Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken (and What to Do)
Short answer: The most common signs of a broken garage door spring are a loud bang from the garage, a visible gap in the coiled spring above the door, a door that is suddenly very heavy or will only lift a few inches, and an opener that runs or strains while the door stays shut. If you see these, stop using the door and call a technician.
What are the signs of a broken garage door spring?
Look for these symptoms:
- A loud bang, like a firecracker, from the garage when nobody was using the door
- A visible gap of a few inches in the torsion spring on the bar above the door
- The door is extremely heavy to lift by hand, or slams down when released
- The opener hums, clicks or lifts the door only a few inches, then stops or reverses
- The door rises crooked, or the cables look loose or have come off their drums
- On extension spring doors: a spring hanging loose or stretched along the side track
Can I still open the garage door with a broken spring?
You should not. The springs carry most of the door's weight. Without them the opener and the person lifting are handling that full weight, which can burn out the opener or let the door fall. Leave the door closed if you can.
Is garage door spring replacement a do-it-yourself job?
It is not recommended. Torsion springs store a large amount of energy and winding them without the correct tools and training can cause serious injury. Spring replacement is one of the most common professional garage door repairs.
What should I do right now?
Unplug the opener, keep people and pets away from the door, do not try to unwind the spring, and request a technician. If your car is trapped inside, mark the request as an emergency.
More questions
How long do garage door springs last?
Springs are rated in open-and-close cycles. A door used many times a day wears its springs out sooner than one used once or twice.
Why did my spring break in cold weather?
Steel springs are under constant tension, and existing wear and rust make breaks more likely; a break often shows up on a cold morning when the door is first used.
Do I need a torsion or an extension spring?
It depends on how your door was built. A technician will match the spring type and size to the weight of your door.
Need help with your door?
Request a free quote from a local technician. Related services: Garage Door Spring Repair, Garage Door Opener Repair & Installation, Off-Track Garage Door Repair, New Garage Door Installation, Emergency & Same-Day Garage Door Repair, Commercial Garage Door Repair.
Other guides: Garage door repair cost guide, Garage door stuck or off track, East Texas garage door maintenance tips.
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