Broken Garage Door Spring: What Homeowners Need to Know

AAA Garage Door Service
Jul 29
4 min read

Updated: Aug 11

A broken garage door spring is one of the most common yet critical issues affecting garage door systems. Springs play an essential role in balancing and supporting the heavy weight of your garage door. When a spring breaks, your door can become difficult or even dangerous to operate. Understanding the signs of a broken spring, the repair process, and the importance of professional service can help you avoid bigger issues down the road.

Why Garage Door Springs Matter:

Garage doors may look simple, but they rely on carefully balanced mechanical systems to function smoothly. At the heart of this system are the springs, which manage the weight of the door by storing and releasing energy as the door moves.

Whether you’re opening the door manually or using an automatic opener, the springs do most of the heavy lifting. Without them, the door becomes extremely heavy and difficult—if not impossible—to move. A functioning spring ensures safety, smooth operation, and a longer lifespan for your garage door system.

Signs You Have a Broken Garage Door Spring:

When a garage door spring snapped, it usually happens suddenly. Here are the most common signs:

● A loud popping or snapping noise from the garage

● The door doesn’t open or closes too quickly

● The garage door appears crooked or out of alignment

● The opener strains or fails to lift the door

● A visible gap or break in the spring itself

If your garage door has any of these symptoms, it’s time to stop using it immediately. Continuing to operate the door could result in additional damage or even personal injury.

Why Springs Break?

Springs are under constant pressure and eventually wear out due to regular use. Common causes include:

● Wear over time: Springs are typically rated for about 10,000 cycles (a cycle is one full open and close). Daily use adds up quickly.

● Rust and corrosion: Without regular maintenance, springs can rust, weakening the metal and increasing the risk of breakage.

● Cold temperatures: In colder months, metal contracts and can snap under tension, especially in older springs.

● Lack of maintenance: Springs that are not lubricated or inspected regularly will wear out much faster than those that are maintained.

Types of Garage Door Springs:

Most systems use one of two types of springs. Knowing which kind you have helps determine the right repair approach.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They use torque to lift the door and are known for durability and balance. If your system uses these, and the spring breaks, a garage door torsion spring replacement will be required.

Torsion springs are under extreme pressure and should only be repaired or replaced by trained professionals.

Extension Springs

These are typically mounted along the sides of the garage door track and stretch as the door opens and closes. While they cost less and are easier to install, they wear out faster than torsion springs and can be dangerous if they snap.

Whether you have torsion or extension springs, any garage door spring repair should be handled by experts with proper tools and safety training.

Why You Should Never DIY a Broken Garage Door Spring:

When you experience a broken garage door spring, the instinct to fix it yourself can be strong. However, this is not a safe or recommended solution. The springs are under an incredible amount of tension. Improper handling can lead to serious injuries.

A qualified technician will have the right training and tools to:

● Safely remove the broken spring

● Install the correct replacement

● Adjust spring tension for balance

● Test the full door system to ensure safety and functionality

If your system has two springs, it’s a good idea to replace both at the same time. Garage door spring replacement for both ensures equal tension and better long-term performance.

When to Replace Instead of Repair:

Sometimes, a full replacement is the smarter option. Consider a complete garage door spring replacement when:

● The motor struggles to lift the door

● Springs show signs of rust, wear, or warping

● The door doesn't stay open or slams shut

● Replacement parts for your spring type are no longer available

● You're upgrading to a newer or heavier door

New springs help restore proper balance and improve door efficiency. It’s also a great time to perform a full system inspection and take care of any other mechanical wear.

Preventing Future Spring Problems:

While you can't stop wear entirely, proper maintenance can extend the life of your garage door springs and prevent sudden breakdowns:

● Lubricate springs regularly to minimize friction

● Schedule annual inspections by a garage door professional

● Clean tracks and moving parts to avoid debris buildup

● Keep an eye on door balance by testing how smoothly it opens and closes

● Listen for unusual sounds, such as squeaks, pops, or grinding noises

These small steps can save you from dealing with another emergency when your broken garage door spring snapped again.

Conclusion:

A broken garage door spring should never be ignored or handled casually. Springs are the foundation of safe, smooth garage door operation. When they fail, the door can become a major safety hazard.

Professional garage door spring repair or full garage door spring replacement is the only safe and effective way to restore balance to your system. Whether it's a minor repair or a full garage door torsion spring replacement, having an expert assess the damage and complete the work ensures lasting performance and peace of mind. Contact AAA Garage Door Services for more enquiry.

With regular maintenance and timely intervention, you can avoid dangerous breakdowns and keep your garage door running efficiently for years to come.