A small spring problem can turn into a stuck (or dangerous) door fast
Garage door springs do the heavy lifting every time your door opens and closes. When they’re worn, mis-sized, or broken, the door may suddenly feel “100 pounds heavier,” move unevenly, or refuse to open at all. For homeowners in Boise, Idaho—especially in busy households where the garage is the primary entry—spring wear adds up faster than many people expect.
This guide breaks down what “garage door spring repair” really means, how to spot spring trouble early, what not to do for safety, and when a full spring replacement is the smarter long-term fix.
What garage door springs do (and why “repair” often means “replace”)
Springs counterbalance the door’s weight so the opener can guide it—not haul it. Most residential systems use either:
Common spring types
Torsion springs: Mounted above the door on a shaft; they wind/unwind to lift the door. Often smoother and longer-lasting in real-world use.
Extension springs: Run along the tracks; they stretch/contract. These should always have safety cables running through them to reduce injury risk if a spring breaks. (garage.com)
When a spring is fatigued or snaps, there isn’t a safe “patch” the way there might be for a hinge or roller. Spring “repair” typically means replacing the spring(s), then balancing the door so it lifts evenly and the opener isn’t strained.
Top warning signs you may need garage door spring repair
If you notice any of the issues below, stop “testing it” repeatedly—each cycle can worsen the problem.
1) The door feels heavy or won’t open
A healthy door should lift smoothly by hand (when disconnected from the opener). A suddenly heavy door is one of the most common signs of a broken or failing spring.
A healthy door should lift smoothly by hand (when disconnected from the opener). A suddenly heavy door is one of the most common signs of a broken or failing spring.
2) A loud bang from the garage
Many homeowners describe a spring breaking as a sharp “bang” that sounds like something fell.
Many homeowners describe a spring breaking as a sharp “bang” that sounds like something fell.
3) The door opens crooked or looks “off track”
A spring or cable issue can make the door lift unevenly, which can pull it out of alignment and damage rollers/tracks.
A spring or cable issue can make the door lift unevenly, which can pull it out of alignment and damage rollers/tracks.
4) Gaps in a torsion spring
If you can see a visible separation (gap) in the coil above the door, that torsion spring is broken.
If you can see a visible separation (gap) in the coil above the door, that torsion spring is broken.
5) The opener struggles, reverses, or stops mid-travel
The opener’s safety logic may stop or reverse when the door is too heavy or binding. This can also accelerate opener wear.
The opener’s safety logic may stop or reverse when the door is too heavy or binding. This can also accelerate opener wear.
Spring lifespan in plain English (cycles matter)
Most standard residential springs are commonly rated around 10,000 cycles (one open + one close = one cycle). Higher-cycle springs (often 20,000+ cycles) are available for households that use the garage as the main entry. (igdoors.com)
| Daily Use (Cycles/Day) | What That Often Means | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Lower wear; spring life can stretch for years | Annual inspection + lubrication |
| 3–6 | Typical family use; wear adds up quickly | Consider high-cycle springs if you plan to stay put |
| 7+ | Heavy use (garage is the main door) | High-cycle upgrade often reduces future breakdown risk (mygaragedoorparts.com) |
Note: Climate, door weight, and correct spring sizing also affect lifespan. (rainierdoor.com)
Step-by-step: What to do if you suspect a spring problem
1) Stop using the opener if the door is heavy or uneven
If a spring is broken, forcing the opener can burn out the motor, strip gears, or bend the rail.
2) Keep people and pets away from the door
A door with compromised counterbalance can slam shut, bind, or shift unexpectedly.
3) Do a quick visual check (from a safe distance)
Look for a visible gap in a torsion spring above the door, dangling cables, or a door that’s sitting crooked. Do not loosen set screws, touch winding cones, or attempt to “unwind” a spring.
4) If you have extension springs, confirm safety cables are present
Safety cables run through extension springs and help restrain the spring if it breaks. If you don’t see them, it’s worth upgrading for safety. (garage.com)
5) Schedule a professional balance and safety inspection
A proper spring service includes correct sizing, balance testing, and checking related wear items (cables, end bearings, rollers, hinges, and opener force settings).
