Common garage door problems like broken springs typically have clear-cut causes that can be fixed by an experienced residential garage door technician.
You may be asking if you can open a garage door with a broken spring. The answer is determined by the type of garage door and the sort of spring that has to be replaced.
There are two types of springs used in garage doors: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are located above the garage door opening, while extension springs are located on each side of the garage door opening.
If your garage door has torsion springs, do not try to open it if a spring is broken. The tension in the spring might cause serious injury or damage. If your garage door has extension springs, you could maybe open it with a broken spring—but we wouldn’t recommend it. There’s too much risk that the tension will make the garage door slam shut and injure someone nearby.
What Are Garage Door Extension Springs?
An extension spring is a type of garage door spring that is located on both sides of the garage door. These springs allow your door to open and shut smoothly. Extension springs are under a lot of strain, so if one breaks, it can be dramatic.
What Are Garage Door Torsion Springs?
Torsion springs are above your garage door. These springs help to balance the weight of your door and give it momentum. If one of these springs fails, the garage door will become extremely heavy and may fall, posing a serious risk of injury or damage.
What Is the Difference Between Extension and Torsion Springs?
An extension spring is located on both sides of your garage door, while a torsion spring sits above the door. Torsion springs help to make the door lighter and easier to open.
Torsion springs are like twisting a wet rag to get all of the water out. They tighten as they move through means of rotation. Extension springs, on the other hand, can be thought of as an accordion. They both load and unload in order to make it easy open or close the door, though they do so in different ways.
What Are the Immediate Steps to Take If a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
If your garage door spring is broken, you might wonder if you can open a garage door with a broken spring? But for your safety, there are immediate steps to take to prevent further damage or injuries. When a garage door spring breaks, it’s important to act quickly and safely.
- Don’t Use the Door: Don’t try to open or close the garage door, either manually or with the opener. Opening a garage door with a broken spring isn’t safe. A broken spring makes the door heavy and difficult to control, creating a safety risk.
- Disconnect the Opener: If the opener is engaged, disconnect it to prevent activation.
- Secure the Area: Keep children and pets away from the garage door so they don’t get hurt.
- Inspect the Damage: Look for visible signs of damage, like a gap in the spring or unusual slack in the cables.
- Don’t Attempt Repairs Yourself: Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled. Avoid trying to fix the problem yourself.
- Contact a Professional: Call a licensed garage door repair technician to replace the broken spring. Professionals have the tools and expertise to safely handle the repair.
- Schedule Maintenance: Once the repair is complete, schedule regular inspections to prevent future spring issues and keep the door operating properly.
How Do Professionals Safely Repair or Replace Broken Garage Door Springs?
Residential garage door repair professionals can safely repair or replace a broken garage door spring using proper steps and safety procedures. They inspect the door and identify the type of spring—torsion or extension—while checking other components like cables and rollers for additional damage. They disconnect the opener and secure the door to prevent accidental movement. For torsion springs, technicians unwind and release the stored tension using special tools. For extension springs, they ensure the tension is removed from the cables. Once the tension is safely released, the damaged spring is removed, and a replacement spring, matching the door’s weight and specifications, is installed.
After installing the new spring, the technician winds the torsion spring to the correct tension or secures the extension spring and tests the door’s operation, making adjustments as needed for smooth, balanced movement. They check sensors and cables for proper function. They also offer maintenance tips, like lubricating parts to prevent future issues. This process ensures the repair is done safely, prolonging the garage door system’s life.
Can Temporary Repairs Be Made Before Professional Help Arrives?
Temporary repairs for a broken garage door spring can secure the door until professional help arrives, but they should be done cautiously. Avoid operating the garage door, because the added strain from the broken spring can damage other parts or cause the door to fall unexpectedly. If the door is open, carefully lower it with assistance and secure it in place using locking pliers or clamps.
To prevent movement, reinforce the door by placing a sturdy object, like a heavy-duty wooden block, underneath. Disconnect the garage door opener to avoid accidental activation and further damage. These measures are only temporary and are not a substitute for professional repairs. Contact a licensed technician as soon as possible for a permanent solution.
What Are the Signs That Garage Door Springs May Need Attention?
Certain signs may indicate garage door springs need attention or replacement. Difficulty opening or closing the door, if it feels heavier than usual, point to weakened springs. Uneven or jerky movement may signal a failing or unbalanced spring. Visible damage, like gaps, rust, or stretching, is another indicator of wear and tear. Loud snapping or banging noises, typically mean a spring has broken. Sagging cables or a door that stops midway during operation may be from insufficient spring tension. Addressing these signs early may prevent additional damage. Always depend on a professional technician, because residential garage door spring repair can be dangerous without it.
