Posted Saturday, March 15th, 2025

Garage door springs are essential components that help lift and lower your garage door smoothly. When a spring breaks, it can render the door inoperable and pose safety hazards. Identifying the signs of a broken garage door spring early can prevent further damage and ensure a quick repair. Here’s how to tell if your garage door spring is broken.

Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring

1. Loud Bang or Snap Sound

Garage door springs store a lot of tension. When they break, they often release energy with a loud snapping or banging sound. If you hear this noise coming from your garage, a broken spring may be the culprit.

2. Garage Door Won’t Open or Feels Heavy

A functioning spring counterbalances the weight of your garage door. If a spring is broken, the door may feel significantly heavier when attempting to lift it manually or may not open at all.

3. Door Opens Unevenly or Crookedly

If your garage door starts to lift unevenly or appears tilted, it could be due to a broken extension spring on one side of the door. This can cause additional strain on other parts of the system.

4. Gaps in the Spring

Inspect the garage door springs. If you see a visible gap in a torsion spring, it’s a clear sign that it has snapped and needs to be replaced.

5. Garage Door Closes Too Fast

When a spring breaks, the door may slam shut instead of lowering smoothly. This can be dangerous, especially if pets or people are nearby.

6. Cables Appear Loose or Detached

Broken garage door springs can cause cables to become loose or fall off their drums. If you notice dangling cables, it may indicate a spring failure.

What to Do If Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken

If you suspect that your garage door spring is broken, do not attempt to open or close the door manually or with the opener. Doing so can cause further damage or injury. Instead, follow these steps:

• Avoid Using the Door: Trying to operate the door with a broken spring can put strain on the garage door opener and other components.
• Inspect from a Safe Distance: Look for visible signs such as a gap in the spring or misaligned cables.
• Call a Professional: Replacing a garage door spring is a dangerous task best left to trained technicians. A professional can safely replace the spring and ensure the door is functioning properly.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of a broken garage door spring can save you time, money, and potential injury. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to call a professional technician for a repair. Need expert help? Contact a garage door specialist today for fast and safe service!