Garage door springs play a crucial role in the functionality of your door. They bear most of the door’s weight, making it easier for the opener to lift and lower it. When a spring breaks, it can prevent your garage door from working properly. So, how do you tell if your garage door spring is broken? Here are the signs and steps to help you determine if the spring has failed and what to do about it.
The Door Won’t Open or Close at All
One of the most obvious signs that your garage door spring is broken is when the door won’t open or close at all. When the spring is intact, it provides the tension needed to lift the door. Without a working spring, the door becomes too heavy for the opener to move. If you press the button to open or close the door and the motor runs but the door doesn’t budge, it’s highly likely that the spring has broken. In some cases, the opener motor might run, but the door will move only slightly or not at all. This is another clear indication that the spring is not functioning properly.
The Garage Door Is Uneven or Crooked
If you notice that your garage door is crooked or uneven when it opens or closes, the spring may be to blame. A broken spring on one side of the door causes the door to be unbalanced, with one side higher than the other. This misalignment can cause the door to get stuck or become difficult to operate. In some cases, the door may open slightly on one side and stay stuck on the other, indicating that the spring on one side is no longer working while the other side is still intact. This imbalance can also lead to further damage if not addressed promptly, such as misaligned tracks or damaged rollers.
You Hear a Loud “Snap” or “Bang”
If you hear a loud snap or bang coming from the garage, there’s a good chance that the spring has broken. A snapped spring releases a tremendous amount of tension all at once, and this creates a loud noise. It’s a very distinct sound and can often be heard from inside the house or outside the garage. While it’s normal for springs to make some noise as they work, a sudden snapping sound is usually an indication that one of the springs has snapped and needs immediate attention.
The Garage Door Moves Slowly or Unevenly
Another way to tell if the garage door spring is broken is if the door moves slowly or unevenly when you try to open or close it. If you notice that the door is not moving at its usual speed or that it feels much heavier than usual, the spring might be weakening or broken. When the spring is still partially functional, the door may move sluggishly as it struggles to lift the full weight of the door. If only one spring is broken, the door may still move, but it will move unevenly or at a much slower pace. The opener will be working harder to compensate for the lack of tension, which can eventually cause it to fail as well.
The Garage Door Won’t Stay Up
If your garage door is stuck in the open position and won’t stay up, the spring could be broken. A properly functioning spring holds the door in place when it’s raised, but when the spring breaks, the door can fall back down. Sometimes, the door will slowly descend or slam down quickly due to the lack of counterbalance. If you notice that the door is not staying up and is slowly coming down even when it’s in the open position, it’s a clear sign that the spring is no longer supporting the weight of the door.
Visible Damage to the Spring
Sometimes, the problem is easily visible. If you look at the spring and see that it is loose, broken in half, or out of place, then it’s definitely time for a replacement. Garage door springs are under extreme tension, and when they snap, they often become loose or visibly misshaped. In some cases, you may even be able to see a gap in the spring or the spring may have completely unwound from its original position. If you notice these physical signs of damage, it’s important to call a professional immediately. Trying to fix or replace the spring yourself is dangerous and can result in serious injury.
The Garage Door Opener Seems to Be Overworking
If you press the button to open the door, and the opener seems to be struggling or making strange sounds, it may be due to a broken spring. The opener motor is designed to assist the spring by helping to lift the door, but if the spring is not providing the necessary tension, the opener has to work much harder. Overworking the opener can eventually cause the motor to fail, leading to even more expensive repairs. If you notice that the opener is working overtime to lift the door or making unusual sounds, it’s important to get the spring checked as soon as possible.
The Spring Looks Out of Shape or Rusted
If you have access to the spring, check for signs of rust or wear. Rust, corrosion, or visible bends in the spring often indicate that the spring is reaching the end of its useful life. When a spring starts to rust, the metal weakens, and it can snap under the strain of operating the garage door. A broken or weakened spring can cause not just the door to malfunction but also damage other parts of the garage door system. If you notice visible signs of rust or wear, it’s time to call in a professional to replace the spring before it fails completely.
What Should You Do If You Think Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken?
If you notice any of the signs above, it’s important not to attempt to fix the broken spring yourself. Garage door springs are under extreme tension, and attempting to replace or adjust them without the proper training can be dangerous. Always call a professional technician from Don’s Garage Doors to inspect the situation and replace the broken spring safely. A technician will assess the damage, replace the spring, and inspect the entire system to make sure everything is functioning properly. This ensures that your garage door operates smoothly and safely for years to come.