Garage doors are often one of the most used—and overlooked—features of a home. Behind their smooth operation is a crucial component: the garage door springs. These heavy-duty parts do the hard work of lifting and lowering your door multiple times a day. But like any mechanical part, they can and do fail.
Understanding why garage door springs break can help you avoid sudden malfunctions, costly damage, or even injury. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons these springs fail and when to call in Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement Services in texas city tx to get things running safely again.
1. Normal Wear and Tear
The most common reason garage door springs fail is simple: they wear out over time. Most springs are rated for around 10,000 cycles (one cycle = opening and closing once). If you open your garage 4 times a day, that’s about 2,000 cycles a year—meaning you may need new springs in as little as 5 years.
Signs of wear:
Rust or corrosion
Loosening coils
Uneven lifting
What you can do:
Schedule regular inspections
Lubricate springs every 6 months
2. Rust and Corrosion
Garage door springs are typically made of metal, which makes them vulnerable to rust—especially in humid or coastal areas. Rust not only weakens the metal but also increases friction as the spring moves, speeding up wear.
Prevention tips:
Use silicone-based lubricant regularly
Keep your garage dry and well-ventilated
Wipe springs clean of debris and dust
3. Poor Maintenance
Like your car or HVAC system, garage door springs need periodic maintenance. A neglected spring will wear out faster and may break suddenly, often causing additional damage to cables, tracks, or the opener.
Smart homeowner tips:
Get a yearly inspection from a technician
Avoid DIY repairs—springs are under high tension
Replace both springs if one fails
Regular maintenance by Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement Services in texas city tx ensures your springs are always in peak condition and that minor issues are caught before they become dangerous.
4. Improper Spring Type or Installation
Not all garage doors are the same—and neither are springs. Using the wrong spring type or having it installed incorrectly can lead to premature failure. A spring that’s too small or too strong for your door’s weight won’t balance the system properly, causing excessive stress and wear.
Why professional help matters:
Accurate spring matching based on your door's size and weight
Safe removal and replacement
Full system inspection for other wear issues
That’s why homeowners in Texas trust Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement Services in texas city tx for correct installation and lasting performance.
5. Extreme Temperature Fluctuations
Texas weather can be brutal—hot summers, sudden cold snaps, and everything in between. These constant shifts in temperature can cause metal to expand and contract, weakening the spring over time.
Protective measures:
Insulate your garage to minimize internal temperature swings
Keep springs clean and lubricated to reduce metal fatigue
6. Unbalanced or Off-Track Doors
When a garage door is off-balance or comes off its track, extra pressure is put on the springs. This added stress shortens the lifespan of the springs and can even cause them to snap unexpectedly.
How to prevent it:
Check for jerky or uneven door movement
Don’t force a stuck door—call a pro
Schedule regular balance tests
If you're unsure whether your system is aligned correctly, a quick inspection by Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement Services in texas city tx can diagnose and fix the issue before your springs are damaged.
When to Call the Experts
While some maintenance tasks like lubrication can be handled by homeowners, spring replacement is a job best left to professionals. Garage door springs are under immense tension, and a mistake can lead to serious injury.
You should contact Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement Services in texas city tx if:
Your garage door won’t open or close
You hear a loud bang from the garage
The door is crooked or sagging
The springs look stretched, broken, or rusted
Their trained technicians can safely replace your springs, balance the door, and extend the lifespan of your entire garage system.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Spring Failures
Garage door springs are small but powerful—and when they fail, they can cause big problems. From natural wear and rust to poor installation and Texas heat, there are many reasons your springs may give out. But with regular maintenance, smart prevention, and help from Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement Services in texas city tx, you can avoid costly damage and keep your garage running smoothly.