Why torsion springs on industrial overhead doors are more vulnerable during cold periods

During cold periods, industrial overhead doors are exposed to conditions that place additional strain on mechanical components. Low temperatures, higher humidity and intensive daily use increase the risk of wear and failure—especially for torsion springs. For service and maintenance technicians, this is a recurring pattern that returns almost every year once cold weather persists.

Torsion springs are a critical component of industrial overhead doors. They ensure proper door balance and allow heavy door panels to be opened and closed in a controlled manner. When temperatures drop, the behaviour of these springs changes, increasing the likelihood of malfunctions.

The effect of cold temperatures on torsion springs

Torsion springs are made of steel, and steel reacts directly to temperature changes. At low temperatures, the material becomes stiffer and less flexible. As a result, the spring is less able to absorb peak loads during opening and closing cycles. Internal stresses increase, particularly in springs that have been in use for a longer period of time.

In practice, this means that wear which would not cause immediate issues under normal conditions can suddenly lead to failures during cold periods. For industrial overhead doors—which are often heavy and operated frequently—this effect is even more pronounced.

The importance of winter-focused maintenance

Regular maintenance of industrial overhead doors is especially important during cold periods. A torsion spring failure in winter not only causes downtime but can also result in additional damage to other components of the door system.

Timely inspection of torsion springs for wear and tension helps prevent many problems. Checking the overall door balance and the condition of the torsion shaft and cables also contributes to reliable operation throughout the winter months. Preventive maintenance reduces unplanned service calls and minimises risks for both installations and users.

Torsion springs for industrial overhead doors at IDD-Parts

For maintenance companies and service technicians working on industrial overhead doors, IDD-Parts offers a wide range of torsion springs and related components. Through the webshop, torsion springs can be easily selected based on the correct specifications, making the ordering process clear and efficient.

This allows technicians to respond quickly to breakdowns and to purchase parts preventively before cold weather takes its toll. Having the right torsion springs available in time ensures smooth maintenance operations and minimises downtime for end users. As a result, industrial overhead doors remain reliable even during cold periods.