Is Your Garage Door Refusing to Open? The Culprit Might Be a Broken Spring.
You’re rushing to leave for work, you press the button on your garage door opener, and instead of the familiar smooth hum, you hear a loud, startling bang. The door moves a few inches and then stops, or maybe it doesn’t move at all. This common and often alarming scenario points directly to a broken garage door spring. These high-tension springs are the workhorses of your garage door system, doing the heavy lifting so your opener doesn’t have to. When one breaks, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a significant safety risk that requires immediate and professional attention.
Understanding the Role of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are a critical component for both residential and commercial doors. They are tightly wound and store immense mechanical energy. This energy is used to counterbalance the weight of the door, which can range from 100 to over 500 pounds. Without functional springs, your automatic opener would strain and likely fail to lift such a heavy load. There are two primary types of spring systems:
Torsion Springs: These are mounted on a metal shaft horizontally above the garage door opening. They work by twisting (or torsion) as the door closes and unwinding to help it open. They are the standard for most residential garage doors today due to their durability and smoother operation.
Extension Springs: These are located on either side of the door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. They work by stretching and contracting to lift the door. While effective, they are generally considered less safe than torsion springs if they aren’t equipped with safety cables, as a break can send the spring flying.
Top Signs of a Failing or Broken Garage Door Spring
Recognizing the warning signs of a failing spring can help prevent a complete system failure and potential injury. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to call for a professional inspection.
1. A Loud ‘Bang’ Noise
This is the most common and definitive sign. The noise comes from the spring, under extreme tension, suddenly unwinding and breaking. It can be as loud as a gunshot and is a clear indicator that you need immediate garage door repair.
2. The Garage Door Won’t Open
If the door won’t budge or only opens a few inches, the spring is likely the cause. The opener itself isn’t strong enough to lift the full weight of the door. Do not try to force it open.
3. Visible Gap in the Torsion Spring
Look at the spring above your door. A healthy torsion spring is one continuous coil. If it’s broken, you will see a noticeable 1-2 inch gap in the middle where it has snapped.
4. Crooked or Jerky Door Movement
If one of two extension springs breaks, the door will lose support on that side. This causes it to lift unevenly, appearing crooked and often moving in a jerky, halting motion. This unbalanced stress is damaging to the door panels and tracks.
The Dangers of a DIY Spring Repair
While the internet is full of DIY guides, garage door spring replacement is not a task for the average homeowner. The springs are under immense tension, and a mistake can lead to severe injury or even death. Specialized tools and precise knowledge are required to safely release the tension, remove the old spring, and install the new one. Always entrust this job to a trained professional. Investing in a professional garage door spring replacement ensures the job is done safely and correctly, protecting you, your family, and your property.
Your Local Boise Solution for Spring Repairs
For residents in Boise and surrounding communities like Meridian, Nampa, and Eagle, dealing with a broken garage door can disrupt your daily routine. Idaho’s cold winters and warm summers can also contribute to wear and tear on metal components, leading to an eventual spring failure. At Garage Door Store Boise, we understand the urgency. As a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience serving the Treasure Valley, we provide prompt, reliable, and expert service. We offer 24/7 emergency response because we know that these problems don’t happen on a convenient schedule. Our technicians are equipped to handle any spring replacement for both residential and commercial doors, ensuring your system is back to safe, smooth operation in no time.
Did You Know?
- The average garage door spring is rated for about 10,000 cycles (one cycle is one full opening and closing). If you use your door 4 times a day, that’s roughly 7 years of life.
- It’s always recommended to replace both springs at the same time, even if only one is broken. Since they were installed together, the other spring has endured the same amount of wear and is likely to fail soon.
- Regular maintenance, including lubricating the springs with a silicone-based spray, can help extend their lifespan and ensure quieter operation.
Don’t Wait for a Complete Failure
A broken garage door spring is more than an inconvenience; it’s a safety hazard. If you suspect an issue, contact the trusted professionals at Garage Door Store Boise today for a fast, reliable solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I open my garage door if the spring is broken?
It is strongly discouraged. The door will be extremely heavy, and attempting to lift it manually can cause serious back injury. If you must open it in an emergency, you will need at least two strong adults to lift it, and you must secure it in place to prevent it from crashing down. Using the automatic opener may burn out its motor.
How much does it cost to replace garage door springs in Boise?
The cost varies depending on the type of spring (torsion or extension), the size and weight of your door, and whether you are replacing one or both springs. Garage Door Store Boise offers transparent pricing and provides free estimates so you know the cost upfront.
How long does a spring replacement take?
For a trained and experienced technician, a standard residential garage door spring replacement typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. They will also perform a balance test and safety inspection of your entire door system.
What is the difference between torsion and extension springs?
Torsion springs are located above the door and work by twisting. They are generally safer, more durable, and provide better balance. Extension springs are located on the sides and work by stretching. They are more common on older or smaller doors but pose a greater risk if they break without safety cables.