A garage door spring can break for several reasons, and it's important to understand the cause to prevent it from happening again. Here's why your garage door spring might have broken:
1. Age of the Spring
Over time, the springs experience wear and tear due to constant tension and usage. Most garage door springs are designed to last about 10,000 cycles (openings and closings). If your door is older or used frequently, the spring may break simply because it has reached the end of its life.
2. Overuse or High Stress
If the garage door is used excessively, or if it is too heavy, the springs can be put under increased stress. This could cause the spring to weaken and eventually snap.
3. Lack of Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your garage door springs. If you don’t lubricate them, clean them, or inspect them for damage, they are more likely to break prematurely.
4. Improper Installation
If the garage door springs were installed incorrectly or didn’t match the size and weight of the door, they could break under normal operation. The wrong spring size can lead to added tension on the system, causing premature failure.
5. Rust or Corrosion
Rust can weaken the spring over time. If the springs are exposed to moisture or harsh conditions, they may corrode, making them brittle and more prone to breaking.
Can You Repair It Yourself?
While it's technically possible to repair a broken garage door spring yourself, it is not recommended unless you have the proper knowledge and experience. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, and trying to repair them without proper tools and safety precautions can be extremely dangerous.
Reasons Not to DIY:
- Safety Risk: Garage door springs are tightly wound and can release a lot of energy if mishandled, which can result in serious injury.
- Specialized Tools Required: You’ll need specific tools, such as winding bars and a socket wrench, to properly replace the spring. Using the wrong tools could result in injury or an improper repair.
- Complexity: Installing a new spring involves careful calibration and balancing. A small mistake can cause the door to become misaligned, which could lead to further damage or safety concerns.
Professional Help
It’s usually best to call a professional garage door repair service. They have the experience, tools, and training to safely and efficiently replace the spring and ensure everything is properly balanced. Plus, they can conduct a full inspection to ensure no other parts of your garage door are damaged.
In summary, while you can technically repair it yourself, it's safer and more reliable to leave garage door spring repair to the professionals.
