When your garage door suddenly stops working, a broken spring is often the culprit. The springs on your garage door play a crucial role in lifting and lowering the door safely and smoothly. When one of them fails, it can lead to major inconvenience—or even injury—if not addressed right away. In this post, we’ll break down the most common warning signs of a broken garage door spring and why calling a professional garage door technician is the safest next step.
Key Warning Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
1. Loud Bang from the Garage
One of the most immediate and alarming signs is a loud noise—often described as a gunshot or firecracker—coming from the garage. This is the sound of a torsion spring snapping under tension. If you heard a bang and your garage door now won’t open properly, a broken spring is likely the cause.
2. The Garage Door Won’t Open
If your garage door opens just a few inches and then stops—or doesn’t open at all—the issue may be that the opener can’t lift the full weight of the door without spring assistance. In most cases, the opener wasn’t designed to handle that kind of load alone, especially for heavier steel or wood garage doors.
3. The Door Feels Extremely Heavy
Try lifting the garage door manually. If it feels unusually heavy or impossible to lift, the spring is likely broken. A functioning spring helps counterbalance the door’s weight. Without it, lifting the door becomes a dangerous and strenuous task.
4. Jerky or Uneven Movement
When a spring breaks, the door may still try to open—but unevenly. You might notice the door rising at an angle, moving in a jerky motion, or one side hanging lower than the other. This imbalance can quickly lead to further mechanical damage or a door that comes off track entirely.
5. Loose or Snapped Cables
Garage door cables work in tandem with the springs. If a spring breaks, cables may become loose, frayed, or disconnected. These visual indicators are a strong sign that something’s wrong with the system and should not be ignored.
What to Do If You Suspect a Broken Spring
- Stop Using the Opener: Continuing to operate a door with a broken spring can burn out your opener or damage other parts of the door system.
- Inspect From a Distance: Look at the spring above the garage door (torsion) or on the sides (extension). A visible gap in the coil or a dangling cable are red flags.
- Do Not Attempt a DIY Repair: Garage door springs are tightly wound and under extreme tension. Replacing or adjusting them without proper tools and training is extremely dangerous.
- Call a Professional: An experienced garage door company—like Lion Heart Garage Doors—can inspect, diagnose, and replace your springs safely and efficiently.
Why Garage Door Spring Repairs Should Be Left to Experts
The garage door industry considers spring repairs one of the most hazardous tasks for homeowners to attempt. A snapped spring can cause serious injury or further property damage if handled improperly. Working with a licensed and insured professional ensures the job is done right—and keeps your family safe.
At Lion Heart Garage Doors, we specialize in spring replacement for all types of residential and commercial garage doors in Thornton, CO and surrounding areas. Whether it’s a broken torsion spring or extension spring, our team delivers fast, reliable repairs backed by years of industry experience.
Call Lion Heart Garage Doors Today
If your garage door shows any of the warning signs above, don’t wait until it becomes a more expensive—or dangerous—problem. Contact Lion Heart Garage Doors for expert spring repair and replacement. We proudly serve Thornton, CO with honest service, quick response times, and lasting solutions.
FAQ: Broken Garage Door Springs
1. How long do garage door springs typically last?
Most springs last between 7 to 10 years with average use (around 10,000 cycles). Heavier usage or lack of maintenance can shorten that lifespan.
2. Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?
While it may be possible to lift the door manually, it’s not recommended. The door can be dangerously heavy and unstable.
3. How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring in Thornton, CO?
Spring replacement costs vary depending on spring type, door weight, and labor. Contact Lion Heart Garage Doors for a free estimate.
4. What’s the difference between torsion and extension springs?
Torsion springs are mounted above the door and are generally more durable. Extension springs are on the sides and stretch when the door operates. Each has different repair procedures.
5. Why did my spring break in the first place?
Common causes include age, rust, temperature fluctuations, or lack of regular maintenance. Cold weather and moisture in Thornton, CO can accelerate wear.
