Reasons Why Your Garage Door Spring Breaks
Garage doors are unquestionably one of the most important components of your home, both in terms of aesthetics and protection. While they can last for many years, they are bound to succumb to wear and tear after being used so much. Garage door springs, in particular, can be difficult to work with when they are no longer performing properly. Garage door springs typically last seven years or longer, but they could break for a variety of reasons. Continue reading to learn more about these causes so you can gain a better understanding of when a garage door spring repair is needed.
Natural wear and tear
Springs, whether standard or contractor grade, last for 5,000 to 10,000 cycles, with one cycle meaning one full opening and closing of the door. You will go through these cycles faster if you open and close your garage door frequently during the day. The wear and tear that your garage door springs endure over time is one of the main reasons they break. The springs are responsible for lifting and lowering your hundred-pound garage door when it opens and closes. Because of this demanding job, the springs will soon be unable to bear the door’s massive weight and will break.
Corrosion
Corrosion is one of the worst enemies of a garage door’s metal components, including the springs. Rust, a product of corrosion, will be a problem if you live in a rainy or coastal location, as water, humidity, and salty air can all lead to it. Rust corrodes metal, making it brittle and weak. Your spring’s lifespan will be drastically shortened and become more prone to breaking if it develops rust. While moving back and forth, The coil friction on the moving spring will rise as a result of rust buildup, causing the spring to break. Furthermore, corrosion on the spring itself will weaken the coils, causing them to fail sooner.
Cold weather
Experts say that garage door springs are more likely to break as the temperatures drop and the weather becomes colder. You probably know that metal contracts in cold weather. As the coiled steel of the spring becomes frigid, operating it under a lot of pressure may cause it to break. If you live in a cold climate, you can expect to replace your garage door springs more frequently. It is also a good idea to use high-quality steel springs on your garage door. You may find yourself spending more on frequent residential garage door repair if you settle for cheap, low-quality springs.
Incorrect spring
Your garage door springs will most likely fail sooner rather than later if you use the wrong spring length or size. There should be a torsion spring installed on each side of the garage door. Some garage door installers utilize a single spring that runs the length of the door, which is fine for smaller or lighter doors but not for the average one. The wrong spring will not be able to support the weight load of the garage door, causing it to snap.
Poor maintenance
Although all garage door springs will ultimately break, good maintenance can help the entire door system last longer. The springs and the entire track system should be visually inspected by a trained technician. Ask an expert to inspect the garage door balance and perform a safety check once a year, in addition to lubricating the springs with the right lubricant.
Garage door repair service from Palms Garage Doors
Do not put up with the inconvenience of a broken garage door spring. At Palms Garage Doors, we offer quality spring repair services that guarantee to have your garage running again in no time. We also specialize in other garage door services such as garage door installation and garage door opener repair. Call us today for more information.