Why Garage Door Springs Break (And How to Prevent It)

Garage door springs are one of the most important components of your entire garage door system. They carry the weight of the door, assist with lifting, and allow the opener to move the door smoothly. When a spring breaks, it can stop your garage door from operating completely – and in many cases, it happens suddenly and without warning.

To understand how to protect your system and avoid costly emergencies, it’s important to know why garage door springs break in the first place. Below are the most common causes, along with tips on how to prevent spring failure.

1. Natural Wear and Tear (Most Common Reason)

Garage door springs do not last forever. In fact, every spring is rated for a specific number of cycles – usually 10,000 cycles.

• 1 cycle = 1 opening + 1 closing.
  For most families, this lasts about 7–10 years.
  However, larger households or homes that use the garage as the main entrance may run through those cycles much faster.

How It Breaks:

Over time, the metal weakens, tension decreases, and eventually the spring snaps due to stress.

How to Prevent It:

• Consider installing high-cycle springs (20,000–30,000 cycles).
• Schedule annual tune-ups to check tension and balance.
• Avoid using the garage door like a regular front door if possible.

2. Rust and Corrosion

South Florida’s humidity and salt in the air can cause garage door springs to rust.
Rust weakens the metal, increases friction, and makes the springs brittle.

Signs of Rust Damage:

• Orange dust on the springs
• Noisy operation (squeaking or grinding)
• Door feels heavier than usual
• Sudden breakage without obvious wear

How to Prevent It:

• Apply a silicone-based lubricant every 3–4 months.
• Ask for a professional anti-rust coating during maintenance.
• Keep the garage well-ventilated to reduce moisture buildup.

3. Lack of Proper Maintenance

Springs need periodic lubrication, adjustment, and inspection.
When these parts dry out or loosen, they experience extra strain, which leads to premature failure.

What Neglect Looks Like:

• Loud noises during operation
• Jerky or uneven lifting
• Opener struggling to lift the door
• Springs rubbing against each other

How to Prevent It:

• Get a yearly garage door tune-up from a professional.
• Lubricate springs and moving parts regularly.
• Always fix small issues early before they turn into major repairs.

4. Incorrect Spring Type Installed

Not all garage doors use the same springs. Some doors are heavier, wider, or built from different materials. Using the wrong type or size of spring leads to early breakage.

Common Problems:

• Spring too small for the weight of the door
• Single spring on a door that needs dual springs
• Low-quality aftermarket springs
• Springs installed incorrectly

How to Prevent It:

• Always hire certified technicians for installations.
• Use manufacturer-approved parts.
• Upgrade to dual-spring systems for better balance and longer lifespan.

5. Extreme Temperature Changes

Although South Florida is generally warm, occasional temperature swings – especially during cold fronts – can affect metal. Steel contracts when temperatures drop, increasing tension on already weak springs.

Effects of Sudden Temperature Drops:

• Springs become brittle
• Metal contracts and increases stress
• Weak points in the coil may snap loudly
• Door becomes hard to lift

How to Prevent It:

• Maintain proper lubrication to reduce friction.
• Upgrade to oil-tempered springs, which handle temperature changes better.

6. Improper Installation or Poor-Quality Repairs

A spring system must be balanced perfectly. If a previous technician did not install the springs correctly, added incorrect tension, or used cheap aftermarket parts, the springs will fail early.

Signs of Bad Installation:

• Door slams down when closing
• Door rises unevenly
• Excessive noise
• Opener strains or vibrates
• Spring gaps appear irregular

How to Prevent It:

• Always use reputable, insured garage door companies.
• Ask for torsion spring calibration during service.
• Choose high-quality, oil-tempered, American-made springs when possible.

7. Heavy Garage Doors (Especially Wooden or Insulated Doors)

Heavier doors place more stress on springs. Wooden, carriage-style, and triple-insulated doors can overload standard torsion springs if the wrong type is installed.

Why Heavy Doors Break Springs Faster:

• More weight = more daily strain
• Opener works harder
• Springs stretch beyond their intended limits

How to Prevent It:

• Upgrade to high-torque torsion springs.
• Use a dual-spring system for improved balance.
• Get a weight assessment before replacing springs.

8. Using the Garage Door Too Frequently

Some homes use the garage door as the main entrance. This means the door may operate 20–40 times a day, doubling or tripling its normal wear.

Why Overuse Breaks Springs:

• Springs complete their cycle limit faster
• More friction, heat, and tension
• Less time for lubrication to remain effective

How to Prevent It:

• Upgrade to high-cycle springs
• Use side doors more often when convenient
• Schedule more frequent tune-ups (2x per year)

9. Sudden Impact or Damage to the Door

If a car bumps the door, if something hits the tracks, or if the door is forced manually, the spring system may be thrown out of alignment.

Impacts Cause:

• Uneven weight distribution
• Twisted torsion bar
• Extra strain on one spring
• Sudden failure

How to Prevent It:

• Repair dents and track damage ASAP
• Never force a jammed or stuck door
• Call a professional to rebalance the door after any impact