Why did my garage door spring break? Can I repair it myself?

There are several reasons why your garage door spring might break. The most common reasons include:

1. Wear and Tear: Garage door springs have a limited lifespan, typically lasting between 5,000 to 10,000 cycles. A “cycle” is the process of opening and closing your garage door. Over time, repeated use causes the springs to lose tension and eventually break.
2. Rust and Corrosion: If the springs are not maintained, they can rust and corrode, weakening their structure. This can cause them to break prematurely. Regular lubrication and maintenance can help prevent this.
3. Improper Balance: If your garage door is not properly balanced, the springs are subjected to unnecessary stress, which can cause them to break. An unbalanced door may be caused by worn-out rollers, tracks, or cables.
4. Temperature Changes: Extreme temperatures can affect the springs’ tension. Cold temperatures can cause metal parts to contract and weaken, making the springs more susceptible to breaking.
5. Poor Quality Springs: If your garage door springs were not installed properly or were made of inferior materials, they may break sooner than expected.

Can I Repair It Myself?

While it may seem tempting to repair a broken garage door spring yourself, it’s generally not recommended due to the following reasons:

1. Safety Hazards: Garage door springs are under extreme tension. If not handled properly, they can snap and cause serious injuries or even death. The force stored in the springs can be dangerous if you’re not experienced in handling them.
2. Complexity: Repairing a garage door spring requires specialized tools and knowledge of how to safely release the tension and replace the spring. Incorrect installation or repair can lead to additional damage to your garage door system or cause further safety issues.
3. Correct Sizing: Springs come in different sizes and strengths, depending on the weight and size of your garage door. It’s important to choose the correct replacement spring, and that requires expert knowledge.

Conclusion: It’s best to hire a professional garage door repair technician to handle the spring replacement. They have the proper tools, experience, and safety protocols in place to repair or replace the spring without any risk to you or your property. If you’re experiencing a broken spring, contact a licensed technician to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.