That Sudden Bang in Your Vancouver Garage? It’s Likely a Broken Spring
You’re relaxing at home in Vancouver when a loud, echoing bang comes from the garage. You rush out, expecting the worst — only to find your garage door stuck halfway. It won’t budge. Sound familiar?
If your garage door suddenly stopped working, there’s a high chance your garage door spring has broken. It’s a common issue for homeowners in Vancouver and nearby areas, and it can disrupt your entire day—or worse, pose a safety risk.
Let’s unpack what causes garage door springs to break, and how you can prevent it.
1. Wear and Tear: The #1 Culprit
Garage door springs are rated for a certain number of cycles—usually 10,000 open/close movements. That might seem like a lot, but it goes fast.
If you use your garage door 4 times a day, that’s over 1,400 cycles a year. Within 6-7 years, your springs may be done.
Look for these signs:
- Uneven or jerky door movement
- Door feels heavier than usual
- Loud snapping noise during operation
2. Rust and Corrosion: A Hidden Enemy in Coastal Vancouver
Living near the ocean? The moisture-rich air in Vancouver and Burnaby can quickly rust uncoated garage door springs.
Rust weakens the spring’s integrity and increases friction. Over time, this leads to quicker breakage.
Pro Tip: Apply a silicone-based lubricant every few months, especially during the rainy winter season.
3. Lack of Maintenance: An Avoidable Mistake
Springs need love, too. Without routine lubrication and inspections, they wear out faster.
You should:
- Lubricate springs at least 2-4 times a year
- Check for gaps in the coil (a sign of breakage)
- Have them professionally inspected yearly
Before you move on: Have you scheduled your annual maintenance yet? Book your spring tune-up now and stay ahead of costly repairs.
4. Cold Weather and Temperature Fluctuations
Vancouver winters aren’t extreme, but sudden temperature drops can make metal brittle.
When cold steel contracts, the stress on garage door springs increases—especially if they’re already worn.
What to do:
- Keep your garage moderately insulated
- Install weather-sealed garage doors
- Avoid using the door excessively on freezing mornings
5. Improper Installation or Spring Mismatch
Did you recently move into a new home or have DIY work done? Sometimes, the wrong type or size of spring is installed.
If a spring isn’t calibrated correctly for your door’s weight, it puts excess stress on the system.
Solution: Always use professionals for installation. At Garage Door VanCity, we ensure correct sizing and tensioning every time.
But Wait — What If One Spring Breaks But the Door Still Moves?
Many garage doors use two springs. If one breaks, the other might still function temporarily, but that added strain could lead to a second failure. Don’t delay!
6. Poor-Quality Springs: Cheaper Isn’t Always Better
Budget installations often use low-quality, imported springs that don’t meet Canadian durability standards.
These can:
- Wear out after just a few years
- Fail without warning
- Compromise your garage door opener
Invest wisely. High-quality galvanized or oil-tempered springs last longer and perform better in Vancouver’s coastal climate.
7. Heavy Garage Doors or Added Accessories
Have you added insulation panels, windows, or decorative hardware to your garage door? All of this adds extra weight.
Your original springs may no longer be able to handle it, causing early failure.
What you can do:
- Have your door recalibrated
- Upgrade to high-cycle springs
- Reassess your opener’s lifting capacity
Safety Warning: Don’t Try to Fix a Broken Spring Yourself
Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Attempting a DIY repair is dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Trust a trained technician. Our team at Garage Door VanCity specializes in safe spring replacements across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and surrounding cities.
Need Fast Garage Spring Repair in Vancouver?
We’ve got your back. Our expert technicians are local, certified, and available for same-day service.
Let’s make it easier—Call Us Now 604-328-5365 or book your repair online.
Stay safe. Stay moving.
FAQs: What Causes Garage Door Springs to Break?
Q1. Can I still open my garage door with a broken spring?
Only manually, and even then it’s dangerous. Avoid using it and call a technician immediately.
Q2. How long do garage door springs last?
Standard springs last about 10,000 cycles (6-10 years). High-cycle versions can last up to 20,000 cycles.
Q3. What type of spring is best for Vancouver homes?
Oil-tempered or galvanized torsion springs are best suited for coastal, moisture-prone climates.
Q4. How much does garage spring repair cost in Vancouver?
It usually ranges from $150 to $350, depending on the type and labor involved.
Q5. Can I replace just one spring?
Technically, yes. But it’s recommended to replace both to ensure balanced lifting and longer system life.