Broken Garage Door Springs? Here’s What You Need to Know

05-07-2025

Is My Garage Door Spring Broke?

A garage door is something we often take for granted—until it stops working. One of the most common and frustrating issues homeowners face is a broken garage door spring. If your garage door won’t open, feels unusually heavy, or suddenly slams shut, there's a good chance a spring is to blame.  Lets go over what you need to know about garage door springs and when it's time to call us when you have a broken garage door spring.

Garage door springs are critical components that counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easier to open and close manually or with a garage door opener.  A broken garage door spring is more than an inconvenience—it’s a safety issue. Don’t ignore the signs or try to tackle the repair yourself.

There are two main types of springs:

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Torsion Springs
Mounted above the garage door, they use torque to lift the door.
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Extension Springs
Located on either side of the door, they stretch and contract to provide lift.
 

What Are The Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring?

A broken garage door spring can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately. Here are common signs that indicate your garage door spring may be broken:
  • Loud Bang or Snap | A sudden loud noise, like a firecracker or gunshot, coming from the garage may indicate a spring has snapped.
  •  Garage Door Won’t Open (or Only Partially) | The door may not lift at all, or it may only rise a few inches before stopping. This is especially noticeable if you're trying to open it manually.
  •  Heavy Garage Door | If the door feels extremely heavy to lift manually, it’s likely the spring isn't doing its job of counterbalancing the weight.
  • Crooked or Uneven Door | A broken torsion spring can cause the door to lift unevenly, tilting to one side.
  • Visible Spring Damage | Look for a visible gap in the torsion spring or any stretched, elongated, or loose-looking springs.
  • Slow or Jerky Movement | The door might move slowly, stop and start, or appear jerky during operation.
  • Cables Appear Loose or Unwound | When a spring breaks, the cables can come loose or hang down.
  • Opener Struggles or Motor Keeps Running | If the opener hums or strains but the door doesn’t move, it may be trying to compensate for the broken spring.
Did you know that most garage door springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and one close). Depending on usage, that might last 7–10 years or even less in high-traffic households.
 


Why You Should Hire Mike Cropp's Door Service

Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury or even death if handled improperly. Professionals are trained to safely remove and install springs using the correct tools and procedures. We know how to identify the right type and size of spring for your door, balance the door properly, as well as adjust tension accurately.  Replacing a spring can be time-consuming and frustrating without experience. Our professionals can typically complete the job in a fraction of the time, with better results.
 
Posted In: Garage Door Repair -