Key Takeaways
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Garage door springs do a lot of heavy lifting every time you open and close your door. When one breaks, it can bring your entire day to a halt. One minute you’re ready to roll, and the next, you’re stuck at home, running late for an important meeting.
While garage door springs can break without warning, there are often signs of wear or trouble worth paying attention to. Knowing what to look for can help you spot potential problems early or recognize a broken spring before trying to operate your door again.
What does a garage door spring do?
Your garage door springs do more than you realize! They counterbalance the door’s weight, allowing it to open and close smoothly without placing excessive strain on your garage door opener.
Most residential garage doors use one of two types of springs:
- Torsion springs, which are mounted above the garage door, wind and unwind to help lift and lower the door.
- Extension springs, typically located alongside the horizontal tracks, stretch and contract as the door moves.
Regardless of which type your system uses, a broken garage door spring can leave your door stuck or unsafe to operate. Because other mechanical problems can cause similar symptoms, it’s always best to hire a professional garage door technician to help determine whether a spring or another component is responsible.
7 Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
Not sure what to look for? Here are seven signs that may indicate your garage door spring is broken.
1. You hear a loud bang from the garage.
One of the most recognizable signs of a broken spring is a sudden, loud noise that sounds like a firecracker or gunshot. It’s startling, and it can happen even when the garage door isn’t in use. If you hear an unexplained bang, stop using the garage door and look for visible damage from a safe distance. Contact a professional before attempting to operate it again.
2. Your garage door won’t open.
Is your garage door opener running, but the door won’t budge? A broken spring could be the culprit. Without the spring’s support, the opener may not have enough lifting force to raise the door.
Of course, a garage door that won’t open isn’t always caused by a broken spring. Electrical issues, opener malfunctions and other mechanical problems can produce similar symptoms. If you’re unsure of the cause, consulting a local garage door technician is the best next step.
3. Your garage door only opens a few inches.
Sometimes, a garage door with a broken spring will begin to open, then suddenly stop or reverse. The opener may detect excessive resistance when it attempts to lift more weight than it was designed to handle. If your door starts moving but quickly stops, don’t keep pressing the opener button. Repeated attempts could damage the motor or other components.
4. There’s a visible gap in the spring.
A visible gap between the coils is one of the clearest indications of torsion spring failure. When one breaks, the spring may separate into two sections, leaving a noticeable gap. You may be able to spot the problem from a safe distance, but never touch, pull or attempt to adjust the springs yourself.
5. Your garage door looks crooked or uneven.
Does one side of your garage door appear higher than the other? A spring or cable problem can cause uneven movement, leaving the door crooked or stuck at an angle. A broken spring may also put additional strain on other components.
Keep in mind that an uneven door could also indicate garage door track or alignment problems. A professional inspection can determine the cause.
6. You notice loose or hanging cables.
Your garage door’s lift cables work with the spring system to raise and lower the door. When a spring breaks, the change in tension can cause cables to loosen, slip out of position or hang unexpectedly. Avoid touching or attempting to reconnect loose cables, as parts of the system may still be under significant tension.
7. Your garage door seems unusually heavy or closes too quickly.
Garage door springs help balance the door’s weight. Without that support, the door may feel much heavier than normal or move downward unexpectedly. If you’ve already noticed unusually heavy or rapid movement, stop operating the door immediately.
IMPORTANT: Never attempt to lift or lower the door manually to test whether a spring is broken. A garage door without proper spring support can be extremely difficult to control.
What Causes Garage Door Springs to Break?
Garage door springs don’t last forever. Every time you open and close your garage door, the springs complete another cycle, gradually accumulating wear. So how long do garage door springs last?
Many standard garage door springs are rated for approximately 10,000 cycles, and depending on how frequently you use your garage, that could translate to several years of operation.
Other factors that may contribute to spring failure include:
- Rust and corrosion: Moisture and salt air can accelerate corrosion, especially in coastal areas like Charleston.
- Lack of maintenance: Without regular inspections, early signs of wear or damage may go unnoticed.
- Improper installation: Springs that aren’t correctly selected or installed can create balance problems and unnecessary strain.
- Frequent daily use: The more often your garage door opens and closes, the faster its springs accumulate wear.
While routine maintenance can help identify potential problems, even well-maintained springs eventually reach the end of their service life. When that happens, you may be wondering…
What should you do if your garage door spring breaks?
If you think you’re dealing with a broken garage door spring, your first priority should be safety.
Follow these steps:
- Stop operating the garage door. Don’t repeatedly press the opener or attempt to force the door open or closed.
- Keep children, pets and vehicles away from the garage door, especially if it’s partially open.
- Leave the door where it is. Don’t attempt to lift, lower or reposition the door manually.
- Look for visible damage from a safe distance, including separated springs, loose cables or crooked panels.
- Hire a professional garage door technician who can identify the problem and safely replace damaged components.
Most importantly, avoid pulling the emergency release cord on a partially open or unstable door. Disconnecting the opener does not restore the support provided by the springs and could cause the door to fall unexpectedly.
For tips on how to care for your garage door system, read our “Simple Garage Door Maintenance Tip Guide.”
Need a garage door spring repair in Charleston? Call On Track!
At On Track Garage Doors, we’ve been helping Charleston and Lowcountry homeowners with professional garage door repairs since 2002. Our experienced technicians can identify the problem, explain your options and get your garage door operating safely again. So don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us today or call 843-697-1890 to get your garage door back on track!
FAQs
1. Can I open my garage door if the spring is broken?
You should not attempt to open a garage door with a broken spring. Without proper spring support, the door can be extremely heavy and unstable. Contact a professional for safe repairs.
2. How long do garage door springs last?
Many standard garage door springs are rated for approximately 10,000 opening and closing cycles. Actual lifespan depends on daily use, spring quality, installation and maintenance.
3. Should I replace both garage door springs if only one breaks?
If your garage door uses two springs of the same age, a technician may recommend replacing both. Since they’ve experienced similar wear, replacing them together can help avoid another service call if the second spring fails soon afterward.
4. Does a broken garage door spring mean I need a new garage door?
Not necessarily! Most broken garage door springs can be replaced without replacing the entire door. A professional can assess whether any additional damage requires attention.
