Garage doors are often the largest moving part in your home, and their springs play a critical role in making sure they open and close smoothly. However, when a garage door spring breaks, it can cause significant inconvenience and even safety risks. Identifying a broken garage door spring early on can save you from further damage or costly repairs. Here’s how you can spot the signs of a broken spring and what you should do next.
1. The Loud Snap or Bang
One of the most obvious indicators that a garage door spring has broken is the loud bang you’ll hear when it snaps. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, and when they break, they release that energy all at once, creating a noise similar to a gunshot. If you’ve heard this loud bang coming from your garage, it’s likely that one of the springs has broken.
2. The Garage Door Feels Heavy
Garage door springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door. When a spring breaks, the opener struggles to lift the door, making it feel unusually heavy. If you’re trying to open the door manually and it feels much heavier than usual, you probably have a broken spring.
3. The Garage Door Won’t Open
If your garage door won’t open at all—whether you’re using the opener or trying to lift it manually—this is another clear sign that the spring is broken. The opener is not designed to lift the full weight of the door without the assistance of the springs, so if they’re not functioning, the door likely won’t budge.
4. The Door Looks Crooked or Misaligned
Another common sign of a broken spring is when the garage door appears crooked or uneven as it opens. This usually happens when one of the springs breaks, and the remaining spring struggles to lift the door evenly, causing it to tilt.
5. Gaps in the Spring
Visually inspect the springs along the top of your garage door. If you notice a gap in the spring or if it looks stretched out, this is a clear indication that the spring has snapped.
What to Do Next
If you suspect your garage door spring is broken, it’s important to stop using the door immediately. Continuing to operate a garage door with a broken spring can cause further damage to the opener and other components. The safest and most efficient next step is to contact a professional for broken garage door spring repair.
Attempting to fix a broken spring yourself is highly dangerous, as garage door springs are under immense tension. Professional technicians have the right tools and expertise to safely replace the spring and get your garage door back to working order.
Conclusion for Broken Garage Door Spring
Identifying a broken garage door spring early on can prevent further damage and ensure your safety. From loud bangs to heavy or crooked doors, there are several telltale signs that a spring has broken. If you encounter any of these, stop using the door and call a professional for repair. At Open Sesame Garage Doors Summerlin, we offer expert broken garage door spring repair services to get your door back in working condition quickly and safely.
FAQs for Broken Garage Door Spring
What does a broken garage door spring sound like? A loud snap or bang similar to a gunshot is a common sound when a garage door spring breaks.
Can I continue using my garage door with a broken spring? No, it’s unsafe and can cause further damage to the opener and door. Call a professional for repairs.
How can I tell if my garage door spring is broken? Signs include a heavy door, loud noises, a crooked door, or visible gaps in the spring.
Why is my garage door not opening? If the springs are broken, the opener can’t lift the full weight of the door, preventing it from opening.
Is it dangerous to repair a garage door spring myself? Yes, garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if not handled by a professional.