Your garage door is one of the most frequently used moving parts in your home. It operates smoothly day after day, often without much thought—until something goes wrong. One of the most common components to wear out over time are the garage door springs, which are responsible for balancing the door’s weight and allowing it to open and close effortlessly.
If your garage door suddenly feels heavier, makes strange noises, or stops working altogether, the springs could be the culprit. Knowing how to recognize the early signs of spring failure can prevent accidents and costly repairs down the road.
Understanding the Role of Garage Door Springs
Before spotting issues, it helps to understand what garage door springs do. These tightly wound coils are the power behind the movement of your garage door. They counterbalance the weight of the door, so the opener doesn’t have to lift it all by itself.
There are two main types of springs:
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Torsion Springs:
Mounted horizontally above the garage door, these springs twist to store energy and unwind to lift the door. They’re designed for heavy-duty use and typically last longer than other types. -
Extension Springs:
Found on either side of the door’s tracks, these springs stretch and contract as the door moves. They’re more common on lighter doors and require safety cables to prevent accidents if they snap.
When either type of spring begins to weaken or break, the door becomes difficult or dangerous to operate.
1. The Door Feels Heavy or Hard to Lift
One of the first signs that your garage door springs need replacement is when the door suddenly feels heavier than usual. Springs are designed to bear most of the door’s weight, so when they weaken, the full load transfers to the opener or your hands if you’re lifting it manually.
If the door slams shut quickly or feels too heavy to lift, stop using it immediately—this indicates the springs are failing and could break completely at any moment.
2. The Door Opens Unevenly or Jerks While Moving
When springs wear unevenly or one side fails before the other, your door might rise unevenly, tilt to one side, or jerk during movement. This imbalance not only stresses the opener but can also cause misalignment of the tracks or other mechanical issues.
If you notice your door wobbling or rising unevenly, it’s best to contact a professional for inspection before the problem worsens.
3. You Hear Loud Bangs or Popping Noises
Garage door springs are under extreme tension, and when they break, they often release that energy with a loud bang. Many homeowners mistake this noise for something falling in the garage. If you hear such a sound and your door suddenly stops working, a broken spring is likely the cause.
Avoid trying to open the door yourself, as the system is no longer balanced and can be hazardous to handle.
4. The Door Opens Only a Few Inches and Stops
Modern garage door openers have built-in safety sensors that detect when something is wrong with the lifting mechanism. If your door starts to open but then stops after a few inches, this may be a sign that the garage door springs are broken and can no longer support the door’s weight.
In such cases, forcing the opener to continue working can damage the motor or other parts of the door system.
5. Visible Gaps or Rust on the Springs
A quick visual inspection can also reveal issues. Look for signs of:
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Gaps in the coils: A visible separation in the spring means it’s broken.
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Rust or corrosion: Over time, moisture can weaken metal springs, making them brittle.
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Elongation: Springs that appear stretched out or deformed have lost tension and efficiency.
If you see any of these symptoms, it’s time for replacement.
6. The Door Falls Too Quickly When Closing
When the springs are functioning correctly, your garage door should lower smoothly and gradually. If it instead slams shut or drops suddenly, the garage door springs are no longer providing proper tension. This is a serious safety hazard—especially if children or pets are nearby—so prompt repair is essential.
7. The Opener Strains or Makes Unusual Sounds
A weak or broken spring puts extra pressure on your garage door opener. You might notice the motor straining, grinding, or humming loudly as it tries to lift the heavy door. Continuing to use the opener in this condition could burn out the motor or strip the gears, leading to costly repairs beyond just replacing the springs.
Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement
While it may be tempting to save money by replacing garage door springs yourself, it’s one of the most dangerous DIY jobs around. The springs are under high tension, and a single mistake can result in severe injury or damage to your property.
Professional technicians have the right tools, training, and safety protocols to handle replacements safely and efficiently. They can also inspect related components—like cables, pulleys, and bearings—to ensure everything works in harmony.
Protect Your Home with Professional Garage Door Care
Replacing worn or broken garage door springs is not just about convenience—it’s about safety. A faulty spring can cause your door to collapse or malfunction unexpectedly. Regular maintenance and timely replacements keep your door functioning smoothly, extend the lifespan of your opener, and ensure your family’s safety.
For expert inspections, maintenance, and dependable service, trust American Build And Restoration. Their team specializes in all aspects of garage door maintenance and repair, including spring replacements, ensuring your system runs safely and efficiently for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing the early warning signs of worn or broken garage door springs can save you time, money, and stress. If your door feels heavy, makes unusual noises, or doesn’t move properly, don’t ignore the issue—schedule professional service right away. Properly functioning springs not only make your garage door easier to use but also protect your home and loved ones from potential harm.