How Garage Door Springs Work
Your garage door weighs between 130 and 400 pounds depending on the material and size. Without springs, your opener motor would burn out quickly trying to lift that weight. Springs work by storing mechanical energy when the door closes and releasing it when the door opens — effectively counterbalancing the weight of the door. The Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) sets the safety and performance standards for all garage door springs sold in the United States.
Torsion springs work by twisting — they wind up as the door closes and unwind as it opens. Extension springs work by stretching — they expand as the door closes and contract when it opens. Both types perform the same job but through different mechanical principles. Torsion springs are generally considered safer, longer-lasting, and more reliable for larger or heavier doors.
Why Springs Break in Taylors & Greenville County, SC
Spring failure is the most common garage door repair call in Greenville County. While springs eventually wear out simply from use, certain factors accelerate failure. Rust and corrosion are the number-one cause of premature spring failure — humidity from Upstate SC's climate works its way into unprotected steel, weakening the metal coils over time. Regular lubrication with a lithium-based spray is the best defense.
Temperature fluctuations also play a role. Cold winter mornings cause metal to contract, putting extra stress on springs that are already under tension. A spring that's been gradually weakening all year may finally snap on a particularly cold January morning — which is why we get more emergency spring calls during fall and winter. If your springs haven't been lubricated or inspected in a year or more, they're at elevated risk. Schedule a preventive maintenance visit to assess spring life before they fail.
Improper installation is another common cause. Springs that aren't wound to the correct tension, installed on the wrong-sized shaft, or mismatched to the door weight will fail prematurely. This is why DIY spring installation — even by experienced homeowners — is dangerous and often counterproductive. Our licensed technicians are trained to spec springs precisely for every door brand, size, and weight in Taylors and across Greenville County.
What to Do When a Spring Breaks
If you hear a loud bang from your garage — especially early in the morning — and then find the door won't open or feels impossibly heavy, a spring has almost certainly broken. Here's what to do:
- Do not attempt to operate the door manually or with the opener — you can cause further damage or injure yourself
- Disengage the opener by pulling the red emergency release cord (the door will now be in manual mode)
- Do not try to lift the door — without the spring, it's extremely heavy and can fall suddenly
- Call All American Garage Doors immediately at +1 213 297 3497
- If your car is trapped inside, let our dispatcher know — we'll prioritize getting a technician to you as soon as possible
We offer 24/7 emergency service throughout Taylors, Greenville, Greer, Mauldin, Simpsonville, and all of Greenville County. In most cases, we can have a technician at your door within 2–4 hours, even on nights and weekends.