or garage door spray lubricant a few times a year can help protect springs from moisture and reduce friction. Keeping your garage well-ventilated can also minimize humidity-related corrosion.

3. Poor or Infrequent Maintenance

Garage door systems require periodic maintenance to function properly, yet this is often overlooked by homeowners. Springs that are not regularly lubricated or inspected are more likely to fail prematurely. Dirt and debris can accumulate on the springs, increasing friction and preventing smooth movement.

Without routine checks, small issues such as misalignment or uneven tension can go unnoticed until the spring breaks. Scheduling annual professional maintenance and prompt garage door spring repair can help catch problems early, ensuring that all components, including springs, cables, and rollers, are working together correctly.

4. Improper Spring Installation

Incorrect installation is another common cause of broken garage door springs. If a spring is not properly sized for the weight and height of the garage door, it will experience excessive strain. Springs that are too weak may struggle to lift the door, while overly strong springs can place unnecessary stress on other components.

Additionally, improper winding or incorrect placement during installation can lead to uneven tension, causing the spring to wear out faster. This is why garage door spring installation should always be handled by trained professionals who understand load calculations and safety requirements.

5. Temperature Fluctuations

Extreme temperature changes can significantly affect the need for garage door spring repair. Cold weather causes metal to contract and become more brittle, making springs more susceptible to snapping. This is why many spring failures occur during winter months.

On the other hand, excessive heat can cause metal to expand and weaken over time. Garages that are not insulated or climate-controlled are especially vulnerable to temperature-related stress. Using high-quality springs designed for your local climate can help reduce the risk of failure.

6. Excessive Door Usage

Many households use their garage door as a primary entrance and often put significantly more cycles on their springs than average. Multiple daily openings and closings can quickly add up, shortening the lifespan of the springs and prompting the need for garage door spring repair more often.

Commercial or multi-family properties experience even higher usage rates, making spring fatigue more common. In high-use scenarios, upgrading to high-cycle springs can be a worthwhile investment. These springs are designed to handle more cycles and offer greater durability under frequent use.

7. Imbalanced or Misaligned Garage Door

An imbalanced garage door places uneven stress on the springs. If one side of the door is heavier due to misaligned tracks, worn rollers, or damaged panels, the springs must compensate for the imbalance. This uneven load accelerates wear and increases the likelihood of breakage.

Signs of imbalance include a door that appears crooked when opening, uneven movement, or loud noises during operation. Addressing alignment issues promptly can help protect the springs and extend the overall life of your garage door system.

8. Low-Quality or Inferior Springs

Not all garage door springs are created equal. Lower-quality springs made from inferior steel or poorly manufactured materials tend to wear out faster and are more prone to sudden failure. These springs may cost less upfront but often result in higher long-term expenses related to garage door spring repair.

Investing in high-quality, oil-tempered or galvanized steel springs can significantly improve durability and performance. Reputable manufacturers subject their springs to rigorous testing, ensuring consistent tension and a longer service life.

9. Lack of Safety Cables or Backup Systems

While safety cables do not prevent springs from breaking, their absence can contribute to more severe damage when a break occurs. Without safety cables, a broken extension spring can snap violently, damaging other components or causing injury.

The sudden release of tension can also place additional stress on remaining parts of the system, increasing the risk of secondary failures. Installing proper safety features helps contain damage and maintain system integrity, even when a spring fails.

10. Attempting DIY Repairs or Adjustments

Garage door springs are under extreme tension, making them dangerous to handle without proper training and tools. DIY adjustments or repairs can lead to improper tensioning, misalignment, or accidental damage to the spring.

Even a small mistake can weaken the spring or cause it to fail unexpectedly. Professional technicians have the experience and equipment needed to safely adjust, replace, or perform garage door spring repair, ensuring proper balance and long-term reliability. Attempting DIY repairs often leads to more costly problems down the line.

11. Replacing Only One Spring Instead of a Pair

A frequently overlooked reason for broken garage door springs is replacing only one spring when the system uses a matched pair. Garage doors with two springs are designed so both springs share the load evenly. When one spring breaks, the remaining spring is usually close to the end of its lifespan as well.

Installing a new spring alongside an old, worn spring creates uneven tension. The newer spring carries more of the door’s weight, forcing it to work harder than intended. This imbalance accelerates wear and significantly increases the chances of another spring failure in a short period of time. In addition, uneven tension can strain cables, bearings, and the garage door opener.

For long-term reliability and safe operation, professionals typically recommend replacing both springs at the same time. This ensures balanced performance, smoother operation, and a longer overall lifespan for the entire garage door system.

Broken garage door springs are a common issue, but they're rarely unpredictable. Most spring failures result from gradual wear, environmental factors, or preventable maintenance issues. By understanding the common reasons springs break, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their garage door systems. For quality garage door spring repair and replacement services, contact our team at Garage Service Today!