Why it happens
Springs flex every time a garage door opens or closes. Over time, that repeated loading can fatigue the metal and eventually cause a break. Rust can weaken the surface, while an incorrectly sized spring can leave the door poorly balanced. Torsion springs sit on a shaft above the door; extension springs stretch alongside the horizontal tracks. Both systems depend on the right spring selection and adjustment. A door that has gained weight from added insulation or replacement sections may also need its balance reassessed. We inspect the full lifting system because a spring problem can place extra strain on cables, hardware, and the opener.
What to look for
- A visible gap in a torsion spring
- An extension spring hanging loose
- A loud bang followed by lifting trouble
- The door feels unusually heavy
- The opener strains or stops while lifting
- The door rises unevenly
What to be aware of
Springs store enough energy to cause serious injury. Do not loosen spring brackets, winding cones, or other attached hardware, and do not try to stretch or wind a spring yourself. If a spring appears broken, stop using the opener. Trying to lift the door can overload the opener or leave you handling more weight than expected. Keep people away from a door that is raised or crooked. Do not pull the emergency release on an open door with a suspected spring failure; it could fall.
What can be done
We begin by inspecting the springs, cables, drums or pulleys, mounting hardware, and door balance. That helps us identify the failure and select springs suited to the door’s weight and lifting arrangement. We explain the recommended work and confirm the final out-the-door price before work starts. Replacement involves safely releasing any remaining tension, removing damaged springs, installing the appropriate replacements, and adjusting the system. We check cable seating, door travel, and balance before testing the opener. Where an extension spring system needs containment cables, we address that as part of the recommendation. Our repairs carry a 90-day warranty.