Garage door springs don’t last forever, and understanding what leads to their failure can help you prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly emergency repairs.

Normal Wear and Tear Over Time

The primary reason garage door springs break is simply age and repeated use. Most residential garage door springs are rated for approximately 10,000 to 20,000 cycles, with each cycle representing one complete opening and closing of the door. For typical homeowners who use their garage door twice daily, this translates to roughly 7-15 years of service life. As springs reach the end of their cycle count, the metal becomes fatigued and more susceptible to sudden failure.

Environmental Factors and Weather Conditions

Extreme temperature fluctuations can significantly impact spring longevity. Cold weather makes metal more brittle, while excessive heat can cause springs to lose their tension more quickly. Humidity and moisture exposure can lead to rust and corrosion, weakening the spring’s structural integrity. Coastal areas with salt air are particularly harsh on garage door springs, often reducing their lifespan considerably.

Improper Installation and Maintenance Issues

Springs that are incorrectly sized for your door’s weight will experience premature failure due to excessive stress. Poor installation techniques, such as improper winding tension or inadequate lubrication during setup, can also shorten spring life. Lack of regular maintenance, including periodic lubrication and professional inspections, allows minor issues to develop into major problems that ultimately cause spring failure.

Sudden Stress and Impact Damage

While less common, springs can break due to sudden impacts or attempting to operate the door when it’s obstructed. Frozen doors that are forced open, debris in the tracks, or damaged rollers can all place unexpected stress on the spring system, potentially causing immediate failure even in relatively new springs.

It depends.

Homeowners insurance coverage for garage doors depends largely on the cause of damage and the specific terms of your policy. Understanding these distinctions can save you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses when your garage door needs repair or replacement.

When Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers Garage Doors

Your homeowners insurance will generally cover garage door damage when it results from covered perils listed in your policy. For example, if a severe hailstorm dents your garage door panels or damages the tracks, this would typically fall under weather-related coverage. Similarly, if a tree falls during a windstorm and crushes your garage door, the structural damage would likely be covered under your dwelling coverage provision.

Theft and vandalism are also commonly covered scenarios. If burglars damage your garage door while attempting to break into your home, or if vandals spray paint or otherwise damage the door, your insurance should cover the repair or replacement costs. Fire damage represents another clear-cut case where coverage applies – if an electrical malfunction in your garage door opener causes a fire that damages the door and surrounding structure, this would fall under your fire coverage.

When Coverage Typically Doesn’t Apply

Insurance companies consistently exclude coverage for damage resulting from normal wear and tear, which is considered a maintenance responsibility of the homeowner. For instance, if your garage door springs break after 15 years of regular use, or if the door panels fade and crack due to sun exposure over time, these issues won’t be covered. This exclusion falls under the legal principle of ordinary maintenance, which holds property owners responsible for routine upkeep and expected deterioration.

Mechanical breakdowns also fall outside standard coverage. If your garage door opener motor burns out due to age, or if the safety sensors malfunction after years of use, these repairs are considered your responsibility. Additionally, damage from freezing temperatures – such as a door that warps because you left it open during a winter storm – might be excluded under act of negligence provisions, where the policyholder’s actions contributed to the damage.

Important Policy Considerations and Exclusions

Many standard homeowners policies include specific exclusions for certain types of garage door damage. Flood damage, for example, typically requires separate flood insurance coverage. If your garage floods and warps the door or damages the electrical components, your standard homeowners policy likely won’t cover these repairs.

It’s crucial to review your policy’s specific language regarding detached structures and dwelling coverage limits. Some policies treat attached garages differently from detached ones, and coverage amounts may vary accordingly. Additionally, if your garage door is particularly expensive – such as a custom wood carriage-style door – you may need to ensure your coverage limits are adequate to replace it fully. Contact your insurance agent to clarify these details and consider whether additional coverage or higher limits might be necessary for your specific situation.

How to Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Open

When your garage door refuses to open, several common issues could be the culprit. Here’s a step-by-step troubleshooting guide to help you identify and potentially resolve the problem:

• Check the power supply and remote batteries – Verify that your garage door opener is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Replace the batteries in your remote control and keypad, as weak batteries are often the simplest explanation for a non-responsive door. Test the wall-mounted button to determine if the issue is with the remote or the entire system.
• Inspect the photo-eye safety sensors – Look for the small sensors mounted on either side of your garage door tracks, typically 4-6 inches from the ground. Clean any dirt, spider webs, or debris from the sensor lenses using a soft cloth. Ensure both sensors are properly aligned and their LED indicator lights are solid (not blinking), as misaligned sensors will prevent the door from operating.
• Examine the garage door tracks and rollers – Visually inspect the metal tracks for any obvious obstructions, dents, or debris that might prevent smooth operation. Check that all rollers are properly seated in the tracks and look for any that appear damaged or have come off their guide path. Remove any objects that might be blocking the door’s movement.
• Test the manual release mechanism – If the door still won’t budge, pull the manual release cord (usually red) to disconnect the opener from the door. Try lifting the door manually – it should move smoothly with minimal effort. If the door is extremely heavy or won’t move at all, this indicates a problem with the springs, cables, or tracks that requires professional attention.
• Check for broken springs or cables – Carefully examine the torsion springs above the door and the extension springs on the sides (if applicable) for any visible breaks or gaps. Look at the lift cables for fraying, slack, or detachment from their mounting points. Never attempt to repair or adjust springs yourself, as they operate under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.

When to Call a Professional

If these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, or if you discover broken springs, damaged cables, or structural problems, it’s time to contact a qualified garage door technician. Spring repairs, opener motor issues, and track alignment problems require specialized tools and expertise to fix safely. Don’t risk injury or further damage – schedule a professional inspection today to get your garage door back to reliable operation.

Common repairs include fixing broken springs, replacing damaged panels, and repairing or replacing the garage door opener. Other issues often faced include misaligned tracks, worn rollers, and malfunctioning safety sensors. Regular maintenance can prevent many of these problems, but ensuring that professional help is sought when repairs are extensive is key.

The time required to fix a garage door can vary depending on the complexity of the issue. Simple repairs, such as replacing a remote battery or adjusting a misaligned sensor, can take about 30 minutes to an hour. More complex repairs, like changing springs or replacing the door opener, may take 1-3 hours. Always allow for potential delays due to unforeseen issues discovered during repairs.

Repair costs for garage door springs vary based on the type and extent of the damage, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $350 for spring repairs. It’s advisable to consult with a professional for an accurate estimate.

The Genie Model 7055 is a popular choice for residential homes due to its robust features, including whisper-quiet operation, power efficiency, and smart technology compatibility.

Yes, most LiftMaster garage door openers can be connected to smart home systems, allowing you to control your garage door remotely using smartphone apps or voice commands.

Use a silicone-based lubricant or a lithium grease specifically designed for garage doors. Avoid using WD-40, as it can attract dirt and grime, leading to more problems.

Yes, garage door tracks should be regularly cleaned and lubricated to ensure smooth door operation and to prevent the door from getting stuck.

At Veteran Garage Door, we never charge for the initial service visit when you contact us for garage door repairs. We prioritize your satisfaction!

It’s not necessary to replace all garage door rollers simultaneously, but if several are worn, consider replacing them together for optimal performance.

If the door feels unbalanced, or you notice excessive wear, rust, or damage on the drums, it’s time to evaluate for replacement.

For maximum efficiency, consider polystyrene or polyurethane insulation, as they offer the best thermal performance, reducing energy costs.