Is It Possible to Open an Electric Garage Door With a Broken Spring Using the Opener?
If you need to know how to open a garage door with a broken spring, it might be technically possible by using the opener, but it isn’t recommended. Springs are designed to counterbalance the door’s weight, making it easier to lift. When a spring is broken, the garage door opener has to bear the full weight of the door, which can strain or damage the opener and other parts. Trying to open the door in this condition creates safety risks, because the door may move unevenly, get stuck, or fall suddenly, causing injuries. Instead of using the opener, disconnect it and don’t use the door. Call a professional to safely repair or replace the broken spring.
How Often Should Garage Door Springs Be Replaced to Prevent Failure?
Garage door springs should be replaced every 7 to 10 years, depending on the amount of use and maintenance. Most are rated for around 10,000 cycles (one full opening and closing). Frequent use may shorten their lifespan, requiring earlier replacement. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected failure. If the door becomes difficult to operate, moves unevenly, or makes loud noises, these are signs it needs replacement. Inspections ensure the springs stay in good condition.
How Come Springs Break?
The steel in the springs can weaken and snap over time. They can also break if they are not properly lubricated, or if there is too much weight on the door. Many times, especially in areas that experience extreme weather, rust forms on the springs and corrodes them over time. If you’re someone who likes to leave your door open while you’re home, you might experience this more than other people.
Why Are Springs Dangerous?
Since the springs are subject to such high tension, they can be very dangerous if they break. Usually, when a garage door spring breaks it is because it was overloaded beyond its capacity. This can cause the spring to snap, which can pose a serious safety hazard.
When one garage door spring breaks, it can shatter and cause significant damage. Parts might fly throughout the garage and harm objects stored inside your garages, such as your car windows or windshield. To avoid injury, always keep your fingers away from the springs.
What Should You Do if a Garage Door Spring Breaks While the Door Is in Use?
If a garage door spring breaks while you’re using the door, and you’re curious about how to manually open your garage door with a broken spring, it’s better to be safe and stop operating it immediately. If the door is stuck open, secure it with clamps or locking pliers to prevent it from falling. Don’t move the door manually or with the opener. Unplug the opener to avoid accidental use. Keep children and pets away from the area. Contact a professional technician to replace the broken spring. Avoid DIY repairs, because high-tension springs can be dangerous.
Can You Manually Replace a Garage Door Spring If You Have Mechanical Skills?
It’s not recommended for an average homeowner to replace garage door springs, due to safety reasons. When mishandled, garage door springs can be unpredictable and cause serious injuries. Proper replacement requires specialized tools and expertise. Even minor errors can strain the opener. For safety and reliability, it’s best to hire a professional technician who can correctly repair high-tension springs.
What Are the Costs Associated With Replacing a Broken Garage Door Spring?
The cost of replacing a broken garage door spring depends on the type of spring, the door’s size, and labor fees. Torsion springs cost more to fix than extension springs. Additional expenses may arise if cables or rollers need repair. High-quality, longer-lasting springs may increase upfront costs but reduce the need for frequent replacements. Consult an Overhead Door professional technician for an estimate. Regular maintenance extends spring life and minimizes long-term costs.
Why Should I Hire a Professional Garage Door Repair Company?
Oftentimes, it is smarter to let a professional handle garage door spring replacement as opposed to attempting it yourself. This is because professionals have both the experience and resources needed to correctly carry out the process while also being able to identify any issues you may be having with your doors.
While you may not like the idea of paying someone to do the work for you, you might end up costing yourself more money in the long run if you mess up the repair job or get injured during the repair process.
If you need immediate spring repairs, there are many companies that offer 24/7 emergency garage door spring repair services. We hope this gives you some piece of mind knowing you can call for assistance at any time.
How Can I Prevent My Garage Door Springs From Breaking?
You can avoid your garage door springs from breaking by taking a few preventative measures. First, ensure that they are well-lubricated using either a silicone-based spray lubricant or lithium-based grease. Apply the lubricant to the springs monthly.
When Should I Replace My Garage Door Springs?
If your garage door springs break, you should hire a garage door technician to replace them immediately. If you try to open your door with a broken spring, the door might come crashing down and injure someone. You can open a garage door manually, but garage doors and garage door systems are extremely heavy. Opening the garage door manually may not be an option for you, especially if you have custom wooden garage doors.
