When winter arrives, many of us notice small changes in how our homes and vehicles respond to the cold. One of the most common issues that shows up during this time is a broken garage door spring. At first, it seems surprising that something as strong as a steel spring can snap just because the temperature drops. However, cold weather plays a major role in weakening metal and creating the right conditions for failure. Let us look at the reasons behind this problem, what we can do to reduce the risks, and how to keep our doors working safely all year.
How Temperature Affects Garage Door Springs
Cold air makes steel contract. This contraction increases the tension inside garage door springs, which are already tightly wound to balance the heavy weight of the door. As a result, a spring that handled normal pressure during warmer months suddenly faces additional stress once the temperature falls. Over time, that extra strain pushes the spring past its limit. Once it snaps, the door often becomes too heavy to lift on its own. We might still be able to open it, but it will feel far heavier and unsafe. This is why so many homeowners report failures during the coldest weeks of the year.
The Role of Metal Fatigue
Springs are designed to open and close thousands of times, but each cycle slowly weakens the metal. This is called metal fatigue. During winter, the brittleness caused by cold air makes any weakness more severe. Even a small crack or worn area can turn into a break with one final pull. That is why a spring often breaks suddenly, even if it seemed fine the day before. We should remember that temperature does not cause fatigue by itself, but it does speed up the failure of a spring that is already near the end of its life. For this reason, many of us end up needing garage door repair in Calgary right when the weather is harshest.
Why Lack of Lubrication Matters
Dry metal rubs against itself every time a spring stretches. Without proper lubrication, that friction creates heat and tiny scratches. In warm conditions, the damage is slower. However, during winter the oil or grease often hardens, leaving the coils dry. This allows wear to speed up and makes the spring more likely to snap. To reduce the risk, we should keep springs lubricated with a product designed to stay effective in low temperatures. Doing so helps the metal slide smoothly and reduces the strain that builds up when it contracts in the cold.
The Weight of the Door and Its Impact
Heavier garage doors place more stress on springs year-round, but that stress becomes worse in the cold. A spring that is near its limit has no room to handle the added contraction. Over time, the constant pull causes the steel to weaken. If our door is especially heavy, such as one with solid wood panels or added insulation, the springs work much harder. In these cases, using the right size and type of spring is very important. Installing springs that are too small for the door increases the chances of breakage during freezing weather.
How Maintenance Extends Spring Life
Simple care can make a big difference in how long springs last. Regular inspection allows us to spot small cracks, rust, or gaps in the coils before they break. Cleaning away dust and applying the right lubricant are easy steps that improve performance. Checking the balance of the door is another useful task. If one side of the door pulls harder than the other, it forces one spring to carry more weight. That uneven load is a common reason why one spring breaks first. By keeping up with these tasks, we help prevent sudden failures when temperatures drop.
Extra Stress from Daily Use
Cold weather often changes how we use our garage doors. For example, we may open and close them more often during the winter to start cars or store outdoor equipment inside. Every cycle adds more wear to springs that are already weakened by cold. When combined with metal fatigue, this extra use can shorten the remaining lifespan of a spring by weeks or months. We may not notice how many times we use the door in a single day, but every movement counts toward the total life of the spring.
The Importance of Professional Inspection
While small maintenance tasks are safe to do on our own, inspecting or replacing springs should be handled by a professional. Springs are under extreme tension and can cause injury if handled incorrectly. Having a technician check them once or twice a year is a good way to catch problems before they turn into emergencies. They can measure the strength of the springs, test the balance of the door, and confirm that everything is working properly. If a replacement is needed, it can be done before the cold weather pushes the metal to its breaking point. This kind of care reduces surprise failures and ensures our doors remain reliable.
How to Prepare Before Winter
Planning ahead helps us avoid sudden breakdowns. Before cold weather sets in, we should test the door by lifting it halfway and letting go. If it stays in place, the springs are balanced. If it drops or shoots upward, the springs are wearing out and may fail soon. Cleaning and lubricating the coils with a product rated for low temperatures is another step worth taking. We should also listen for noises such as squeaks or groans when opening the door, as these often signal friction or damage. Taking care of these issues before winter helps us avoid bigger problems later.
Emergency Situations and Safety Tips
If a spring does break in cold weather, safety should come first. A broken spring often leaves the door stuck or too heavy to move safely. Trying to lift it by hand may cause injury, and forcing the opener to pull the weight can burn out the motor. The safest step is to stop using the door until it can be repaired. If our vehicle is trapped inside, calling for immediate service is the best solution. We can also avoid touching the broken spring directly, since the sharp edges can cut skin. To prevent stress, it is good to have a trusted contact saved for emergency garage door spring service before an issue occurs.
Small Steps That Reduce Risk
A few extra habits can make springs last longer through the winter. Keeping the garage a little warmer with insulation or a space heater reduces the amount of contraction in the metal. Opening the door slowly instead of jerking it open helps reduce strain. Making sure the door moves smoothly on its tracks avoids extra tension on the springs. Finally, spreading out door use instead of running it multiple times in quick succession prevents overheating and allows the springs to recover between cycles. These habits do not eliminate the risk, but they help extend the life of the system.
FAQs
Why do garage door springs break more often in winter?
They break more often in winter because cold air makes metal brittle and increases the tension in the coils. Springs already weakened by age or fatigue are more likely to snap during this time.
How long do garage door springs usually last?
Most springs last between seven and ten years, depending on use. Heavy use or poor maintenance can shorten that time, while proper care can help them last longer.
Can I open my garage door if a spring is broken?
It is possible to open the door, but it will feel very heavy and unsafe. Forcing it open can damage the opener or cause injury, so it is best to leave it closed until repaired.
What is the best way to maintain springs in cold weather?
Lubricating them with oil or grease made for low temperatures is important. Regular inspection for cracks, rust, or uneven balance also helps keep them in good condition.
Should both springs be replaced at the same time?
Yes, replacing both is usually recommended. If one has broken, the other is likely close to failure, and replacing them together ensures balance and reliability.