A garage door that will not open does not automatically mean the opener has failed. In many cases, a broken garage door spring is the real problem. Continuing to press the opener or forcing the door upward can damage other components and create a safety hazard. Knowing the signs of spring failure can help you respond safely. Below, we will explain what a garage door spring does, how to recognize when it has broken, and what steps to take next.
What Does a Garage Door Spring Do?
A garage door spring supports the door’s weight and helps it open and close in a controlled motion. Garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds, but properly tensioned springs counterbalance that weight so the opener can move the door without excessive strain.
Most systems use either torsion springs mounted above the door or extension springs installed along the sides of the tracks. Both types store and release energy as the door moves. When a spring breaks or loses tension, the door may become extremely heavy, move unevenly, or stop opening altogether.
What Are the Signs of a Broken Spring?
A broken garage door spring often causes immediate and noticeable changes in how the door looks, sounds, or moves. Watch for these common warning signs.
You Hear a Loud Bang
A spring releases a significant amount of tension when it breaks, often creating a loud bang inside the garage. You may hear the noise even when no one is operating the door.
The Garage Door Will Not Open
The opener may struggle to lift the door, move it only a few inches, or fail to open it at all. Although this can resemble an opener problem, a broken spring may be the actual cause.
The Door Feels Extremely Heavy
A working spring supports much of the door’s weight. When it breaks, the door can become too heavy to lift safely by hand. Do not force it open.
The Door Opens Unevenly
A failed spring can cause the garage door to rise crookedly, move in a jerky motion, or become stuck in the tracks. This uneven movement can place additional stress on the cables, rollers, and opener.
You Can See a Gap in the Spring
A visible gap in a torsion spring above the garage door usually indicates that it has snapped. Extension springs may look stretched, loose, or disconnected.
The Cables Look Loose or Damaged
When a spring breaks, the cables may lose tension, hang loosely, or fall out of place. While the cables may appear to be the problem, the broken spring could be the underlying cause.
Can You Use a Garage Door With a Broken Spring?
You should not use a garage door with a broken spring. Without proper spring tension, the door becomes extremely heavy and may move unevenly, close unexpectedly, or become stuck. Attempting to operate it can also place excessive strain on the opener, cables, rollers, and tracks.
Keep the garage door closed and avoid repeatedly pressing the opener. If the door is already open, keep people, pets, and vehicles away from it and contact a professional for service. A trained technician can secure the door, identify the damaged components, and complete the necessary repairs safely.
What Should You Do If Your Garage Door Spring Breaks?
If you suspect a broken spring, stop operating the door immediately. Continuing to use it can damage other components and increase the risk of the heavy door falling or moving unexpectedly.
Take these steps while waiting for professional service:
- Keep children and pets away from the garage door.
- Do not repeatedly press the garage door opener.
- Avoid lifting or lowering the door by hand.
- Do not pull the emergency release if the door is open.
- Never stretch, reconnect, or replace the spring yourself.
- Contact a garage door professional for an inspection and repair.
Garage door springs hold significant tension, so attempting a do-it-yourself repair can lead to serious injury. Leave the door in its current position and wait for a trained technician to handle it safely.
Why Should a Professional Replace a Broken Spring?
A garage door spring stores a significant amount of tension, making replacement dangerous without the proper training and tools. If the spring releases unexpectedly during installation, it can cause serious injury or damage nearby property.
A professional can identify the correct spring type and size, install it safely, and properly balance the garage door. The technician can also inspect the cables, rollers, tracks, and opener for damage caused by the broken spring. If the door uses two springs of the same age, replacing both may help provide balanced performance and reduce the chance of another service call soon afterward.
Get Help With a Broken Garage Door Spring
A loud bang, heavy door, uneven movement, loose cables, or a visible gap in the spring can all signal a broken garage door spring. If you notice any of these warning signs, stop operating the door and schedule professional service. Attempting to force or repair the door yourself can cause further damage or serious injury.
Homeowners in Lancaster County can contact Calder Door & Specialty Co. for dependable garage door spring repair. Our experienced technicians can identify the problem, replace the damaged spring, and restore safe operation to your door.
