Common Causes of Broken Garage Door Springs and How to Prevent Them in Glassboro

Garage doors are one of those household components we don’t think much about—until something goes wrong. And one of the most common issues we face is a broken garage door spring. Garage door springs carry most of the load when you open or close your garage door. That’s why when they break, it’s not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous. In Glassboro, broken springs can be especially problematic due to fluctuating weather conditions, as these affect the lifespan of your garage door components.
So, what causes garage door springs to break? And how can you prevent such breakdowns? We’re going to take a deep dive into the common causes of broken springs and give you actionable tips on how to avoid costly broken spring replacements in Glassboro.

Common Causes of Broken Garage Door Springs

Understanding what causes garage door springs to break is the first step to preventing this issue. By identifying these causes, we can take proactive steps to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons garage door springs fail.

1. Wear and Tear

Just like any mechanical part, garage door springs experience wear and tear over time. On average, torsion springs last between 7-10 years, or about 10,000 cycles (one cycle is one full opening and closing of the door). Garage door extension springs, which are another type of spring, have a similar lifespan.
Eventually, after years of daily use, the springs can no longer carry the weight of the door effectively, leading to failure. If you notice signs of wear, like the door becoming harder to lift or the springs appearing loose, it’s time to call for a garage door tune-up. Getting regular tune-ups helps catch wear and tear early, preventing a complete spring break.

2. Rust and Corrosion

One of the leading causes of broken garage door springs in Glassboro is rust. The humid and sometimes harsh weather conditions can cause metal springs to corrode over time. Rust increases friction on the coils, weakening the spring and making it more likely to snap. Regularly applying garage door lubricant can help prevent rust from forming and prolong the life of your springs.
When rust accumulates, the spring has to work harder to do its job, putting stress on the coils. This can lead to the need for emergency garage door repair, especially in the cold winter months when metal contracts. Keeping the springs lubricated and protected from the elements is a simple way to avoid this.

3. Imbalanced Garage Door

An imbalanced garage door is another leading cause of broken springs. If the door is not properly balanced, one spring may carry more load than the other, leading to early failure. This imbalance puts extra stress on the springs and can lead to them breaking much sooner than expected.
To prevent this, it’s essential to check the balance of your garage door regularly. We recommend doing a balance test—disengage the garage door opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, it’s balanced. If not, you need a garage door spring adjustment or possibly a spring replacement to fix the imbalance.

4. Lack of Maintenance

Neglecting regular garage door maintenance can significantly reduce the lifespan of your springs. Many homeowners forget to schedule regular inspections, which would otherwise catch small issues before they become large problems. Without regular inspections and maintenance, the springs can wear out without you realizing it, leading to a garage door repair need.
In Glassboro, regular maintenance is essential to prevent costly broken spring replacement. This is especially true if you use your garage door several times a day. A garage door technician can provide routine inspections to check for signs of wear and ensure your springs are well-lubricated and balanced.

How to Prevent Broken Springs

Now that we’ve covered the causes, let’s look at how you can prevent garage door spring replacement. While some wear and tear is inevitable, proper maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your springs and avoid emergency repairs.

1. Regular Lubrication

One of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain your garage door springs is through regular lubrication. Using garage door lubricant on the springs and other moving parts reduces friction and prevents rust from forming. It’s important to lubricate the springs at least twice a year, especially before winter and summer when extreme temperatures can affect their performance.
By keeping your springs lubricated, you’ll reduce the wear and tear that can lead to a broken garage door. It’s a small step that can save you from needing a costly garage door repair service in the future.

2. Annual Professional Inspections

An annual inspection by a garage door technician is crucial to catching early signs of spring wear. These professionals can spot minor issues that you might overlook and can perform a garage door spring adjustment if needed. Regular inspections help ensure your springs are in good condition and prevent the need for 24-hour garage door repair when things go wrong unexpectedly.
Regular inspections also reduce the chance of having to do a full garage door spring replacement, saving you time and money in the long run.

3. Balancing the Door

As mentioned earlier, an imbalanced garage door can lead to premature spring failure. Balancing the door regularly ensures that the load is evenly distributed across both springs, preventing one from wearing out faster than the other. If you’re unsure how to test the balance of your door, a professional garage door technician can help during a routine garage door tune-up.
By ensuring your door is balanced, you’ll reduce strain on the springs and avoid unnecessary garage door repair costs.

4. Use of High-Quality Springs

When it comes to replacing your garage door springs, it’s essential to invest in high-quality materials. Some springs are made from cheap metal and may break after just a few years of use. Choosing durable, high-quality garage door torsion springs or garage door extension springs will ensure they last longer and require fewer replacements.
Opting for high-quality springs is a great way to avoid future garage door installation costs, as they’ll last through thousands of cycles without breaking.

What to Do When a Spring Breaks

When a spring breaks, your garage door becomes extremely heavy, making it dangerous to operate. If your garage door spring breaks, don’t try to open or close the door manually. Doing so can cause the door to slam shut, which could damage the door or injure someone. Instead, contact a 24-hour garage door repair service in Glassboro to handle the situation safely.
Professionals can handle the broken spring replacement in Glassboro safely and quickly. It’s best to leave this type of work to those with the proper tools and expertise. They can also perform a garage door tune-up to ensure everything else is functioning correctly.

Cost of Broken Spring Replacement in Glassboro

The cost of a broken spring replacement in Glassboro varies depending on several factors, including the type of springs and the complexity of the job. However, one thing is clear: regular garage door maintenance can help you avoid these costly repairs. By catching small issues early, you can prevent the need for an expensive garage door spring replacement or repair. While spring replacement might seem like a large upfront cost, it’s worth it to avoid emergency repairs in the future. Regular inspections and lubrication can extend the life of your springs, saving you money over time.

Conclusion

Broken garage door springs can be a significant inconvenience, but many of the causes, such as wear and tear, rust, and imbalanced doors, can be prevented. Regular lubrication, professional inspections, and high-quality springs can help extend the life of your garage door springs. If you’re in Glassboro, scheduling regular maintenance with local professionals like JC Garage Door Repair can save you from the hassle and expense of unexpected breakdowns. Take the proactive step of maintaining your garage door today to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes garage door springs to break?
The most common causes of broken springs include wear and tear, rust, lack of maintenance, and an imbalanced garage door.
How long do garage door springs last?
On average, garage door torsion springs and garage door extension springs last between 7-10 years or around 10,000 cycles.
How can I prevent my garage door springs from breaking?
Regular lubrication, professional inspections, and ensuring your door is balanced can help prolong the life of your springs.
What should I do if a spring breaks?
Don’t attempt to open or close the door manually. Call a 24-hour garage door repair service to handle the situation safely.
Can I replace a broken garage door spring myself?
It’s not recommended to replace a broken spring yourself, as it can be dangerous. Always contact a garage door technician for spring replacement.
How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring in Glassboro?
The cost of broken spring replacement in Glassboro varies but can be reduced with regular garage door maintenance.
What’s the difference between torsion and extension springs?
Garage door torsion springs are mounted above the door, while garage door extension springs are located on the sides. Both perform similar functions but operate differently.
Why is regular maintenance important for garage doors?
Regular garage door maintenance helps catch issues early, preventing costly repairs and extending the life of your garage door springs.

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