A garage door is one of the heaviest moving parts of your home, and its springs play a crucial role in lifting and lowering the door safely. When a spring fails, the entire system becomes unsafe and unusable. Many homeowners are caught off guard when their springs suddenly snap, but the truth is, spring damage usually builds up over time. Understanding the leading causes can help you schedule timely garage door spring repair and avoid costly emergencies.
Here are the 7 shocking causes that often lead to spring failure—and why professional repair is always the safest option.
1. Natural Wear and Tear
Springs are designed to last a limited number of cycles—typically between 5,000 and 10,000. A cycle means one complete opening and closing of the door. Over the years, this repeated action weakens the spring’s tension until it eventually breaks. Regular garage door maintenance may extend their life slightly, but wear and tear are inevitable. This is the most common reason homeowners eventually need garage door spring replacement. For more details, see our full guide on Garage Door Spring Failure Reasons.
2. Rust and Corrosion
Rust is one of the most damaging enemies of metal springs. Moisture or lack of lubrication allows rust to form, weakening the spring’s surface and reducing flexibility. Corrosion causes the metal to deteriorate until it becomes brittle and breaks. Homeowners who skip lubrication often face broken garage door spring problems much sooner than expected. A little preventive care can save hundreds in repair costs.
3. Poorly Balanced Door
If your garage door isn’t properly balanced, the springs are forced to do more work than they should. An unbalanced door often moves unevenly, and one spring may carry most of the load. This uneven stress causes premature failure. Balance issues may come from worn rollers, bent tracks, or frayed cables. Ignoring them puts extra pressure on the springs, making timely garage door spring repair essential.
4. Temperature Extremes
Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes. During freezing winters, springs can contract and become brittle, making them more likely to snap. In extreme heat, metal weakens under stress. These seasonal changes are a hidden cause of garage door spring issues that many homeowners overlook. Scheduling seasonal garage door maintenance helps reduce the risk.
5. Poor Quality Springs
Not all springs are created equal. Some doors are installed with low-quality or improperly sized springs that can’t handle the door’s weight long-term. Cheap materials fatigue faster, causing a broken garage door spring sooner than expected. Professional installation with high-quality springs ensures durability and fewer unexpected repairs.
6. Lack of Maintenance
Skipping routine maintenance is another leading cause of spring failure. Without regular inspections, small cracks, rust spots, or alignment issues go unnoticed. Over time, these minor issues grow into major failures. Simple steps like lubricating springs every few months and checking door balance can delay the need for urgent garage door spring replacement.
7. DIY Mistakes
One shocking cause of spring failure is improper DIY repair. Some homeowners attempt to fix or replace springs without the right tools or training. Because springs are under extreme tension, even a small mistake can damage the spring further or cause serious injury. Incorrect sizing or installation leads to more stress on the system. A trained garage door repair technician ensures the right spring is installed safely and correctly.
Can You Repair Garage Door Springs Yourself?
While it may be tempting to save money with DIY, handling springs is one of the riskiest home repairs. Springs hold massive tension, and a sudden snap can cause severe injuries. Specialized tools are required to safely release and replace springs. Choosing the wrong size also makes the repair ineffective. For your safety and your door’s longevity, it’s best to leave garage door spring repair to trained professionals.
Preventing Spring Issues
Although no spring lasts forever, you can extend their lifespan with proper care:
- Lubricate springs every 3–4 months to prevent rust.
- Schedule annual inspections with a garage door repair technician.
- Replace both springs at the same time for balanced performance.
- Test the door’s balance regularly—if it doesn’t stay halfway open when disconnected, you may need adjustment.
Preventive garage door maintenance is the simplest way to avoid sudden breakdowns and reduce the risk of dangerous failures. Learn more in our article on Garage Door Springs Maintenance Tips.
Final Thoughts
A garage door spring repair is one of the most common and urgent services homeowners face. From natural wear and rust to poor balance, temperature extremes, and DIY errors, there are many causes behind spring failure. Attempting to fix springs yourself is risky and can lead to further damage or injury.
By understanding these 7 shocking causes and scheduling professional garage door spring replacement when necessary, you’ll keep your system safe, efficient, and reliable. Proactive care and expert help are the keys to avoiding unexpected emergencies with your garage door.
For more about our expertise in installations and repairs across Houston, visit our About Us page to learn how Just Garage Door can help keep your garage door in top condition.
