February 12, 2025
You press the remote, expecting your garage door to open smoothly, but nothing happens.
Maybe you hear a clicking noise, a motor struggling, or worse—complete silence. If your garage door isn’t opening, a broken spring is one of the most common reasons.
Garage door springs are small but powerful. They counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easy for the opener to lift.
When a spring snaps, the entire system is affected, leaving the door too heavy to move.
Many homeowners don’t realize the importance of these springs until they break.
Without proper maintenance, they wear down over time and eventually fail.
Understanding why this happens and how to fix it can save you time, money, and frustration.
How Garage Door Springs Work and Why They Break
Garage doors operate using two types of springs: torsion springs, which are mounted above the door and twist to store energy, and extension springs, which are located on the sides and stretch to provide lifting power.
Both types play a crucial role in balancing the door’s weight, making it easier to open and close.
However, they have a limited lifespan measured in cycles, with one cycle equaling a full opening and closing of the door.
Over time, wear and tear can cause these springs to weaken or break, leading to issues with garage door functionality.
Common Reasons Garage Door Springs Break
1. Wear and Tear
Most springs last 10,000 cycles, which is about 7-10 years with regular use. If your garage door is used frequently, the springs wear out faster.
2. Rust and Corrosion
Rust weakens the metal, causing the springs to snap sooner. Lubricating them regularly can help extend their lifespan.
3. Poor Maintenance
Springs need regular inspections. Without proper maintenance, they weaken over time without visible signs until they break.
4. Temperature Changes
Cold winters and hot summers can make springs expand and contract, leading to faster wear.
5. Improper Spring Size
If the wrong type of spring is installed, it may not support the door properly, causing it to wear out too soon.
A study from the International Door Association (IDA) confirms that garage doors with well-maintained springs operate 40% more efficiently than those with neglected components.
Signs That Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
If you notice any issues, stop using the door immediately to avoid further damage. A broken spring doesn’t always mean loud noises or visible damage.
Here are key signs to watch for:
- The Door Won’t Open or Is Heavy
- You Heard a Loud Snap
- Cables Look Loose or Disconnected
- The Door Opens a Few Inches and Stops
- Visible Gaps or Damage in the Spring
Why Your Garage Door Won't Open with a Broken Spring
A garage door opener is not strong enough to lift a heavy door alone. It relies on springs to reduce the weight.
Here’s why your door stays shut when a spring breaks:
The Opener’s Motor Is Overloaded
Most motors are designed to work with balanced doors. A broken spring makes the door too heavy, and the motor may shut off to prevent damage.
Safety Mechanisms Prevent Operation
Modern garage door openers have built-in safety features that detect broken springs and stop the door from moving.
Lifting the Door Manually Can Be Dangerous
If you try to lift a door with a broken spring, you risk injury because of its weight.
The Cables May Tangle or Snap
Broken torsion springs often lead to cable issues, making manual operation impossible.
Temporary Solutions Before a Professional Repair
These solutions are temporary. A professional should replace the spring as soon as possible to restore safe operation.
If you need immediate access to your garage, here are some safe steps:
Use the Emergency Release Cord
Most garage doors have a red emergency release cord that disconnects the door from the opener. Pulling it allows you to lift the door manually. However, this only works if the door isn’t too heavy.
Lift the Door with Help
If necessary, two people can try to manually lift the door. Never attempt this alone, as the weight can cause injuries.
Keep the Door Closed Until Repair
If you don’t need immediate access, wait for a professional to prevent further damage.
Check for Secondary Damage
Inspect cables, rollers, and tracks for issues that may have been caused when the spring broke.
When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Spring Replacement
Replacing garage door springs is not a DIY job. The high tension in these springs makes them dangerous to handle without proper tools and training.
According to The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 30,000 garage door injuries occur yearly, many from DIY repairs gone wrong.
A trained technician ensures a safe and proper fix.
Hire a professional if:
- The door is too heavy to lift manually.
- You see damaged cables or tracks.
- You heard a loud snap and the door won’t move.
- The springs have visible gaps or rust.
What to Do When Your Garage Door Spring Breaks
A broken garage door spring is a major inconvenience, but understanding why it happens and what to do can help you take action quickly.
If your garage door isn’t opening and you suspect a broken spring, don’t force it.
Contact Peter and Sons Construction for safe and professional garage door spring replacement.
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