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Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement

Dealing with a broken garage door spring? It is crucial to have it repaired by professionals as soon as possible. Springs play a vital role in counterbalancing the significant weight of your garage door, allowing for smooth and safe operation. When these springs fail, the opener struggles to lift the door, making immediate repair essential for safety and efficiency.

Get the best value for your money with our durable and high-quality garage door torsion and extension springs!

How To Identify A Broken Garage Door Spring

In most cases, homeowners only realize their garage door springs are damaged when the door stops functioning. However, here are some warning signs that indicate a spring failure:

Loud Bang or Popping Noise – A snapping spring can produce a loud, startling sound, even if the door hasn’t visibly fallen.
Visible Gaps in the Spring – Springs should be tightly coiled with no spaces between them. A gap indicates a break.
Bent or Warped Door Panel – If the top section of your garage door appears to bend when opening, it’s likely due to a broken spring.
Rapid Door Drop – A failing spring removes the counterbalance, causing the door to slam shut unexpectedly.
Uneven Movement – The door may rise or lower at an angle, making it appear lopsided as it moves along the tracks.
Loose Cables – Slack garage door cables hanging from the ceiling or around the drum are often linked to spring failure.

Common Reasons Garage Door Springs Break

Garage door springs undergo extreme tension and wear over time. Here are some primary causes of failure:

Rust & Corrosion

Weakens the metal, reducing performance and shortening the spring’s lifespan.

Normal Wear & Tear

Most springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles (one full opening and closing of the door).

Lack of Maintenance

While no spring lasts forever, regular upkeep can extend its durability.

With Imperial Overhead Garage Doors’ comprehensive tune-ups and inspections, you can keep your garage door springs in peak condition. We recommend lubricating the springs yearly and checking the door’s balance each season to ensure smooth operation.

Types Of Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs come in two primary types, each designed for different applications:

Torsion Springs

Mounted above the door, these springs twist under tension, offering superior balance and longevity. They are the preferred choice for modern garage doors due to their efficiency and safety.

Extension Springs

These springs stretch and contract to operate the door along the upper tracks on both sides. They are more common in older systems but are often replaced with torsion springs for improved reliability.

Other Garage Door Services We Offer

Residential Garage Door Installation and Repair

We provide expert installation of durable and stylish residential garage doors for home security and curb appeal.

Garage Door Cable Repair and Replacement

We repair and replace damaged, frayed, or snapped garage door cables to restore smooth and safe operation.

Emergency Garage Door Service

We offer fast, 24/7 emergency garage door repairs to keep your home or business secure.

Commercial Garage Door Installation and Repair

We install high-quality, heavy-duty commercial garage doors designed for safety and reliability.

Garage Door Off Track Repair

We realign and repair off-track garage doors to prevent further damage and restore proper operation.

Garage Door Maintenance

We provide professional garage door maintenance to ensure smooth operation, extend lifespan, and prevent costly repairs.

FAQ About Broken Garage Door Spring

How to open a garage door with a broken spring?

Opening a garage door with a broken spring is dangerous because the spring helps support the door’s weight. If you must open it in an emergency, start by pulling the emergency release cord to disconnect the opener. Since a standard garage door weighs 150-300 lbs, it’s best to have at least two people to assist with lifting. Carefully lift the door evenly and slowly to prevent it from getting stuck or causing further damage. Once open, secure the door with a clamp or locking mechanism to keep it from slamming shut. However, avoid using the garage door opener, as forcing it to work without a functioning spring can damage the motor and gears. The safest solution is to call a professional technician to handle the repair properly.

How to tell if a garage door spring is broken?

A broken garage door spring often makes a loud banging noise when it snaps due to the high tension it holds. If your garage door will not open, closes too quickly, or feels much heavier than usual, the spring may be broken. Visually inspecting the torsion spring can also help—if you see a 2-4 inch gap in the coil, that indicates a break. Another common sign is loose or tangled cables, as the spring’s failure disrupts the door’s balance. If your garage door opener is struggling to lift the door or stops mid-operation, it’s likely due to a broken spring. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to stop using the door immediately and schedule a professional repair.

Why do garage door springs break?

Garage door springs wear out over time due to constant use and metal fatigue, typically lasting 7-10 years or about 10,000 cycles (one cycle being an open-and-close operation). Rust and corrosion can also weaken springs, making them brittle and more likely to snap, especially in humid or coastal environments. Lack of lubrication increases friction, accelerating wear and tear, while temperature fluctuations, particularly cold weather, can cause metal to contract and become more brittle. Additionally, if the wrong type or size of spring is installed for your door, it may fail prematurely. Regular maintenance, lubrication, and inspections can help extend the lifespan of your garage door springs and prevent unexpected breakage.

Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?

While it is technically possible to open a garage door with a broken spring, it is not recommended due to safety risks. The garage door opener is not designed to lift the full weight of the door on its own, and attempting to force it can cause serious damage to the motor, gears, and rail system. Manually lifting the door is also dangerous because it can be extremely heavy and may suddenly slam shut, potentially causing injury or property damage. If you must open the door in an emergency, have at least two people to lift it carefully and secure it open with a clamp or locking mechanism. However, the safest course of action is to leave the door closed and call a professional to repair the spring as soon as possible.

Can you fix a broken garage door spring?

Yes, a broken garage door spring can be repaired, but it is not a DIY job unless you have experience with high-tension springs. Spring replacement requires specialized tools such as winding bars and a thorough understanding of the door’s balance system. A professional technician will ensure that the correct spring size and type is installed, properly tensioned, and aligned for smooth operation. The cost of replacing a garage door spring typically ranges from $150 to $350, depending on the door size, spring type, and labor fees. Attempting to replace a garage door spring without proper tools and knowledge can be extremely dangerous, leading to severe injury or further damage to the door. For safety and long-term reliability, it’s always best to hire a professional technician for the job.

For expert garage door spring repair, replacement, or maintenance

Trust Imperial Overhead Garage Doors servicing in Allen, TX, Aledo TX, Anna, TX, Blue Ridge, TX and around Texas areas—your go-to professional for safe and efficient service! Check our google reviews!