It’s quite frustrating and inconvenient for any user to deal with a broken garage door spring.
The garage door suddenly becomes heavy, unresponsive, or even stuck—adding more to the frustration and leaving the user scrambling for a solution. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to avoid unnecessary repair costs or a DIY enthusiast looking for safe solutions, here is a comprehensive guide to help you cope up with this issue.
Garage door springs are crucial components of your garage door system. They counterbalance the door’s weight for easy opening and closure—either manually or with an automatic garage door opener.
There are two primary types of garage door springs:
This spring is mounted above the garage door and uses torque to lift and lower the door.
It is positioned along the tracks on both sides. It stretches and contracts to handle the door’s weight.
When a garage door spring breaks, the door becomes heavier as the counterbalancing mechanism fails— making it difficult to operate smoothly. The broken garage door spring strains other components. For example it can further damage the cables and openers if not fixed promptly.
A broken garage door spring doesn’t occur due to not a single problem. It is mostly accompanied by one or more telltale signs:
Springs often break with a distinct popping or snapping sound.
Without the spring, the garage door feels significantly heavier.
The opener motor runs, but the door doesn’t move.
The door may tilt or look crooked as it tries to move.
You might notice the cables dangling or loose.
These symptoms make it clear that a spring replacement is necessary. However, you may need to open the door temporarily for access.
It may be tempting to rely on the automatic opener, but doing so with a broken spring can cause serious damage:
The motor must work harder to lift the heavy door, leading to overheating or burnout.
Additional stress can cause cables to snap, creating a dangerous situation.
Misuse can damage tracks, rollers, and the opener itself, requiring more extensive repairs.
Always switch to manual operation until the spring is professionally repaired.
Prevention is key to avoiding unexpected spring breakage. Regular maintenance and proper usage can significantly extend the lifespan of your garage door springs.
Check the springs every few months for signs of wear, rust, or stretching. If the coils look loose or corroded, it’s time to consult a professional.
Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the springs, rollers, and tracks to reduce friction and prevent wear. Avoid using grease, which can attract dust and debris.
Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway. A properly balanced door will stay in place. If it moves up or down, the springs may need adjustment.
Frequent operation increases wear on the springs. Use the door only when necessary, especially in high-traffic households.
Professional technicians can identify issues early, perform tension adjustments, and replace worn components before they fail.
Attempting to replace a broken spring yourself is risky and requires specialized tools and knowledge. Incorrect installation can lead to severe injury or further damage to your garage door system.
For safe, reliable spring replacement, trust the experts at G Brothers Garage Doors. Their seasoned technicians provide:
Get your garage door back in working order quickly.
Durable springs that ensure long-term performance.
Addressing all related components for smooth operation.
In addition to spring maintenance, proper care of the entire garage door system ensures longevity and reliability:
Use a cloth to wipe away dirt and debris that could obstruct movement.
Misaligned tracks or rollers can stress springs and other parts.
Damaged seals can expose components to moisture, leading to rust and corrosion.
Still, opening a garage door with a broken spring isn’t completely impossible. You can do it if necessary and with extreme care. Following the steps in this guide ensures safety and avoids further damage. However, the best long-term solution is prompt spring replacement by trusted professionals like G Brothers Garage Doors.
Regular maintenance and proactive care help prevent most of the issues. A simple upkeep routine saves you time, stress, and money. By investing in professional inspections and taking a hands-on approach keep your garage door reliable and functional for years to come.
Yes, but it requires extra caution and assistance due to the increased weight. Never attempt to lift it alone.
With proper care, torsion and extension springs can last 7–9 years, depending on usage.
A sagging door, visible rust, or uneven operation are clear indicators your springs may fail soon.
Check with your installer or manufacturer. Some companies offer warranties for specific periods, covering parts and labor.