How to Recognize a Broken Spring on Your Garage Door
Maintaining your garage door is crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of your home. One of the most common issues homeowners face is a broken garage door spring. Recognizing the signs of a broken spring early can prevent further damage and costly repairs. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the symptoms of a broken garage door spring and what steps to take if you encounter this issue.
1. The Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
One of the most obvious signs of a broken garage door spring is when the door refuses to open or close. Springs play a crucial role in counterbalancing the weight of the door, and when they break, the door becomes extremely heavy and difficult to move. If you find yourself unable to lift the door manually or with the opener, it’s a strong indication that the spring is broken.
2. Loud Bang or Noise
If you hear a loud bang coming from your garage, it could be the sound of a garage door spring breaking. The noise is usually loud enough to startle you and can often be mistaken for something else. This occurs because the springs are under a lot of tension, and when they snap, the release of energy causes a loud noise.
3. Visible Gap in the Spring
Take a close look at the springs on your garage door. If you notice a visible gap in the spring, it means the spring has broken. Typically, garage doors have either torsion springs (located above the door) or extension springs (located on either side of the door). A gap in the spring coil is a clear sign that it needs to be replaced.
4. The Door Feels Heavy
When the garage door spring is broken, the door will feel significantly heavier than usual. This is because the springs are responsible for lifting most of the door’s weight. If you try to manually lift the door and it feels unusually heavy, it’s a strong indication that the spring is no longer functioning properly.
5. The Door Opens Crookedly or Unevenly
If your garage door opens unevenly or appears crooked, it could be due to a broken spring. This happens because the springs are designed to lift the door evenly, and when one of them breaks, the balance is thrown off. An uneven door is not only a sign of a broken spring but also a potential safety hazard.
6. The Garage Door Moves Slowly or Jerks
A broken spring can cause the garage door to move slower than usual or jerk during operation. This is because the opener is struggling to lift the door without the assistance of the spring. If you notice any unusual movements or sounds while operating the garage door, it’s time to inspect the springs.
What to Do If You Suspect a Broken Spring
If you suspect that your garage door spring is broken, it’s important to address the issue immediately. Here are the steps you should take:
- Stop Using the Door: Continuing to use the door can cause further damage and pose a safety risk.
- Inspect the Springs: Look for visible signs of damage, such as gaps or loose coils.
- Call a Professional: Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to repair on your own. Contact a professional garage door repair service to handle the replacement safely and efficiently.
Questions And Answers
Can you open a garage door with a broken spring? – No.
Should I replace a garage door spring myself? – without the right knowledge and tools try to attempt replace garage door spring by yourself can be very dangerous.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of a broken garage door spring can save you from costly repairs and potential safety hazards. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s crucial to call a professional for an inspection and repair.
At Ranger Garage Door Repair in Houston, TX, we specialize in garage door spring repair and replacement. Contact us today at
832-691-5565 for reliable and fast service.
By following these tips and keeping an eye out for the signs of a
, you can ensure your garage door remains safe and functional.
If your garage door needs repair and you don’t have any garage door repair experience, we suggest calling Ranger Garage Door Repair. Call us now at 832-691-5565.