The springs on your garage door are generally good for seven to nine years if you use them on a regular basis. However, that timeline varies significantly based on factors such as frequency of usage, climate, and quality of garage door components.
How Do I Replace a Broken Garage Door Spring?
To repair a garage door with a broken spring, you will need tools, proper safety equipment, a ladder, and a lot of know-how. We’ll give you some basic step-by-step instructions here, but you should always conduct your own research and consult with professionals before attempting any repairs on your own.
Also, if you decide to fix your garage door yourself, be sure to use all of the required safety equipment and carefully follow repair instructions.
1. Begin by unplugging the garage door opener from the wall. This will prevent the door from trying to open or close while you work on it. It’s also important to disconnect the opener so you aren’t running the risk of electrocution.
2. Next, open the door manually and use the lever on your garage door to lock it open so that it is even with the ground. With the door propped open, you can take off the old springs and prepare to install the new ones.
3. To remove the old springs, use a socket wrench to loosen the bolts on either side of the broken spring. Once they are loose, carefully remove the old spring by disconnecting the rod from its brackets and slowly pulling it out. It’s especially important that you wear protective eyewear and gear during this step.
4. After the old springs have been removed, you’ll need to install the new ones. To do this, connect the rod to the brackets that will support the spring. Install the brackets and springs after connecting the rod. Make sure your new springs are adjusted to equalize them with your old springs. Your door will not operate properly if you don’t do this.
5. Finally, connect the garage door opener to the garage door and test it out to ensure that it is working properly. Test the door using a remote garage door opener at a distance to ensure that you can safely open and close it. You may then reinstall the door once everything is in order.
Garage doors, garage door systems, and garage door springs can cause serious bodily injury to you or your loved ones if not installed properly. This isn’t a job that should be taken lightly.
When dealing with fractured garage door springs, exercise extreme caution. Remember that a torsion spring or extension spring might be under a lot of tension. If you’re not sure about your abilities, we recommend hiring specialists to do this work for you, such as those at Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound. They’ve spent over 100 years in the garage door business, and they’ll repair your broken garage door right.
Other Very Common Garage Door System Issues
If your garage door isn’t functioning properly, it may be due to a broken spring. However, there are a few other common issues that you should be aware of with residential garage doors:
A Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener
Your opener might not be working right for a variety of reasons, such as a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Another potential problem could lie with the sensors. One thing you can try is wiping down and aligning the sensors located at the bottom of the garage door opening on either side of the door. If they are out of alignment, your garage door might not open or close all the way because the sensors think that something is in the way.
Damaged Panels
Garage door panels can become damaged due to weather damage, normal wear and tear, or an accident. If this happens, you will need to replace them. They can impact the functioning of the garage door by getting in the way of the door jam on the way up, or by creating a kink in the door.
A Garage Door That Won’t Stay on Track
With a steel rolling door, a loose roller or dented track is the most common cause of a rattling door. However, it can also happen when something is blocking the door’s path, like debris or a toy. To remedy this issue, you’ll first want to assess if there is something in the way, or if something is actually broken.
If the metal track itself is bent, you’ll have to consider bending it back or replacing it. If there is debris in the tracks, make sure the garage door is securely raised or lowered, and then carefully remove the debris and wipe down the tracks.
A Noisy Garage Door
If your door is making a lot of noise, there’s a good chance it’s due to loose or worn-out hardware. It could also be caused by the tracks not being properly lubricated. The simple solution to this problem is to buy a lubricant at your local hardware store and grease the wheels and hardware. This should fix the problem in most cases. However, if the noise persists, you might be looking at an issue where, again, there is debris lodged somewhere in the track, or the track might be out of alignment.
Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound is the area’s leading garage door provider. They provide a wide range of services, including garage door repair, installation, and maintenance. For a free consultation about your garage door issues, contact them now.
Get Your Garage Door Springs Repaired or Replaced Today!
There are many reasons why garage door springs might break, but the primary one is age and usage. If you have a broken extension spring or torsion spring, you should replace it immediately. Trying to open a garage door with either a broken torsion or extension spring can be difficult and dangerous.You may repair the springs on your garage doors yourself, but it’s usually a better idea to call a professional. This is because pros have the know-how and equipment to do the task correctly and safely. Professionals can also assist you with any others concerns that you may be having with your door. For prompt, dependable, and affordable garage door spring replacement, repair, maintenance, or emergency service, contact Overhead Door technicians.
Explore More Topics
