Signs Your St. Augustine Garage Door Needs Spring Replacement
In St. Augustine, the salt air and high humidity can take a heavy toll on your garage door hardware. Among all the moving parts, the springs do the heavy lifting—literally. Most homeowners assume the motor does the work, but the springs provide the tension that balances the door’s weight. When a spring weakens or snaps, your door becomes a heavy, dangerous hazard.
Door Master Clinic provides expert spring diagnostics and replacement services throughout St. Augustine and St. Johns County. Recognizing the early warning signs of spring fatigue can save you from a snapped cable, a burnt-out motor, or a car trapped in your garage.
4 Critical Signs Your Springs Are Failing
Because springs are under extreme tension, they rarely "break" quietly. Watch and listen for these specific indicators that it’s time to call a professional.
- A Loud "Bang" from the Garage If you are home and hear a sound like a gunshot or a heavy metal object hitting the floor, a torsion spring has likely snapped. These springs are tightly coiled and release a massive amount of energy when they fail. Even if the door looks okay, do not attempt to open it until Door Master Clinic inspects the tension.
- The Door "Heavy-Lifts" or Only Opens a Few Inches Modern openers have safety sensors that detect when the motor is working too hard. If your door opens six inches and then stops or reverses, the spring is likely broken, and the opener cannot lift the dead weight. Attempting to force the door open can strip the gears in your motor.
- Visible Gaps in the Torsion Spring Check the metal coil located on the bar above your garage door. If you see a 2-inch gap in the middle of the coils, the spring has separated. This is a clear sign of a total failure. At Door Master Clinic, we recommend replacing both springs at once, as they usually have the same lifespan.
- Cables Look Loose or Frayed When a spring breaks, the tension on the cables is lost. If you see cables hanging loosely from the sides of the door or tangled around the drum, the spring system is no longer supporting the weight.
Why Coastal St. Augustine Homes Need Special Attention
The proximity to the Atlantic means that rust is the #1 enemy of garage door springs. Rust creates friction between the coils, causing them to brittle and snap prematurely. Door Master Clinic uses high-cycle, corrosion-resistant springs designed to withstand the Florida climate, ensuring your door operates smoothly for years to reach.
How long do garage door springs usually last?
Most standard springs are rated for 10,000 cycles (one cycle is one opening and closing). For the average St. Augustine family, this equates to 7–10 years. However, salt air can shorten this lifespan significantly.
Can I spray WD-40 on my springs to stop the squeaking?
No. Standard WD-40 is a degreaser, not a long-term lubricant. It can actually cause the spring to dry out further. Door Master Clinic recommends using a silicone-based or lithium-based spray to keep the coils supple.
Is it dangerous to replace a garage door spring myself?
Yes. Torsion springs are under enough pressure to cause severe injury or even death if they slip during installation. They require specialized tools and training. It is always safer to let the experts at Door Master Clinic handle the high-tension components.
Should I replace both springs if only one is broken?
Yes. Springs are installed at the same time and go through the same number of cycles. If one breaks, the other is usually only days or weeks behind it. Replacing both at once saves you a second service fee.
What is the difference between Torsion and Extension springs?
Torsion springs are located on a bar above the door, while extension springs run along the upper tracks. Torsion springs are generally safer and last longer, and Door Master Clinic can help you determine which system is best for your specific door.
Don't Let a Broken Spring Ruin Your Day
A broken spring is more than an inconvenience; it’s a safety risk for your family. If you notice your door is acting sluggish or you see a gap in your coils, help is just a phone call away. Our local technicians arrive fully stocked to perform same-day spring replacements.
Contact Door Master Clinic today at [Insert Phone Number] or visit our website to schedule your professional garage door spring replacement in St. Augustine, FL.
