What makes springs snap in the cold?
Springs that break in winter are usually already worn or rusted, and a cool morning stiffens the steel and adds the last bit of stress. In Lake County, humidity-driven rust and doors that sat unused for months are big contributors.
People are often surprised to hear that springs break in winter here. Lake County winters are mild next to most of the country. Still, the cooler months bring a noticeable share of spring calls, and the reasons are worth knowing.
Cold mornings do happen
Cold fronts push through Central Florida in winter, and some mornings get chilly, now and then down near freezing. Steel springs are less forgiving when they are cold. A spring that is already worn and rusted can let go on the first trip of a cool morning, when the metal is at its stiffest.
The spring was already close
Most springs that break in winter were already near the end. Every spring has a rated number of cycles. When it nears that number, small cracks form in the steel. Any extra stress, cold included, can be the last straw. The cold does not wear the spring out by itself. It tips a worn spring over the edge.
Humidity did the groundwork
Florida's humidity rusts springs that are not coated or oiled. Rust pits the steel and leaves weak points. A rusted spring may break well before its rated life, in any season. Winter just happens to add one more stress on top.
Doors that sat unused
If your home sits empty for part of the year, the garage door may go months without moving. Springs and other parts can rust in place while you are gone. The first few cycles after you return put sudden stress on that hardware. That is a common time for a spring to snap.
Thicker grease
Lubricant on the spring coils and rollers stiffens when it is cool. The door moves a bit harder, and the spring and opener both feel it.
How to lower the odds
Spray the spring coils with garage door lubricant twice a year. It slows rust and keeps the coils moving.
Test the balance. With the opener released, lift the door halfway. If it drifts, the springs are weak.
After a long time away, run the door once and watch it before using it daily.
Listen for new squeaks, scraping or a door that sounds heavier than usual.
If one breaks
Keep your hands off the door, and leave the emergency release alone while the door is raised. Call (352) 823-6695. In our posted price ranges, one torsion spring costs $165 to $400 and the pair on a two-spring door costs $315 to $575. We replace both on a two-spring door, because the other one is just as worn.
We can help with garage door spring repair and garage door repair in Lady Lake. You might also like What to Do When Your Lady Lake Garage Door Jumps the Track.
Reference: DASMA's garage-door safety guidance (manufacturer / safety source).