When a garage door spring breaks, your door becomes dead weight—heavy, stubborn, and stuck.
This guide dives into what garage door springs do, how to spot a break, what steps to take next, and how to prevent future failures.
If you’ve ever been caught with a stuck door, this is the breakdown you need.
What happens when a garage door spring breaks?
When a garage door spring breaks, the door becomes difficult or impossible to open. The spring is responsible for the door’s balance, and a broken one can put strain on other components.
Key Takeaways
- Garage door springs are essential for the smooth operation of your garage door, and a broken spring can cause serious problems.
- There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs, and each plays a crucial role in the door’s movement.
- If a spring breaks, it’s important to avoid using the garage door until it’s repaired to prevent further damage or injury.
The Role of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are crucial components that help the door open and close smoothly.
Without these springs, the motor or opener wouldn’t be able to lift the heavy weight of the garage door. There are two main types of springs used in most residential garage doors:
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are typically located above the garage door opening. They are wound tightly and provide the necessary tension to lift the door.
As the door opens, the torsion spring unwinds, and as the door closes, it winds up again.
Extension Springs
Extension springs are placed along the sides of the door. They stretch and contract to help the door open and close.
Unlike torsion springs, which provide force directly to the door, extension springs assist in the lifting and lowering process by stretching and extending.
Both types of springs are under a lot of tension, and over time, they can wear out due to constant use.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
A broken garage door spring can disrupt the entire operation of your garage door, leading to several issues. Here’s what happens when a spring breaks:
The Garage Door Stops Working
When a torsion or extension spring breaks, it disrupts the balance of the door.
If the spring fails, the door can no longer lift or lower properly. In most cases, the door will either remain stuck in the open or closed position.
If the door is stuck open, it can leave your garage vulnerable to the elements or security risks.
The Door May Be Unbalanced
A broken spring causes the door to become unbalanced. This can place strain on the garage door opener and other components.
Over time, this can lead to additional damage, such as a motor failure or damage to the tracks.
The Door Might Close Suddenly
In some cases, when a spring breaks, it can cause the door to close abruptly. If the spring is on one side only, the door could drop unevenly, causing the door to crash down.
This can be dangerous, especially if someone is standing under the door when it falls.
Increased Strain on the Garage Door Opener
If one spring breaks, the other spring has to carry the entire weight of the door. This can place an undue strain on the remaining spring and the garage door opener.
It’s essential to get both springs replaced at the same time to prevent additional damage.
How to Identify a Broken Garage Door Spring
Identifying a broken garage door spring is fairly simple if you know what to look for. Here are some signs that your garage door spring may have broken:
The Door Won’t Open: If you press the opener button and the door doesn’t move, the spring may have snapped.
Visible Gaps: If you can see a gap in the spring or if it looks stretched out of shape, it’s likely broken.
Uneven Door Movement: If one side of the door appears to be lower than the other or if the door seems uneven, it could be due to a broken spring.
Loud Noises: A loud snap or bang from the garage area may indicate that the spring has broken.
What to Do If Your Garage Door Spring Breaks
If you suspect that your garage door spring has broken, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
Don’t Attempt to Open or Close the Door
If you try to open or close the door after a spring has broken, you could cause further damage or even injure yourself.
The door is under tension, and it can be dangerous to handle it without proper knowledge or tools.
Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
If the door is stuck in the open or closed position, the first thing to do is to disconnect the garage door opener. This will stop the motor from trying to move the door when it’s unable to do so.
Pull the emergency release cord, which is typically a red rope hanging from the trolley. This will disconnect the door from the opener, allowing you to manually lift or lower the door if needed.
Call a Professional
Replacing garage door springs is a job best left to professionals. Springs are under significant tension, and attempting to replace them yourself can be dangerous.
A professional will have the right tools and expertise to safely replace the broken spring and restore the functionality of your door.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
While it’s technically possible to replace a garage door spring yourself, it’s not recommended due to the high tension involved. It’s safest to hire a professional to avoid injury.
2. How long do garage door springs last?
Garage door springs typically last about 10,000 cycles, which equals roughly 7 to 10 years, depending on how often the door is used.
3. How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring?
The cost of replacing a garage door spring can vary, but on average, it ranges from $150 to $350, depending on the type of spring and labour costs.
Conclusion
A broken garage door spring can disrupt your daily routine, but understanding how to identify, respond to, and prevent spring failure can save you time and money.
Regular maintenance and professional repair are essential for keeping your garage door in good working order.
If you encounter a broken spring, don’t attempt to fix it yourself; call in a professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your garage door remains functional and safe for years to come.
