Short answer: A broken garage door spring is a genuine safety hazard. Here's how to stay safe and get it fixed properly.
A broken garage door spring is a genuine safety hazard. Here's how to stay safe and get it fixed properly.
Recognizing a Broken Spring
The tell-tale signs are a loud bang from the garage, a visible gap in the coiled spring above the door, a door that will not lift or only rises a few inches, and an opener that strains or hums without moving the door. The door may also feel dramatically heavier because the spring is no longer counterbalancing its weight.
What Not to Do
Do not try to force the door open with the opener, as this can burn out the motor or send the heavy door crashing down. Do not attempt to remove or rewind the spring yourself, because torsion springs store enormous energy and can cause serious injury when they release. Keep children, pets, and vehicles clear of the door until it is repaired.
Getting It Fixed Safely
Spring replacement calls for the correct winding bars, matched replacement springs, and trained handling of the tension. A professional measures the wire size and length, installs the right spring, and rebalances the door so it lifts smoothly and the opener runs without strain. Replacing springs in pairs is often recommended so both wear evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recognizing a Broken Spring?
The tell-tale signs are a loud bang from the garage, a visible gap in the coiled spring above the door, a door that will not lift or only rises a few inches, and an opener that strains or hums without moving the door. The door may also feel dramatically heavier because the spring is no longer counterbalancing its weight.
What Not to Do?
Do not try to force the door open with the opener, as this can burn out the motor or send the heavy door crashing down. Do not attempt to remove or rewind the spring yourself, because torsion springs store enormous energy and can cause serious injury when they release. Keep children, pets, and vehicles clear of the door until it is repaired.
Getting It Fixed Safely?
Spring replacement calls for the correct winding bars, matched replacement springs, and trained handling of the tension. A professional measures the wire size and length, installs the right spring, and rebalances the door so it lifts smoothly and the opener runs without strain. Replacing springs in pairs is often recommended so both wear evenly.
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