When the temperature outside shifts from icy cold to blazing hot, your garage door springs feel it too. These tightly wound metal coils are designed to carry the heavy lifting, but their performance doesn’t stay the same throughout the year. Many homeowners notice subtle changes in how smoothly their door opens or how heavy it feels to lift, especially when seasons swing between extremes. If you have an Automatic Garage Door Opener CA, you may not notice these changes at first — until the opener starts straining or the door becomes unbalanced.
Why Temperature Shifts Matter
Garage door springs work under high tension, and even small changes in temperature affect how they behave. In winter, metal contracts. In summer, it expands. This constant expansion and contraction alters the balance and tension in the springs. Over time, these shifts can make the springs weaker or less responsive.
- Cold weather makes springs brittle. When temperatures drop, metal loses flexibility and becomes more prone to cracking. Torsion and extension springs may even snap without warning if they’re already worn out.
- Heat weakens spring tension. In hot weather, metal softens slightly. While this doesn’t make springs floppy, it can cause them to lose some of their tightness, making your garage door feel heavier to the opener.
This seasonal back-and-forth doesn’t destroy springs overnight. It works gradually, reducing the lifespan of a part that already does a demanding job every single day.
How It Shows Up in Daily Use
You may not think about your springs until something goes wrong, but they often send warning signs first. Pay attention to these changes as the seasons shift:
- The door feels heavier when lifting by hand
- The automatic opener sounds strained or louder than usual
- The door doesn’t stay open fully or drifts downward
- The door slams shut faster than before
These symptoms suggest the springs aren’t holding proper tension. In colder months, doors may move jerkily or resist opening. In hotter months, they may feel out of balance, even if they don’t make much noise.
The Role of Humidity and Corrosion
Temperature isn’t the only seasonal factor. Humidity also plays a part. In many parts of the country, moisture levels spike during spring and summer. This moisture can settle on steel springs, causing rust to form. Even a thin layer of corrosion reduces spring strength over time.
Rust doesn’t just weaken the metal. It also increases friction, which makes springs less responsive. A garage door that once glided open smoothly might start moving unevenly. This can put added strain on both the springs and the opener system.
Preventing Seasonal Wear on Springs
The best way to manage these seasonal changes is to give your garage door regular care. Springs don’t need complicated maintenance, but they do benefit from a few simple steps:
- Lubricate regularly. Use a high-quality garage door lubricant to reduce friction. Avoid heavy grease that collects dirt and dust.
- Inspect springs visually. Look for gaps in the coils, rust spots, or uneven spacing.
- Test door balance. Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway by hand. If it doesn’t stay in place, the springs may need adjustment.
- Schedule professional service. A trained technician can safely adjust or replace springs before they fail.
Even with proper care, springs have a limited lifespan — typically around 7 to 10 years for most residential doors, depending on use. Seasonal changes simply speed up the wear.
Why Professional Adjustment Is Safer
Adjusting garage door springs on your own can be dangerous. These coils are tightly wound and store a tremendous amount of energy. A small slip can lead to serious injury. Professionals use specialized tools to adjust tension precisely. They can also spot early signs of failure that most homeowners overlook.
A technician doesn’t just tweak the springs. They check the entire door system to make sure it operates smoothly. This includes the opener, cables, and tracks. When the system is balanced, it runs quieter, lasts longer, and handles seasonal changes more gracefully.
What Happens If Springs Are Ignored
If springs are never adjusted or replaced, the door eventually becomes unbalanced. An unbalanced door puts excessive strain on the opener. Motors burn out faster, cables wear unevenly, and panels may even warp under uneven pressure.
In the worst cases, a spring can snap while the door is in motion. This can cause the door to slam down unexpectedly or get stuck halfway open. Beyond the inconvenience, this is a real safety hazard.
Questions Homeowners Often Ask
How often should garage door springs be checked?
At least once a year, ideally before major weather changes.
Can I just lubricate the springs instead of replacing them?
Lubrication helps but doesn’t fix a weak or damaged spring. If tension is off, adjustment or replacement is necessary.
Why does my garage door opener sound louder in winter?
Cold weather stiffens the springs and other moving parts. The opener has to work harder, creating more noise.
Do insulated garage doors reduce spring wear?
Insulated doors don’t directly protect the springs, but they stabilize the temperature inside your garage, reducing the extreme swings that affect spring tension.
What’s the difference between torsion and extension springs in seasonal changes?
Torsion springs mounted above the door tend to handle temperature shifts better than extension springs located along the sides. However, both types require regular checks.
Keeping Your Garage Door Reliable All Year
Spring tension is one of those details you rarely notice until there’s a problem. But paying attention to how seasonal changes affect your garage door can save you from sudden breakdowns. A well-maintained door not only operates smoothly but also protects your opener, cables, and panels from damage.
If you’re unsure whether your springs are holding proper tension, it’s better to have them inspected. Reliable Bullock Garage Doors can help you adjust, lubricate, or replace springs so your door performs consistently through every season.
