Table of Contents
Why Garage Door Springs Break (And How to Stop Yours From Snapping)
Let’s be real—garage door springs are like the unsung heroes of our daily routines. They lift hundreds of pounds of metal dozens of times a day without complaint… until they do complain. And when they do, it’s usually with a dramatic BANG that makes you jump out of your socks. If you’ve ever wondered why these coiled workhorses suddenly decide to retire (loudly), or how to keep them from staging a rebellion, you’re in the right place. We’ve seen it all at Silver Garage Doors here in Mississauga—from residential garage door spring replacements to commercial overhead door repairs—and we’re spilling the beans on how to avoid becoming a spring’s next victim.
H2: Why Do Garage Door Springs Break in the First Place?
H3: They’re Basically Gym Rats With a Shelf Life
Garage door springs endure massive tension every time you open or close your door. Think about it: an average garage door weighs 150–250 pounds, and those springs are responsible for lifting 80–90% of that weight. Over time, all that heavy lifting wears them down. Most springs last 7–10 years, but if yours are older than your teenager’s TikTok account, they’re living on borrowed time.
H3: Rust: The Silent Spring Killer
Mississauga winters aren’t just rough on our driveways—they’re brutal on garage door springs too. Salt, moisture, and temperature swings create the perfect storm for rust. Once corrosion sets in, even the strongest spring becomes as fragile as a potato chip.
H3: DIY Disasters (We’ve Seen Things…)
Look, we get it. YouTube makes everything look easy. But garage door springs are under extreme tension, and one wrong move could turn a DIY project into a trip to the ER. We’ve had clients hand us springs that looked like modern art sculptures after a “quick fix.” Trust us: this is one job where “near me” searches for a garage door technician are worth every penny.
H2: How to Prevent Your Springs From Breaking
H3: Schedule Regular TLC
Just like your car needs oil changes, your garage door needs tune-ups. A pro can spot early signs of wear, lubricate parts, and adjust tension. At Silver Garage Doors, our Mississauga team offers affordable maintenance plans because—let’s face it—nobody wants a surprise spring snap during a Netflix binge.
Pro Tip:
- Lubricate springs every 3–6 months with a silicone-based spray (WD-40 is a no-go—it attracts dust).
- Check for gaps, rust, or stretching during your monthly safety checks.
H3: Upgrade to Durable Springs
Not all springs are created equal. If you’re investing in automatic garage door installation or a garage door replacement, ask about high-cycle springs. They cost a bit more upfront but last 2–3x longer.
H3: Let the Pros Handle Repairs
Torsion springs vs. extension springs? Left-wound vs. right-wound? Unless you’re a garage door installer with a death wish, leave spring repairs to the experts. Our technicians at Silver Garage Doors are trained to handle everything from garage door track repair to commercial garage door installation—safely and efficiently.
H2: “Is My Spring Broken?” – 3 Signs to Watch For
-
The Door Feels Heavy
If your door suddenly weighs a ton (literally), one or both springs have likely snapped. -
Gaps or Uneven Coils
A healthy spring sits tightly coiled. If you see gaps or uneven spacing, it’s crying for help. -
Loud Noises
A broken spring sounds like a gunshot. If your garage door starts sounding like a action movie, hit the opener button and call us.
H2: Torsion vs. Extension Springs: Which Is Better?
Feature | Torsion Springs | Extension Springs |
---|---|---|
Lifespan | 15,000–20,000 cycles | 10,000 cycles |
Safety | Safer; mounted above door | Risk of flying debris if broken |
Cost | Higher upfront | More affordable |
Best For | Heavy doors, frequent use | Lightweight doors, budget projects |
At Silver Garage Doors, we recommend torsion springs for most homes in Mississauga—they’re quieter, safer, and ideal for our climate. But we’ll always walk you through the price and pros/cons before any garage door spring replacement.
H2: FAQs – Your Spring Questions, Answered
Q: Can I replace just one spring?
A: Nope. Springs are installed as a pair for balance. Replacing one is like wearing one new shoe—it’ll just strain the other.
Q: How much does garage door spring repair cost?
A: For most homes in Mississauga, it’s between $200–$400, depending on spring type. Commercial overhead door repairs run higher, but we keep our rates competitive.
Q: Can I prevent springs from breaking entirely?
A: Sadly, no—they will wear out eventually. But regular maintenance can add years to their lifespan. FYI, we offer free estimates if you’re unsure.
H2: When to Call Silver Garage Doors
Look, we’re not here to shame anyone’s DIY spirit. But garage door springs are like grenades—you don’t mess with them unless you’re trained. Whether you need garage door capping to protect against Mississauga’s salty winters, a full garage door aluminum capping upgrade, or emergency commercial garage door repair, our team’s got your back.
Why choose us?
- Same-day service for most repairs.
- Upfront cost estimates (no hidden fees).
- We’re local—searching for “garage door services near me” literally puts us in your backyard.
H2: Wrapping Up (Without Any Springs Attached)
Garage door springs might not be the most glamorous part of homeownership, but keeping them in shape saves you cash, stress, and that heart-stopping bang at 2 a.m. Whether you’re Googling “garage door springs repair near me” or planning a commercial garage door installation, Silver Garage Doors is here to help. Next time your door acts up, give us a shout—we’ll handle the heavy lifting. Literally. 😉
P.S. If your springs are older than flip phones, let’s chat. Your eardrums (and wallet) will thank you.