Garage Door Springs Broken? Here’s What to Do and Why You Shouldn’t Wait
If you’ve recently discovered your garage door springs broken, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common and urgent issues homeowners face with garage doors—and it’s also one you shouldn’t ignore. Broken springs can cause major inconvenience and pose serious safety hazards. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what you should do if your garage door springs are broken and why it’s crucial to address the problem right away.
Why Garage Door Springs Are So Important
Garage door springs are responsible for lifting and lowering the door safely and efficiently. These high-tension springs bear the weight of the door, making it possible for your opener—and even your own strength—to move the door smoothly. When a spring breaks, the entire system becomes unbalanced, and trying to operate it can lead to further damage or injury.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Broken
- The door feels extremely heavy when lifting manually.
- You hear a loud bang coming from the garage.
- The door only opens a few inches before stopping.
- You see a visible break or separation in the spring.
- The garage door slams shut instead of closing gently.
What to Do If Your Garage Door Springs Are Broken
1. Stop Using the Door Immediately
If you suspect your garage door springs are broken, do not attempt to open or close the door. Forcing the system can damage other components, like the opener, cables, or tracks, and put you or your vehicle at risk.
2. Disconnect the Opener (But Only If Safe)
If your vehicle is trapped inside, you may be tempted to manually lift the door. Only do this if you are certain one spring is still intact and you have help. Otherwise, call a professional. Pulling the emergency release without a working spring can make the door come crashing down.
3. Call a Professional Right Away
Repairing broken garage door springs is not a DIY job. These springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled. Always hire an experienced technician to replace them. At Garage Doors of Central Florida, our experts can quickly and safely restore your system to working condition.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix Broken Garage Door Springs
1. Safety Risks Increase Over Time
A broken spring puts excessive strain on the remaining components. Using the door in this condition can lead to a snapped cable, failed opener, or even the door falling unexpectedly.
2. You Could Damage Your Opener
Garage door openers aren’t designed to lift the full weight of the door. Trying to operate the door with broken springs can burn out the motor and require a much more expensive repair—or replacement.
3. You Might Get Trapped
If your garage door is your primary way in and out of the house, broken springs could leave you stranded, especially if your car is stuck inside or you can’t open the door from the outside.
4. Delays Cost More
Waiting to repair your broken springs can lead to a chain reaction of damages. The longer you delay, the more you risk costly damage to other parts of the system.
Different Types of Garage Door Springs
Torsion Springs
These are the most common type used in modern garage doors. They are mounted horizontally above the door and use torque to lift and lower the door. Torsion springs are more durable and last longer than extension springs.
Extension Springs
Found in older systems, extension springs are mounted on the sides of the door. They stretch and contract to lift and close the door but are generally less safe and durable compared to torsion springs.
How Often Should Garage Door Springs Be Replaced?
On average, garage door springs last about 7 to 12 years or 10,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and close). However, high-use households may need replacement sooner. If you notice signs of wear, such as rust, gaps, or a weakening lift, have them inspected by a professional.
Can You Prevent Garage Door Springs from Breaking?
While no spring lasts forever, you can extend their lifespan with regular maintenance:
- Lubricate the springs every 3–6 months.
- Keep the garage environment dry to prevent rust.
- Schedule annual inspections with a professional technician.
- Balance the door regularly to reduce tension.
Trust Central Florida’s Garage Door Experts
At Garage Doors of Central Florida, we specialize in fast, affordable, and safe spring repairs. Whether your garage door springs are broken or you’re just noticing signs of wear, our trained technicians can help you avoid dangerous situations and costly damage.
Conclusion
Don’t ignore broken springs—they are more than just an inconvenience. If your garage door springs are broken, take action immediately. Protect your home, your family, and your wallet by calling the professionals at Garage Doors of Central Florida today.
Call us now at (407) 259-1707 or schedule your repair online. We’ll get your garage door back in top shape—fast and safely!
#GarageDoorSprings #BrokenSprings #GarageDoorRepair #SpringReplacement #GarageSafety #FloridaGarageDoors #EmergencyGarageRepair #TorsionSprings #GarageDoorExperts #OrlandoGarageDoors
