broken garage door spring is one of the most common and dangerous problems homeowners face. Springs are responsible for carrying the heavy weight of your garage door, making it possible to open and close with ease. When one snaps, it doesn’t just stop your door from functioning—it also creates a serious safety hazard. Trying to fix the issue on your own is never recommended. Instead, it’s essential to understand the risks, know the signs, and call a professional for help.
Below are five key safety tips to keep in mind if you ever encounter a broken spring.
1. Recognize the Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
Understanding when you have a garage door spring broken is the first step to protecting yourself and your property.
- Loud noise: A snapping spring often produces a sudden, sharp bang.
- Door won’t open properly: Without working springs, the opener may struggle or fail completely.
- Door feels heavy: If you try to lift the door manually and it feels much heavier than usual, the spring is likely broken.
Spotting these signs early helps you avoid accidents and prevents further damage to the door system.
2. Don’t Attempt DIY Garage Door Spring Repair
It may be tempting to try a quick garage door spring repair, but springs are under extreme tension. Mishandling them can lead to severe injuries or even damage to your property.
- High tension: The sudden release of energy from a spring can cause serious harm.
- Specialized tools required: Technicians use professional winding bars and safety equipment, not standard household tools.
- Risk of incorrect installation: Improperly installed springs can cause the door to slam shut or fail again quickly.
For your safety, always avoid DIY repairs.
3. Disconnect the Opener Immediately
If you suspect a broken garage door spring, disconnect the opener from the power source right away. Continuing to use the opener can burn out the motor or cause the cables to snap.
- Unplug the system: Remove power to the opener to prevent accidental operation.
- Don’t manually force the door: Trying to lift or close the door without working springs can be dangerous.
This step minimizes additional damage until a professional arrives.
4. Call a Professional for Broken Garage Door Spring Replacement
The safest and most reliable solution for a broken garage door spring is to call a trained technician. Professionals handle these repairs daily and have the proper tools to replace springs quickly and safely.
- Expertise: They know how to identify the correct type and size of spring for your door.
- Safety: Professionals are trained to handle the high tension without risk.
- Efficiency: Most repairs can be completed within a few hours.
👉 Learn more about common spring issues in our guide on garage door spring failure reasons.
5. Schedule Regular Garage Door Maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent a broken garage door spring is through regular maintenance. Over time, springs wear out, but routine inspections can identify problems before they become emergencies.
- Lubricate moving parts: Keep springs, rollers, and tracks clean and well-oiled.
- Check balance: A door that looks uneven could be a warning sign.
- Schedule inspections: A technician can spot early signs of wear.
By keeping up with maintenance, you reduce the risk of unexpected failures.
Final Thoughts on Broken Garage Door Springs
A broken garage door spring is not just inconvenient—it’s a serious hazard. From high tension to the need for specialized tools, this is a repair that should never be attempted on your own. Instead, recognize the signs, disconnect the opener, and call an expert for safe and reliable service.
Regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your springs and avoiding costly repairs. For trusted help, contact Just Garage Door at 877-972-7383. You can also check out our Just Garage Door profile on Finduslocal to read customer reviews and learn more about our professional services.
