How to Tell if Garage Door Spring Is Broken: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Garage door springs are important parts that help your door open and close smoothly. When these springs break, they create clear warning signs that homeowners should watch for. Recognizing these signs early can save you money and prevent safety problems. A skilled garage door installer can quickly spot these issues and fix them before they get worse. This guide explains the main signs of broken garage door springs so you know when to call for help.
Unbalanced Garage Door Movement
You'll notice unbalanced movement when one side of your door feels heavier than the other. This happens when a spring breaks and can't support the door's weight properly. The door may tilt to one side or struggle to stay level while opening or closing. This puts extra stress on your garage door opener and can damage it over time. To test this, disconnect your opener and try lifting the door halfway by hand. If one side feels much heavier or the door won't stay in place, you likely have a broken spring that needs fixing right away.
Loud Bang or Snapping Sound
A sudden loud bang or snapping noise usually means a spring just broke. Garage door springs hold a lot of tension, so when they snap, they make a very loud sound that can startle you. This often happens at night or early morning when temperatures change. The sound comes from all that stored energy releasing at once. If you hear this noise, stop using your garage door immediately. Don't try to open or close it until a professional can check it and replace the broken spring safely.
Visible Gap in the Spring
Look for gaps or spaces between the spring coils when checking your springs. A broken spring will have a clear separation where it snapped in two. The gap size depends on how badly the spring broke. This visual sign is easy to spot if you know where to look. Check both springs if you have two, as they often break around the same time. When you see this gap, call a technician right away since the door isn't safe to use with a broken spring.
Door Not Opening or Closing
When springs break, your garage door becomes very heavy and hard to move. You might notice the door moves slowly, stops partway, or won't open at all. Your automatic opener may struggle or make grinding noises when lifting the heavy door. Sometimes the door will start to open, but then slam back down. Manual operation becomes nearly impossible since you're lifting the full weight without spring help. This is dangerous, so don't force the door to work.
Crooked or Uneven Door
A broken spring makes your garage door tilt or hang crooked. One side may sit higher than the other, or the door may lean to one side while moving. This happens because the broken spring can't balance the door's weight properly. The door may also bind against its tracks or make scraping sounds. This uneven movement damages the door, tracks, and opener over time. If your door looks crooked or moves unevenly, check your springs or call a professional.
Torsion Spring Unwinding
Torsion springs can unwind suddenly and create danger. When this happens, the door may slam shut very fast and hard. You might hear loud noises or see the spring spinning. This creates a major safety risk that can cause serious injuries or property damage. Never try to fix unwinding springs yourself since they hold extreme tension. Turn off your garage door opener and keep everyone away from the door. Call a professional immediately to handle this dangerous situation safely.
