Garage door springs play a crucial role in smooth functioning, assisting the door to go up and down easily. A broken spring can lead to great inconvenience and even danger. The identification of the signs at an early stage can enable you to take the necessary steps before the damage worsens.
Without properly working springs, the entire system becomes strained, making it difficult for the door to operate safely. Ignoring early warning signs not only risks expensive repairs but also poses a serious safety hazard to anyone using the garage. Understanding the common symptoms of a failing spring can help you act quickly, protect your property, and ensure your garage door remains a reliable part of your daily routine.
General Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
1. Loud Bang or Snapping Noise
A sudden loud noise, like a gunshot, often indicates that a torsion spring has snapped. Since these springs hold a lot of tension, they can break with force, creating a noticeable sound.
If you hear this sound and notice door issues afterward, it’s best to stop using the door immediately for safety.
2. Garage Door Won’t Open or Feels Heavy
If your garage door is having trouble opening or seems heavier than usual, a malfunctioning spring may be the problem. The springs balance the door’s weight, so when they break, the door becomes hard to lift.
You might even hear the motor struggling if you attempt to open the door automatically.
3. Door Closes Too Fast or Unevenly
A working spring operates the movement of the door so that it remains smooth. The imbalance could be caused by a broken spring when the door gets slammed shut violently or seems distorted while opening.
This sudden jerky movement can also cause damage to the garage door panels over time.
4. Visible Gaps in the Spring
Check your torsion spring above the garage door. Notice if there’s a visible gap in the coil. That’s an indication the spring has been snapped and will require replacement.
Regularly inspecting the spring can help you catch early signs before complete failure.
5. Loose or Dangling Cables
When a spring breaks, the cables can become loose or even fall off the system. This can result in unbalanced movement and possible damage to other parts.
Dangling cables are a major safety hazard and should be addressed by a professional immediately.
What to Do if You Have a Broken Garage Door Spring?
Don’t Use the Garage Door
A broken spring renders the door unsafe to use. Do not force it open or close, as this will put stress on the motor and further damage it.
Disconnect the Opener
If you have no choice but to enter your garage, unplug the automatic opener and try lifting the door manually. But don’t try forcing it if the door is too heavy—this is proof that the spring is faulty.
Call a Professional
Garage door springs are heavily tensioned and should not be replaced by a layman. A professional technician is the best person to call for a secure and effective fix.
This article was written by a professional at 1 Stop Garage Doors. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses with top-quality garage door spring repair in Aurora, IL. We install premium doors and openers from trusted brands, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction. Our expert team provides cost-effective solutions, arriving with fully stocked trucks to handle repairs on the spot, including torsion spring replacements, drum and roller fixes, and general maintenance to keep your garage door functioning smoothly.
