Short answer: Springs do the heavy lifting for your garage door. Here's how to recognize when one has failed and why it needs prompt, professional attention.
Springs do the heavy lifting for your garage door. Here's how to recognize when one has failed and why it needs prompt, professional attention.
Telltale symptoms
A door that won't open, opens only a few inches then stops, feels extremely heavy by hand, or slams shut can all indicate a broken spring. You may hear a loud bang from the garage when a spring snaps. A visible gap in a torsion spring above the door is a clear sign.
Why you shouldn't force it
With a broken spring, the counterbalance is gone and the door's full weight is unsupported, making manual operation dangerous. Repeatedly trying the opener can also burn out the motor. It is safest to stop using the door until a technician replaces the spring.
Repair, don't DIY
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and require winding bars and training to replace safely; mistakes can cause serious injury. Professionals typically replace springs in matched pairs so the door stays balanced. Leave this repair to a qualified technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Telltale symptoms?
A door that won't open, opens only a few inches then stops, feels extremely heavy by hand, or slams shut can all indicate a broken spring. You may hear a loud bang from the garage when a spring snaps. A visible gap in a torsion spring above the door is a clear sign.
Why you shouldn't force it?
With a broken spring, the counterbalance is gone and the door's full weight is unsupported, making manual operation dangerous. Repeatedly trying the opener can also burn out the motor. It is safest to stop using the door until a technician replaces the spring.
Repair, don't DIY?
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and require winding bars and training to replace safely; mistakes can cause serious injury. Professionals typically replace springs in matched pairs so the door stays balanced. Leave this repair to a qualified technician.
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