Living in Calgary means we deal with winters that test not only us but also the things we depend on every day. Our garage doors are one of those things. The bitter cold, heavy snow, and sudden drops in temperature put extra strain on every part of the door system. Above all, the springs often take the hardest hit. When springs wear down or snap, the door becomes unsafe and inconvenient to use. In this post, we want to explain how our winters affect these springs, what to watch for, and how we can keep them working as long as possible.

Why Garage Door Springs Are Vulnerable in Winter

Springs hold the tension that lets a heavy garage door move smoothly. When the temperature drops sharply, the metal contracts. As a result, the spring steel loses some flexibility and becomes more brittle. This makes it easier for cracks or breaks to appear. In other words, the freezing cold changes how strong the spring feels and how long it can last.

During a mild season, springs may last for years without much issue. However, in a city like Calgary, the repeated cycle of freezing nights and slightly warmer days pushes the material past its limits. That is to say, what might work fine in another region can fail here much sooner because of the climate.

The Impact of Moisture and Ice

Snowfall is part of our daily life in winter, and moisture always finds a way inside. When water gets into the metal coils, it creates rust. Rust weakens steel by eating away at its surface, which makes the spring prone to snapping under pressure. Moreover, ice buildup around the springs or the tracks makes movement harder and adds more strain.

For example, if the springs are already carrying a heavy load, extra resistance from frozen parts can push them past their safe working range. Consequently, the springs may break suddenly, leaving the garage door stuck halfway or crashing down with full weight. This is why keeping the area around the door clear of ice is not just about convenience but safety as well.

Temperature Fluctuations and Metal Fatigue

Calgary winters are not just cold, they swing back and forth. One day might be below -25°C and the next closer to zero. These fluctuations expand and contract metal over and over again. Each cycle creates tiny stress points in the spring material. After that, the coil no longer handles weight evenly, which shortens its lifespan.

Similarly, this constant stress is like bending a paperclip back and forth. It holds for a while but eventually snaps. Our garage door springs work the same way, except they carry hundreds of pounds each time the door moves. The more often they go through this cycle in cold weather, the faster they wear out.

Signs Your Springs Are Struggling

We often notice problems with springs before they fail completely if we pay attention. A door that opens unevenly or makes loud squealing or popping noises is a common warning. Likewise, if the door feels heavier than usual or slips down when we try to hold it halfway, that signals the springs have lost tension.

Another sign is a visible gap in the coil, which means the spring has cracked. Certainly, ignoring these signs is risky because when a spring breaks, the sudden release of energy can damage the door or injure someone nearby. Our team always recommends acting quickly when any of these warnings appear.

Preventive Maintenance During Winter

We cannot control the weather, but we can control how prepared our garage doors are. Regular checks during winter are one of the best habits to protect the springs. Lubricating the coils with a silicone-based product reduces friction and keeps rust from forming. In addition, clearing ice and snow around the door tracks reduces extra strain.

We also suggest checking the balance of the door. To clarify, a properly balanced door should stay in place if lifted halfway. If it drops, that means the springs are not doing their job. Handling a spring issue is not something we should attempt on our own, but spotting it early saves us from sudden failure. For those living locally, getting support from experts in garage door repair Calgary can make a big difference in safety and cost.

The Role of Proper Installation

Springs are not one-size-fits-all. They must be matched to the weight and size of the specific door. When a spring is too weak, it wears out faster in cold conditions because it carries more load than designed. On the other hand, if it is too strong, the door may not open smoothly and can strain the opener motor.

In Calgary’s extreme weather, proper installation is even more important. A well-fitted spring has enough strength to handle both the weight of the door and the added stress of winter. Most importantly, it reduces the chance of sudden failure during the coldest days when repairs are hardest to manage. For instance, our team always checks that the right type of spring is in place before moving forward with any service.

Why Professional Help Matters

Fixing or replacing garage door springs is one of the most dangerous repair jobs around the home. Springs hold enormous tension, and if they snap during handling, the force can cause serious injury. Therefore, calling professionals is not about convenience but about safety. Trained technicians use the right tools and methods to release or adjust the springs without risk.

Moreover, experienced help ensures that the door works correctly once the repair is done. A door that moves smoothly reduces wear on other parts like the opener, rollers, and cables. For residents who need quick solutions during a breakdown, arranging emergency garage door service in Calgary is the safest choice.

Long-Term Cost Savings

At first, replacing springs or scheduling maintenance may feel like an extra expense. However, neglect often leads to larger problems that cost much more. A broken spring can damage the opener motor, bend the tracks, or even cause the door panels to crack. Each of these repairs is more expensive than simple spring maintenance.

Similarly, a door stuck halfway during a cold snap exposes our garage and home to freezing air, which raises heating costs. Investing in timely care saves money by avoiding both repair bills and higher energy use. This is one of the main reasons our team values preventive checks in winter. For detailed support, we often suggest scheduling regular Calgary garage door inspections before the season hits hardest.

FAQs

Why do garage door springs break more often in winter?

Cold weather makes metal brittle and less flexible. Repeated freezing and thawing also weaken springs, causing them to snap under the heavy load of the garage door.

How can I tell if my springs are failing?

Look for signs like a door that feels heavier, drops when half-open, makes loud noises, or has visible gaps in the coils.

Is it safe to replace garage door springs myself?

No, handling springs without training and proper tools is very dangerous. It is always best to let professionals do the repair.

How often should garage door springs be serviced in Calgary?

We suggest having them checked at least once a year, especially before winter, to reduce the risk of sudden failure.

What is the average lifespan of garage door springs?

In normal conditions, springs may last 7 to 10 years, but in Calgary’s extreme winters, they often need replacement sooner depending on usage.