What do you need to know about Broken Garage Door springs

A broken garage door spring is one of the most common—and frustrating—garage door problems homeowners face. These springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system, allowing it to open and close smoothly. When they break, your entire garage door can come to a screeching halt. So, what causes springs to break, how can you spot the signs, and most importantly, how do you fix it? In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about broken garage door springs and why it’s essential to call in the experts at 101 Garage Doors for safe and reliable repairs.

What Are Garage Door Springs?

Before we dive into the issue of broken springs, let’s take a quick look at how they work. There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Both serve the same purpose: they help counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easier for the opener to lift the door.

• Torsion Springs: These are mounted above the door and coil up to lift the door. They are the most common type of spring used in modern garage doors.
• Extension Springs: These run along the sides of the door and stretch to provide the lifting power. They’re commonly found on older garage doors.

No matter the type of spring, when they break, it can cause your garage door to malfunction, and that’s when you need to take action.

How Do You Know If Your Garage Door Springs Are Broken?

Broken garage door springs often don’t announce themselves with flashing lights or alarms, but there are a few signs that can tell you something’s wrong.

1. Your Garage Door Won’t Open

One of the most obvious signs that your garage door spring is broken is that the door won’t open, or it opens only partway. This happens because the spring is no longer able to help lift the door’s weight.

2. The Door Opens Slowly or Unevenly

If your garage door opens very slowly or lopsided (one side of the door lifts faster than the other), this could be a sign of a weakened or broken spring.

3. Visible Gaps or Damage to the Spring

Sometimes, the problem is visible. If you can safely inspect the springs and notice a large gap in the middle or see visible signs of wear or damage, it’s a clear indication that the spring is broken.

4. Loud Noises When Operating

If you hear a loud “bang” or snapping noise when operating the door, this could indicate that the spring has snapped. The noise is caused by the spring’s tension releasing suddenly.

5. The Door Stops Moving Mid-Cycle

If your door starts to open and then stops halfway, the spring might not have enough tension to lift the door all the way.

Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?

There are several reasons why garage door springs break, but wear and tear is the most common cause. Like anything else with moving parts, springs naturally wear out over time. The more you use your garage door, the more stress you put on the springs.

Other common causes include:

• Extreme Temperature Changes: In places like Arizona, where temperatures can swing drastically, the metal in your springs may expand and contract, leading to stress and breakage.
• Rust and Corrosion: If your springs are not properly lubricated, rust and corrosion can weaken the metal, leading to breakage.
• Improper Maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance, such as lubricating the springs, can lead to premature failure.
• Old Age: Most garage door springs last between 7,000 and 10,000 cycles (the number of times the door is opened and closed). If your springs are old, they’re more likely to snap.

What Happens If You Don’t Fix a Broken Garage Door Spring?

Ignoring a broken spring can lead to more serious problems. First, it can cause the door to become completely inoperable, preventing you from accessing your garage. Second, trying to operate a garage door with a broken spring can put added strain on the opener, leading to more expensive repairs. And, if you attempt to lift the door manually, it could be heavy and difficult to handle, potentially causing injury.

Most importantly, broken springs can also make your garage door unsafe to operate. Without properly functioning springs, your garage door may not stop properly when closing, creating a potential safety hazard.

Can You Fix Broken Garage Door Springs Yourself?

We get it—DIY repairs can be tempting, especially when it seems like a simple fix. However, replacing garage door springs is not a DIY job. Here’s why:

• Tension and Danger: Garage door springs are under immense tension. If you don’t have the right tools or experience, attempting to repair or replace the springs can result in serious injury.
• Precision and Safety: Springs need to be adjusted and installed with precise tension to ensure that your door operates safely and efficiently. It’s easy to make mistakes that could lead to further damage or safety hazards.

At 101 Garage Doors, we strongly recommend leaving spring repairs to the professionals. Our experienced technicians have the right tools, training, and knowledge to handle broken spring repairs safely and effectively.

How Do We Fix Broken Garage Door Springs?

When you call 101 Garage Doors for broken spring repairs, here’s what you can expect:

1. Inspection: We’ll carefully inspect the springs, door, and opener to assess the damage and identify any other issues that may need attention.
2. Spring Replacement: If your spring is broken or too worn out to repair, we’ll replace it with a high-quality, durable spring that suits your garage door.
3. Lubrication & Maintenance: To extend the life of your new springs, we’ll lubricate the moving parts and provide maintenance to ensure your door operates smoothly.
4. Safety Check: We’ll test the door to ensure everything is working properly and that it’s safe to operate.

Why Choose 101 Garage Doors?

At 101 Garage Doors, we specialize in garage door repairs, including broken spring replacement. Our technicians are trained to handle all types of spring issues—safely and efficiently. We offer fast, reliable service to homeowners in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson, and surrounding Arizona areas.

• Fast Response Times: We understand that a broken garage door can be inconvenient. That’s why we offer same-day service to get your door working again.
• Expert Technicians: Our team has years of experience working with garage door springs, so you can trust that the job will be done right.
• Affordable Pricing: We offer competitive pricing on spring repairs and replacements to fit your budget.

Signs You Need a Garage Door Spring Repair:

• Your door won’t open or close properly
• Your door opens unevenly
• You hear a loud snapping sound
• You see visible damage to the springs

Don’t Wait—Call 101 Garage Doors Today!

If your garage door spring is broken, don’t risk injury or further damage. Call 101 Garage Doors for professional repair service in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson, and throughout Arizona. We’ll have your garage door working like new in no time!

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