Why Garage Door Springs Fail in Calgary’s Freeze-Thaw

Why Garage Door Spring Issues Are So Common in Calgary’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Calgary homeowners know all too well that the city’s freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on driveways, roads, and foundations — but what many don’t realize is that the same weather pattern can also destroy your garage door springs.

If your garage door suddenly won’t open after a cold snap or you hear a loud bang from the garage, there’s a good chance your garage torsion or extension spring just snapped. And it’s no coincidence — this type of failure is especially common in Calgary’s fluctuating winter and spring temperatures.

Let’s explore why it happens, how to spot it early, and what you can do to prevent expensive repairs.

What Are Freeze-Thaw Cycles, and Why Do They Matter?

In Calgary, it’s not unusual to see -10°C mornings followed by +10°C afternoons — especially in late winter or early spring. This daily swing between freezing and thawing causes moisture in the air (and inside metal components) to expand and contract rapidly.

Freeze-thaw cycles cause stress on nearly every part of your home’s exterior — but garage door springs are especially vulnerable due to:

• Constant tension (they’re wound tight 24/7)
• Metal fatigue over time
• Moisture exposure that leads to micro-cracks and rust
• Temperature swings that cause rapid contraction/expansion

Over time, these micro-stresses add up — until the spring fails altogether.

Why Garage Door Springs Are Prone to Breakage in Calgary

1. Steel Becomes Brittle in Extreme Cold

Cold air causes steel to contract and harden. This makes garage door springs more brittle, increasing the chance of a clean break — especially if the spring is already worn.

2. Moisture Leads to Internal Corrosion

Melted snow from tires or boots can splash onto your garage door system. That moisture seeps into springs, causing rust inside the coils. When the spring contracts in cold weather, that corrosion makes the metal more likely to snap.

3. Increased Daily Use During Winter

People often use the garage more in winter — to warm up the car, avoid scraping ice, or unload groceries. More daily open/close cycles = more spring tension used per day.

4. Poor Maintenance

In Calgary’s harsh climate, lubrication dries out faster. Without regular maintenance, friction builds and the spring’s lifespan shortens.

Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Failing

Garage door spring issues usually show symptoms before completely breaking:

• The door feels heavier than usual
• Loud bang or snapping noise
• Door rises unevenly or not at all
• Visible gap in the spring coil
• Jerky or shaky motion
• Door slams shut unexpectedly

Should You Try to Fix a Spring Yourself?

No. Garage door springs are under enormous tension. Attempting a DIY repair is extremely dangerous without the right tools and expertise.

In Calgary, it’s best to call a professional garage door company — especially during winter when conditions are already risky.

How to Prevent Garage Door Spring Issues in Calgary

Here’s how to extend the life of your springs during freeze-thaw season:

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Have your garage door inspected and lubricated at least once a year, ideally in late fall before the freeze-thaw cycle kicks in.

2. Use Cold-Weather Lubricants

Avoid cheap sprays — use silicone-based or lithium garage door lubricants that won’t freeze or gum up in Calgary temperatures.

3. Keep the Area Dry

Install floor drains or mats to limit water pooling near the spring system. Moisture + freezing = corrosion.

4. Don’t Force a Frozen Door

If the door is stuck shut due to cold or ice, don’t keep pressing the opener. You’ll overload the springs and possibly snap them.

Calgary Winters Demand Proactive Care

Garage door springs aren’t built to last forever — most have a lifespan of 10,000 cycles (1 open/close = 1 cycle). But in Calgary’s extreme winter conditions, even high-quality springs can wear down much faster.

Proactive maintenance, inspections, and knowing the signs of trouble can save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of winter headaches.

‍Need a Garage Door Repair Expert in Calgary?

C Town Doors specializes in garage door spring repair, maintenance, and same-day service — even in the middle of a cold snap.

We’re a trusted garage door company in Calgary with years of experience dealing with spring failures during Alberta’s harshest freeze-thaw cycles.