Five warning signs you need a garage door spring replacement service include a loud, gunshot-like bang, visible gaps in the metal coils, and difficulty lifting the door. The door slamming shut unexpectedly and uneven or jerky movements as the door opens are also key warning signs of a failing garage door spring.
Approximately 35,000 people sustain garage door injuries in the U.S. every year, according to the National Library of Medicine. Many of these injuries often occur due to broken garage door springs.
Almost all residential garage doors use either torsion or extension springs to counterbalance the door’s weight for smooth operation. Failure of either can cause the garage door to suddenly slam shut or feel impossibly heavy. The opener’s motor may also no longer be able to lift the door’s full weight.
Understanding the key warning signs of a broken garage door spring and hiring a garage door replacement service can prevent costly damage, injury, or full door failure.
How to Know if You Need a Garage Door Spring Replacement Service
Garage door springs are under immense tension, and any mishandling during a DIY repair attempt can result in severe injury. Using a professional garage door spring replacement service guarantees safety, ensures precise technical installation, and prevents costly, long-term damage. The following spring, malfunction signs should prompt you to call an expert:
1. Unusual Noises
Imagine suddenly hearing a loud, gunshot-like bang while relaxing at home. Many homeowners report experiencing this only to learn that their garage door spring has broken. Other unusual noises that can indicate worn or breaking springs include:
- Grinding
- Squeaking
- Banging
This occurs when the springs struggle under the weight of the door, causing friction or sudden snaps. Ignoring any unusual noises can lead to accelerated wear on the door’s opener, tracks, and rollers.
Stop using the garage door immediately to prevent further damage or injury, and hire a professional for garage door spring repair because the high tension involved makes it extremely dangerous.
2. Garage Door Feels Heavy
The average residential garage door weighs between 100 and 500 pounds. Doors on the lower end of this scale are comparable to a dishwasher, while those on the heavier end weigh as much as a baby grand piano, making manual lifting difficult for an average adult.
This heaviness is often caused by weakened springs, which make managing the door’s weight back-breaking. This strains the opener’s motor, leading to burnout. If the door does not lift easily with one hand when you disconnect the opener, there may be an issue with the springs.
3. Uneven or Jerky Movement
If your garage door tilts, opens partially or crookedly, one spring is weakening faster than the other, making the system unbalanced and overloading the tracks and rollers. The motor will also struggle to lift the increased weight.
This uneven tension can cause the opener, cables, and tracks to fail or break prematurely. The door may derail, leading to further damage or crush hazards.
4. Visible Damage or Gaps
Visible damage, such as cracks, rust, or dents, elongation, or 2-inch gaps in the coils, can compromise garage door security, reduce energy efficiency, and allow pests or water intrusion. The damage may look different depending on the type of spring. Torsion springs will show gaps, while extension springs will appear stretched.
If the damage isn’t fixed, the rust can weaken the metal over time due to moisture. These issues often cause uneven, heavy, or noisy operation, putting extra strain on the motor.
Gaps usually mean the spring has snapped, which can potentially lead to a full system failure. To avoid this, have a professional replace the spring immediately.
5. Rapid Dropping or Slamming
If a garage door closes too fast or falls unexpectedly, it becomes a dangerous, uncontrolled hazard, risking serious injury to people or pets underneath. Insufficient spring tension fails to control its descent, signalling a severe failure in the counterbalance system. Rapid door dropping or slamming may also occur with other signs, such as noise.
Immediately stop using the door, disconnect the automatic opener, and conduct a garage maintenance check for broken or worn-out springs or a damaged or misaligned track.
What Is the Average Cost to Replace a Garage Door Spring?
The average cost to replace a garage door spring ranges between $150 and $450, including professional labor. Costs vary based on door type, weight, location, and spring type. Torsion springs are more durable but can sometimes be costlier than extension springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Spray WD-40 on Garage Door Springs?
You should not spray WD-40 on garage door springs. Although it may temporarily resolve the door’s squeaking, it is a cleaner/solvent, not a long-lasting lubricant, and it can strip away existing grease, potentially increasing friction, wear, and rust. Use a silicone-based spray or white lithium grease instead. These help protect, lubricate, and extend the lifespan of your springs.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Garage Door Spring?
The average lifespan of a garage door spring is between seven and 10 years, based on an average of 10,000 to 15,000 open-and-close cycles. A household that uses its garage door about four times a day will reach this lifespan in approximately seven years. Heavier usage or harsh, humid environments can reduce this to three to five years.
What Does a Broken Garage Door Torsion Spring Look Like?
A broken garage door torsion spring looks like a steel rod or coil that has split in two, usually with a noticeable 1-2 inch gap between the coils, often located on the metal shaft of the door. The metal may appear snapped, and in some cases, the spring may be unwound or hanging in two distinct pieces.
Save Money and Ensure Your Family’s Safety
Annual inspections can help you avoid any of the issues mentioned above. However, if you spot any signs indicating broken springs, avoid the temptation of DIY fixes, as self-repair can be dangerous. Immediately call a garage door spring replacement service.
The fully licensed and insured technicians of Meadows Garage Doors can provide prompt service. We will not only save you money but also protect you and your family. For over two decades, we have been providing Texas homeowners with full garage door services, using cutting-edge equipment and proven techniques, and we can do the same for you. Schedule a replacement service today for peace of mind.
