Cold weather affects more than just driveways—it can weaken garage door springs, leading to unexpected failures. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Garage Door Springs Break in Cold Weather?
When temperatures drop, garage doors often experience more problems—especially with broken springs. If your garage door won’t open or feels unusually heavy, the cold weather could be the culprit. But why do garage door springs break more frequently in winter? Let’s explore the key reasons and what you can do to prevent unexpected failures. Is your garage door ready for winter?
Broken Spring Disclaimer
Never attempt to open or operate a garage door with a broken spring. Doing so can cause serious injury, further damage to the door, or failure of additional components. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and should only be repaired or replaced by a trained professional. Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama™ assumes no responsibility or liability for injuries or damages resulting from attempting to operate or repair a garage door with a broken spring. Always contact a professional technician for safe and proper repairs.
How Winter Affects Garage Door Springs
1. Metal Contraction and Increased Stress
Cold temperatures cause metal to contract, making garage door springs more brittle and prone to breaking. As the metal tightens, the tension on the spring increases, leading to potential failure—especially if the spring is already worn.
2. Brittle Springs Snap More Easily
Garage door torsion springs are designed to handle thousands of cycles, but over time, wear and tear weaken them. Freezing temperatures make aging springs even more fragile, increasing the chances of a sudden snap.
Cold weather doesn’t just weaken springs—it also affects the carbon content in the metal, making them even more prone to failure. Understanding how temperature changes impact spring durability can help you take preventative measures. Learn more about the science behind carbon and how cold weather weakens garage door springs here.
3. Extra Strain on Your Garage Door System
- Cold weather thickens lubricants, making your garage door opener work harder.
- Snow, ice, and moisture buildup on the door add weight, increasing tension on the springs.
- A sluggish garage door motor can cause jerky movements, stressing the springs even more.
4. Wear and Tear Accelerated by Cold Weather
Most garage door springs have a lifespan of about 10,000 cycles (each time the door opens and closes counts as one cycle). If your springs are nearing the end of their lifespan, winter temperatures can be the final push that causes them to fail.
Cold weather is just one of many factors that can cause a garage door spring to break. Rust, poor maintenance, and natural wear and tear all play a role. For a full breakdown of all the reasons why springs fail, read our guide here.
Preventing Garage Door Spring Breaks in Winter
- Schedule Regular Garage Door Maintenance: Professional inspections can catch weak springs before they break.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Use a high-quality, garage door lubricant to keep the system running smoothly.
- Check for Rust or Corrosion: Rust weakens springs, so keep them clean and dry.
- Replace Old Springs Before They Break: If your garage door springs are over 5-7 years old, consider replacing them proactively.
Garage Door Won’t Open? Call the Experts!
If your garage door spring breaks, do not attempt to fix it yourself. These high-tension springs are under extreme pressure and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Instead, trust the experts at Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama™ for safe, professional garage door spring replacement.
One call, and we’ll have your garage door working safely again.
Call us today at 256-772-3674 for expert garage door repair in Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Athens, and surrounding North Alabama areas.
Don’t Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring
A broken spring means your garage door no longer has the proper counterbalance, making it extremely dangerous to operate. Attempting to force it open can lead to severe damage, costly repairs, or even life-threatening injuries.
Do not attempt to use the red emergency release cord to open the garage door. The emergency release is designed for manual operation when the springs are intact, not when a spring is broken. Releasing it can cause the full weight of the garage door to drop suddenly, leading to serious injury or property damage.
If your garage door spring is broken, do not attempt to open the door—call a professional immediately.
Learn more about why you should never open a garage door with a broken spring here.
Important Safety Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Garage door repairs, including spring replacements, should only be performed by a certified professional. Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama™ assumes no responsibility for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from any attempt to repair or operate a garage door with a broken spring.
If your spring is broken, do not attempt to open the door. Contact a professional immediately for assistance.
Call Now for a Free Spring Replacement Estimate