Replace one spring or both?
If you have a two-spring torsion setup and one breaks, the other has usually done similar work for a similar amount of time. Many homeowners choose to replace both so the door remains evenly balanced and to reduce the chance of another breakdown soon after (especially during the coldest part of the year or when the household is busiest).
| Option | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| Replace one spring | Lower immediate cost | Door may balance inconsistently; second spring may fail later |
| Replace both springs | Balanced lift, smoother travel, fewer “repeat” service calls | Higher upfront cost, but often better long-term value |
Quick “Did you know?” facts
Most standard springs are rated around 10,000 cycles, and higher-cycle options can reduce unexpected breakage. (igdoors.com)
Modern openers are designed with entrapment protection (like photo eyes) to help reduce injury risks. (cpsc.gov)
Extension spring safety cables are a simple upgrade that can help restrain a broken spring. (ddmgaragedoors.com)
Boise-area homeowner tip
If your garage is your main entry (common in Boise neighborhoods), your spring cycle count can be much higher than you think—especially during winter when you’re less likely to use side doors. If your springs are older and the door movement sounds harsher than it used to, it’s a smart time to schedule a balance check before you’re stuck outside (or inside) the garage.
Related services (helpful if you’re troubleshooting)
Spring issues often overlap with opener strain, cable wear, and door alignment. If you’re not sure where the problem starts, these pages can help you match symptoms to the right service:
Need fast, local help with garage door spring repair in Boise?
Garage Door Store Boise is family-owned, local, and equipped for 24/7 emergency response. If your door is stuck, heavy, or you suspect a broken spring, we’ll help you get a safe, reliable fix with transparent pricing.
Request Service / Free Estimate
Prefer to plan ahead? Ask about high-cycle spring options.
FAQ: Garage door spring repair (Boise homeowners ask these a lot)
Is it safe to open my garage door with a broken spring?
It’s risky. The door can be extremely heavy and can drop or move unevenly. It may also damage your opener if you try to force it.
It’s risky. The door can be extremely heavy and can drop or move unevenly. It may also damage your opener if you try to force it.
How long do garage door springs usually last?
Many standard springs are rated around 10,000 cycles; actual years depend on how often you use the door. Higher-cycle springs can extend service life. (igdoors.com)
Many standard springs are rated around 10,000 cycles; actual years depend on how often you use the door. Higher-cycle springs can extend service life. (igdoors.com)
Should I replace both springs if only one broke?
If your system has two springs and they’re the same age, replacing both often keeps the door balanced and can reduce the likelihood of another failure soon after.
If your system has two springs and they’re the same age, replacing both often keeps the door balanced and can reduce the likelihood of another failure soon after.
Why did my spring break right after another adjustment (like tightening the opener belt)?
Springs typically fail from age, cycle fatigue, and stress. Timing can feel connected, but spring failure is usually a “wear-out” event rather than something caused by a minor opener adjustment.
Springs typically fail from age, cycle fatigue, and stress. Timing can feel connected, but spring failure is usually a “wear-out” event rather than something caused by a minor opener adjustment.
Do photo eyes and safety features replace the need for spring maintenance?
No. Photo eyes and reversal systems reduce entrapment risks, but they don’t reduce spring wear. Regular inspections still matter. (cpsc.gov)
No. Photo eyes and reversal systems reduce entrapment risks, but they don’t reduce spring wear. Regular inspections still matter. (cpsc.gov)
Glossary (quick definitions)
Cycle: One full open and close of the garage door.
Torsion spring: A spring mounted above the door that twists to store energy and lift the door.
Extension spring: A spring that stretches along the horizontal track area to counterbalance the door.
Safety cable (extension spring): A cable run through an extension spring designed to help restrain the spring if it breaks. (ddmgaragedoors.com)
UL 325: A safety standard related to automatic door operator systems, including entrapment protection requirements. (ulse.org)