Your garage door springs are one of the most critical components of your garage door system. They bear the heavy weight of the door, ensuring it opens and closes smoothly. When a garage door spring breaks, it can compromise the functionality and safety of your garage door. Recognizing the signs of a broken spring early can save you from further damage and potential hazards.
In this guide, we’ll outline the key signs to look for and explain what steps to take if you suspect a broken garage door spring.
1. Difficulty Opening the Garage Door
One of the most noticeable signs of a broken garage door spring is difficulty in opening the door. Garage door springs provide the necessary tension to lift the door, and a broken spring can make the door feel significantly heavier.
What to Watch For:
- The door won’t open with the garage door opener.
- The door only opens a few inches and stops.
- The door feels extremely heavy when attempting to lift it manually.
2. Visible Gap in the Spring
Garage door springs, particularly torsion springs, are tightly wound. When one breaks, you’ll often notice a visible gap in the spring where the break occurred.
What to Look For:
- Inspect the spring located above the garage door (torsion spring) or along the sides (extension springs).
- Look for a separation or gap in the spring.
3. Loud Bang or Noise
When a garage door spring breaks, it releases a significant amount of tension, often creating a loud, gunshot-like noise. If you hear such a sound coming from your garage, it’s a good idea to check your springs.
What to Consider:
- This noise often occurs when the door is in operation but can happen even when the door is idle.
- If you hear the sound, avoid operating the door until it’s inspected.
4. Garage Door Closes Too Quickly
A broken spring can cause your garage door to close more rapidly than usual, as the tension needed to counterbalance the door’s weight is no longer there.
Signs to Watch For:
- The door slams shut instead of closing smoothly.
- The opener struggles to control the speed of the door.
5. Crooked or Uneven Door
If one of the extension springs breaks, the garage door might appear crooked or uneven. This happens because the spring on one side is no longer providing the necessary tension.
What to Inspect:
- Check if the door is slanted or one side is lower than the other.
- Look for sagging or gaps on one side of the door.
6. Loose or Hanging Cables
Garage door springs work in tandem with cables. When a spring breaks, the cables can become loose or disconnected.
What to Notice:
- Cables hanging loosely or appearing out of place.
- Frayed or damaged cables, which may indicate increased strain.
7. Garage Door Opener Struggling
A broken spring forces the garage door opener to work much harder than usual, which can lead to noticeable strain or unusual behavior.
Common Symptoms:
- The opener makes unusual noises or struggles to lift the door.
- The opener’s motor overheats or shuts down unexpectedly.
8. Door Doesn’t Stay Open
Garage door springs help keep the door in place when it’s open. A broken spring can cause the door to drift down or not stay in the open position.
What to Look For:
- The door slowly slides down after being opened.
- The door feels unstable when left partially open.
What to Do If You Suspect a Broken Garage Door Spring
If you identify any of these signs, it’s crucial to take action immediately. Broken garage door springs can be dangerous, and attempting to fix them yourself can result in serious injury. Here’s what you should do:
- Stop Using the Door: Avoid operating the door until it has been inspected and repaired. Using the door with a broken spring can cause further damage to the opener and other components.
- Inspect Safely: Perform a visual inspection of the springs and surrounding components, but do not attempt to touch or adjust anything.
- Call a Professional: Repairing garage door springs requires specialized tools and expertise. Contact a trusted garage door repair company, like Double Time Garage Doors, to ensure the issue is handled safely and effectively.
Why Choose Double Time Garage Doors for Spring Repairs?
At Double Time Garage Doors, we specialize in repairing and replacing garage door springs. Here’s why homeowners trust us:
- Experienced Technicians: Our team has years of experience diagnosing and fixing garage door spring issues.
- High-Quality Parts: We use durable, high-quality springs to ensure long-lasting repairs.
- Fast and Reliable Service: We understand the urgency of a broken spring and provide prompt service to get your garage door back in working order.
- Safety First: Your safety is our top priority. We follow strict safety protocols during every repair.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of a broken garage door spring is essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of your garage door. From difficulty opening the door to visible gaps in the spring, these issues should not be ignored. If you suspect a broken spring, contact the professionals at Double Time Garage Doors for expert repairs you can trust.
Don’t let a broken spring disrupt your day. Call us today or visit our website to schedule a service!
