Why Garage Door Springs Break & What You Should Know

Why Garage Door Springs Break

A broken garage door spring is one of the most common issues homeowners face, and one of the most inconvenient. Your springs do all the heavy lifting, counterbalancing the weight of a 150–300 lb. garage door every time it opens or closes. When a spring snaps, your entire system stops functioning, leaving your vehicle stuck and your home unsecured.

For Lynnwood homeowners, understanding why garage door springs break, the warning signs, and what to do next can help prevent emergencies and expensive repairs.

The Job of Garage Door Springs

Your garage door uses either Torsion Springs (mounted above the door) or extension springs (installed along the sides).

• Torsion springs twist to store energy as the door closes
• Extension springs stretch and contract during operation

Both types experience tension and metal fatigue over time. Most standard springs are rated for roughly 10,000 cycles — meaning around 7–10 years of typical use for an average Lynnwood household.

Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs

Why Garage Door Springs Break

Several factors accelerate wear and lead to premature spring failure. In Lynnwood’s damp and Cool Climate, some issues are especially common.

1. Normal Wear & Tear

Daily operation eventually weakens the steel. Homes with multiple drivers or garage doors used as main entrances may wear springs faster, sometimes in as little as five years.

2. Rust From Moisture

Lynnwood’s rainy, humid weather is tough on metal components. Rust increases friction and weakens the coils, making the springs more likely to snap. Routine lubrication is key to preventing corrosion.

3. Lack of Maintenance

Dry springs grind against each other, wearing down faster. A silicone-based lubricant every few months helps reduce strain and noise.

4. Fluctuating Temperatures

Metal expands in heat and contracts in cold. During cool Lynnwood mornings and warmer afternoons, springs experience stress that eventually leads to cracking.

5. Unbalanced Garage Door

If the door’s weight isn’t properly balanced, one spring may overwork. This uneven strain causes premature failure and puts unnecessary pressure on the opener.

Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is About to Break

Catching a failing spring early can save you from being stuck in your driveway. Look for:

• The door feels extremely heavy when lifting manually
• The opener struggles or stops mid-way
• You hear a loud bang from the garage (often mistaken for something falling)
• The door lifts unevenly or jerks
• There’s a visible gap in the torsion spring’s coil
• The door won’t open at all, even though the motor runs

If you notice any of these signs, stop using the door immediately. Continuing to operate it can burn out your opener or cause additional damage.

Why You Should Never Replace Springs Yourself

Garage door springs are under extreme tension — enough to cause serious injury if handled improperly. DIY replacement is not only dangerous but often leads to improper calibration, which can cause further damage to the door or opener.

A licensed Lynnwood garage door technician has:

• Proper unwinding and winding tools
• Training to set correct spring tension
• Experience balancing heavy garage door systems
• Access to higher-quality, long-cycle replacement springs

Professional replacement ensures your system operates safely and smoothly.

Garage Door Springs

How to Prevent Spring Breakage

A few simple habits can extend the life of your springs:

• Schedule annual tune-ups with a Lynnwood garage door expert
• Lubricate springs every 2–3 months
• Replace both springs at once to avoid uneven wear
• Upgrade to high-cycle springs (20,000–50,000 cycles) for long-term durability
• Keep the garage area dry to reduce moisture exposure

Preventive care keeps your system quiet, safe, and reliable, especially in Washington’s wet climate.

Final Thoughts

Garage door springs may be small, but they play a huge role in your door’s operation. When they fail, they can bring your whole system to a stop. By understanding why springs break and staying proactive with maintenance, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your garage door.

For fast, safe, and professional Garage Door Spring Repair in Lynnwood, Elite Garage Door is here to help. Our technicians provide same-day service, high-cycle spring upgrades, and reliable repairs you can trust.