Garage door springs are the literal driving force of your garage door. Those springs are essential to the operation of a door, carrying almost all the door’s weight and making it lift and lower with minimal effort. If they do fail, you probably have a door that acts like it is stuck. So, how can you know if your garage door spring is broken?
In this post, we are going to break down the signs, identify some of the things you should watch out for, and discuss what your next steps might include.
Understanding Garage Door Springs: The Heart of Your Garage Door’s Operation
Before discussing the signs of worn garage door springs, it’s important to know what garage door springs are! Most garage doors are powered by either torsion or extension springs.
- Torsion springs: Located on top of the door and loaded horizontally, torsion springs wind and unwind as the door is opened or closed.
- Extension springs: These springs run alongside your garage door and make it possible for the door to open and close up and down by stretching and contracting with tension.
Both types work hard every time you open or close the door, and because of that, they wear down over time. If one of these springs breaks, you’ll definitely know something’s wrong.
Why Garage Door Springs Break
The majority of garage door springs are good for around 10,000 cycles. One full opening and closing of your door is considered a cycle which can add up faster than you may think if you come and go 5+ times per day.
This builds up over time, and ultimately, the springs will simply wear out or break due to normal wear and tear. Rust or wear from lack of maintenance can accelerate this process.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
A broken garage door spring does not always give you as loud a warning, but there are some signs that will let you know. Listed below are some of the symptoms of broken garage door springs.
1. A Loud Bang
Was there ever a loud bang you heard from your garage unexpectedly? That could be the sound of your garage door spring snapping. Torsion springs have an immense amount of tension wound into them, and when they break, that tension can be released all at once in what sounds like a firecracker or a gunshot. If you hear a loud bang, you likely have a garage door torsion spring failure.
2. Your Door Opens a Few Inches And Then Stops
When your door opens but ceases to lift more than a few inches, you have one of the strongest indicators of a broken spring on your hands. The springs are there to help the garage door opener lift most of the weight; without them, your garage door opener is not strong enough to raise the door. That is a sign that you require a garage door spring replacement.
3. The Door Feels Extremely Heavy
If you try to open your garage door manually and it feels unusually heavy, there’s a good chance the spring is broken. Springs counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easy to lift. Without them, you’ll feel the full weight of the door, which can easily exceed 100 pounds or more.
4. Your Garage Door Appears Crooked
Sometimes, a broken extension spring causes the door to look crooked or misaligned. This happens when one side of the door lifts more than the other. You may also notice that one of the cables appears loose or detached.
5. Visible Gaps in the Torsion Spring
Inspecting your torsion spring for a visible gap is another way to check if your garage door spring is broken. If you see a gap or separation in the coil, that’s a clear indicator that the spring has snapped.
6. Garage Door Slams Shut Suddenly
When the spring breaks, the door’s balance is thrown off, and it might slam shut with more force than usual. This not only damages the door itself but can also be dangerous if someone or something is in its path.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to stop using your garage door immediately and take the next steps to address the problem.
How to Check If Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
If you suspect your spring is broken but you’re not sure, here’s a simple way to test it safely:
- Disconnect the Garage Door Opener – Pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the door from the opener. This will allow you to operate the door manually.
- Lift the Door Manually – Try lifting the door. If the springs are working properly, the door should be relatively easy to lift and stay in place when partially open. If it’s difficult to lift or slams down, the springs may be damaged or broken.
- Inspect the Springs – Look closely at the springs. For torsion springs, check for any visible gaps or separations in the coil. For extension springs, see if any part of the spring looks stretched out or broken.
Remember, garage door springs are under high tension. If you think your spring is broken, avoid touching or tampering with it. Always prioritize safety, and when in doubt, call a professional to fix the garage door spring.
Why Your Garage Door Won’t Open: The Spring Could Be to Blame
One of the most common reasons for a garage door that won’t open is a broken spring. Without a functioning spring, your door simply doesn’t have the support it needs to lift. You might notice that your garage door opener makes a noise, but the door itself doesn’t move. This is because the opener’s motor isn’t designed to lift the full weight of the door on its own.
If this happens to you, avoid using force to open the door. You can damage the opener and, in some cases, cause the door to come off its tracks. Instead, follow these steps:
- Use the Emergency Release Cord – This will disconnect the opener, allowing you to open the door manually. However, without a working spring, lifting the door will be difficult and dangerous.
- Call a Professional – When it comes to garage door spring repair, it’s always best to leave it to the experts. California Garage Door Repair has years of experience dealing with all types of garage door spring issues and can quickly diagnose and fix the problem.
Troubleshooting Garage Door Spring Problems
Before you panic, it’s worth checking if the problem is truly a broken spring or something else. Here are a few troubleshooting steps to consider:
- Check the door’s balance: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, the springs are likely in good condition. If it falls, the springs might be broken.
- Inspect the cables: Broken springs often result in loose or dangling cables. If you see this, it’s another indicator that the spring has failed.
- Look for rust: Rust weakens the metal and can cause springs to break prematurely. If you spot rust, your springs may be nearing the end of their life.
If you’re still unsure, California Garage Door Repair offers thorough inspections to identify any spring-related issues and provide a solution.
When to Replace a Broken Garage Door Spring
Once you’ve confirmed your spring is broken, it’s crucial to replace it as soon as possible. Continuing to use your garage door with a damaged spring puts extra strain on the opener, leading to more expensive garage door repair down the line. Additionally, a broken spring is a serious safety hazard.
How often should you replace a garage door spring? The lifespan depends on the type of spring and the number of cycles it’s rated for. As mentioned earlier, most springs last around 10,000 cycles, which typically equates to 7-10 years of use. If you use your garage door more frequently, you may need to replace the springs sooner.
California Garage Door Repair can help you determine whether your springs need replacing and offer expert installation services to ensure your garage door is back in working order.
Fixing a Broken Garage Door Spring: Why You Should Hire a Professional
Fixing a broken garage door spring isn’t a DIY-friendly job. Springs are under immense tension, and attempting to replace one without the proper tools or expertise can lead to serious injury. In fact, handling torsion springs without experience is particularly risky, as they store enough energy to cause severe harm.
Hiring a professional not only ensures the job is done safely but also gives you peace of mind that your garage door will operate smoothly for years to come. California Garage Door Repair specializes in garage door spring replacements and can quickly and efficiently fix your door, saving you the hassle and danger of trying to do it yourself.
Fix a Broken Garage Door Spring With California Garage Door Repair!
A broken garage door spring is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a safety hazard and a risk to your home’s security. Ignoring the signs of a broken garage door spring or trying to force the door open can lead to further damage and costly repairs. That’s why it’s essential to know what to look for and to take action as soon as possible.
At California Garage Door Repair, we have the expertise to handle all types of garage door issues, from broken springs to complete replacements. Our team is ready to provide quick, reliable service, ensuring your garage door is safe, secure, and fully operational.
Don’t wait until a minor issue turns into a major problem—contact California Garage Door Repair today to schedule a professional inspection or spring replacement. Your garage door will thank you!
