Garage doors are one of the most frequently used entry points in many homes, and yet they’re often overlooked—until something goes wrong. One of the most critical components of your garage door system is the spring mechanism, which handles the heavy lifting every time the door opens or closes. When garage door springs begin to fail, it can lead to serious safety issues, damage to the garage door opener, or complete system breakdown.
Recognizing the early warning signs of spring failure can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your home’s security and convenience. Here are seven key signs that your garage door springs might be failing—and what you can do about it.
1. The Garage Door Feels Heavy
One of the most common and immediate signs of spring failure is a garage door that suddenly feels much heavier than usual. The springs are designed to counterbalance the weight of the door, so if they’re no longer functioning properly, the opener—or even your own strength—will struggle to lift the door.
What to Do:
If you notice extra effort is required to lift the door manually or the opener seems to strain, stop using the door and contact a garage door technician. Continuing to use the opener can burn out the motor or cause further damage.
2. The Door Opens Unevenly or Jerks
Garage doors should open and close smoothly. If one side lifts faster than the other or the door wobbles or jerks during movement, one of the springs may be failing or has already broken. This is especially common in systems using extension springs, which are installed on either side of the door.
What to Do:
Avoid attempting to manually correct the imbalance. Call a professional who can replace or adjust the springs and ensure both sides are tensioned properly.
3. You Hear a Loud Bang From the Garage
Garage door torsion springs are tightly wound, and when they snap, the energy release can sound like a gunshot or explosion. If you hear a loud bang and discover the garage door is no longer opening properly, you’re likely dealing with a broken spring.
What to Do:
Stay away from the door and do not attempt to operate it. A broken torsion spring can be extremely dangerous. Call a garage door repair company immediately.
4. The Door Doesn’t Stay Open
If your garage door slides back down after you’ve manually opened it or it doesn’t stay all the way up, it’s a strong sign the springs are failing. Functional springs should hold the door in place when open.
What to Do:
Don’t try to “prop” the door open or leave it half-open—it may slam shut unexpectedly. A professional can assess the tension in the springs and either re-tension or replace them.
5. Gaps in the Torsion Spring
Torsion springs are wound tightly on a shaft. When they’re in good condition, there should be no visible gaps between the coils. If you see a gap of several inches, it likely means the spring has snapped.
What to Do:
Do not try to repair or touch the spring yourself. High-tension springs require specialized tools and training to replace safely. Contact a technician for professional replacement.
6. The Door Opens Partially, Then Stops
Modern garage door openers are equipped with safety sensors and overload protection. If the springs are broken or losing tension, the opener may stop halfway through the lift to prevent damage.
What to Do:
Disconnect the opener and try to manually lift the door. If it’s difficult or impossible, the issue is likely spring-related. Avoid repeated attempts and schedule an inspection.
7. Cables Look Loose or Detached
Garage doors with spring problems often have loose or dangling lift cables. When springs are no longer properly tensioned, the cables lose their tension too. This can cause the door to slip off its track or hang at an angle.
What to Do:
Don’t attempt to reattach or tighten the cables yourself. These are under high tension and can snap or recoil if handled improperly. Call a professional to re-align or replace components as needed.
Why Prompt Action Is Essential
Ignoring spring issues doesn’t just lead to operational problems—it can be dangerous. A malfunctioning garage door can suddenly drop, injuring people or damaging property. It also puts stress on the garage door opener, often resulting in premature failure.
Additionally, Massachusetts homeowners face seasonal challenges like freezing temperatures and moisture, which can accelerate wear on garage door systems. Taking immediate action helps maintain home safety and prevents larger, more expensive repairs down the road.
DIY vs. Professional Repair
While some garage maintenance tasks like lubrication or visual inspection can be done by homeowners, spring repair and replacement should always be left to professionals. Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly.
What a Professional Will Do:
- Determine whether you need torsion or extension spring replacement.
- Match the correct spring type and size to your specific door.
- Properly balance the spring tension for smooth operation.
- Check for wear on related components like cables, pulleys, and bearings.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Spring Life
You can’t prevent all wear and tear, but regular maintenance can extend the life of your garage door springs:
- Lubricate Springs Every 6 Months
Use white lithium grease or silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction and prevent rust. - Inspect Visually
Look for rust, gaps, fraying cables, or uneven wear. - Schedule Annual Tune-Ups
Have a professional check the spring tension and overall system condition annually. - Avoid Frequent Manual Lifting
Let the opener do the work. Repeated manual lifting increases wear. - Protect From Moisture
Massachusetts winters can be harsh. Keep the garage dry and use weather stripping to reduce humidity.
Final Thoughts
Your garage door springs may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. Recognizing the signs of wear or failure can prevent accidents, keep your door functioning reliably, and save you from costly emergency repairs. If you notice any of the symptoms above, don’t delay—call a qualified garage door technician from www.garagedoorexpertsco.com to inspect and repair the issue safely.
Whether you have torsion or extension springs, proactive maintenance and professional servicing can ensure your garage door system remains dependable and secure for years to come.
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