One small spring could be the difference between a smoothly working garage door… and a complete standstill.
Most homeowners don’t think twice about their garage door until something goes wrong. And when it does, it often traces back to one of the most overlooked components: the garage door spring. This tightly wound piece of steel carries an incredible amount of tension, helping your door open and close safely every day. But like all hardworking parts, it doesn’t last forever.
In this guide, we’ll show you the signs of trouble before you’re stuck with a broken garage door spring, explain what that failure really means, and walk you through what to do next.
What to Watch (and Listen) For
Garage door springs don’t fail without warning. The signs are subtle at first, but they get louder (literally) over time.
You might hear a loud, sharp bang from the garage, even when no one is using it. That could be the sound of a spring snapping. Or maybe the door suddenly feels or acts heavier when lifted. Springs help counterbalance the weight of the door, so when one starts to fail, the door puts up more of a fight.
You may also notice the door rising unevenly, jerking, or moving more slowly than usual. In some cases, it won’t stay open on its own or may fall faster than normal when closing (safety hazard!). A visual inspection could reveal a gap in the coil or signs of rust: both signs that the spring’s days are numbered.
Any of these means it’s time to consider a garage door spring replacement, sooner rather than later.
This Small Part Can Cause Big Trouble
When a spring fails, you’ll know. The garage door might refuse to budge, or it could slam shut when you least expect it. But the real risk is safety. A broken garage door spring can send the door crashing down with full force, risking property damage or injuries.
Even if the door seems to operate, continuing to use it with a failing spring puts a heavy strain on the opener. That motor was never meant to lift the full weight of the door by itself, and the risk of failure becomes a “when,” not an “if.”
Protecting Your Garage Door Spring
You don’t need to be an expert to make your springs last. Just stay consistent. Lubricate them twice a year to keep friction down and movement smooth. It’s like routine care for your door.
Every open and close counts as a full cycle. Most springs are rated for 10,000 cycles, and if your garage is the main way in and out, that adds up fast.
The best way to stay ahead? Schedule a yearly tune-up. A trained technician can catch small problems before they turn into costly spring failures.
What to Do if Your Spring Breaks
If you discover a broken garage door spring, don’t try to lift the door or attempt a DIY repair. These springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly.
Instead, unplug the opener to avoid accidental use and call a qualified garage door technician right away. Professionals have the right tools and training to safely replace the spring and reset the system. Most importantly, they’ll inspect the entire door for related issues to make sure the repair sticks.
Replacing a spring isn’t just about getting the door moving again—it’s about restoring the balance and safety of your entire garage system.
Don’t Wait
A failing garage door spring rarely announces itself loudly… until it’s too late. You can avoid that by recognizing the early warning signs and knowing when to call in a pro.
If you suspect that your garage door spring is on its last legs, don’t take any chances. Contact KJ Doors for a fast inspection and repairs, and relax knowing your garage door is keeping you and your home safe.
