Why a Worn Spring Is More Serious Than You Might Think
A garage door spring is a small part with a big job. It does most of the heavy lifting every time your door opens or closes. Therefore, when the spring begins to wear out, the entire door system can become unstable. In other words, ignoring the early signs can lead to more serious damage or even injury.
Most homeowners don’t notice a failing spring right away. However, certain sounds, movements, and changes in door behavior are your early warnings. Recognizing them now can save you from costly repairs later.
The Door Feels Extra Heavy
One of the earliest signs of a worn spring is when the door suddenly feels heavier than usual. This may not be obvious unless you’re lifting it manually. However, you might notice that your opener seems to strain more, or it moves slower than normal. That is to say, the system is losing mechanical help.
If your opener struggles or stops mid-way, this may be because the spring is no longer balancing the door’s weight properly. In addition, repeatedly forcing it to work harder can lead to motor burnout. This issue can escalate fast, so it’s best to address it early by scheduling professional Garage Door Repair Services.
Loud Noises During Operation
Most garage doors make some noise, but a loud pop or bang can be a clue that something has gone wrong. For instance, when a torsion spring snaps, it often makes a loud sound similar to a firecracker. Above all, do not try to open the door afterward. A broken spring will leave the door unsupported.
Even if the spring has not broken yet, ongoing creaking, groaning, or grinding noises while the door moves can signal metal fatigue. In other words, the spring might be nearing the end of its cycle and could break soon. These warning sounds are your cue to stop using the door and inspect the mechanism.
The Door Opens Unevenly or Crooked
When one spring wears faster than the other, the door may start opening at an angle. Likewise, you might see a noticeable tilt when the door is halfway up or down. This is especially common in systems that use two extension springs on each side of the door.
An uneven lift can damage your tracks, rollers, and cables over time. Furthermore, it puts more pressure on the door opener. If you notice that one side lags or drags, it’s important to reach out to a professional before further damage occurs.
Visible Gaps or Distortion in the Spring
Garage door springs should appear tightly coiled when in good condition. However, as they wear out, they may stretch unevenly or develop gaps between the coils. This is often a visible red flag, especially for torsion springs that are mounted above the door.
To clarify, you don’t need to touch the spring to check this. Stand back safely with the door closed and take a good look at the spring’s shape. If it appears distorted or elongated in any area, that’s a sign it has lost tension. A qualified technician can confirm this and recommend the right fix.
Door Closes Too Fast or Slams Shut
A properly functioning spring allows your door to close at a controlled pace. However, if your spring is worn out or broken, the door might slam down quickly. This can be dangerous, especially for kids or pets. Moreover, it can crack the panels or damage the floor if it keeps happening.
Springs are designed to absorb some of the door’s weight as it lowers. Without that tension, gravity takes over. If your garage door no longer slows down toward the bottom, it’s time to stop using it and get in touch with a technician who can inspect it safely.
The Opener Reverses or Gets Stuck
Garage door openers often come with safety sensors and force settings. When the spring is no longer supporting the door properly, the system may detect this as an obstruction or abnormal resistance. Consequently, it may reverse direction or fail to open all the way.
This doesn’t always mean the opener is faulty. In many cases, it’s reacting to the increased strain caused by a failing spring. Replacing the spring will often restore the system to normal operation without needing new electronics.
The Door Won’t Stay Open on Its Own
Another telltale sign is when the garage door begins to fall closed when you expect it to stay up. This can happen gradually or suddenly. For example, you might raise the door manually and then notice it slowly creeps downward or slams shut.
This symptom usually means the spring no longer has the strength to counterbalance the weight of the door. Above all, do not try to “prop” the door open using objects. That can create a serious hazard. A worn spring must be replaced before the door is safe to use again.
You’re Near the End of the Spring’s Lifecycle
Garage door springs don’t last forever. Most standard springs are rated for around 10,000 cycles. That equals about 7 to 10 years of normal usage for most homes. However, heavy usage or extreme weather can shorten their lifespan significantly.
If your door is getting older or has never had a spring replacement, it’s a good idea to have it checked. Preventive maintenance can catch wear before it becomes a sudden failure. It also gives you peace of mind that your door is safe for daily use.
Don’t Try to Replace the Spring Yourself
While many home repairs are DIY-friendly, this one is not. Garage door springs are under high tension, and replacing them incorrectly can result in serious injury. Most importantly, the process requires specialized tools and techniques.
Trying to remove or adjust a spring without training is risky. Even experienced DIYers should avoid this one. Professionals have the right equipment to remove tension safely and ensure everything is reinstalled correctly. It’s safer, faster, and often more cost-effective in the long run.
A Tip Most People Miss: Lubrication Matters
One useful tip that often gets overlooked is keeping your springs lubricated. That is to say, proper lubrication reduces wear and helps extend the life of the spring. Use a non-silicone garage door lubricant or a lightweight spray oil every few months.
Apply a small amount along the spring coils with the door closed. Wipe off excess oil to avoid dripping. While this won’t fix a damaged spring, it can prevent future issues and reduce noise. Likewise, it’s a smart step if your door is still working but starting to sound louder than usual.
When in Doubt, Call for an Inspection
If you’re not sure whether your spring is the problem, that’s okay. You don’t have to guess. Most companies that offer Garage Door Repair Services can perform a quick inspection. This can identify the issue before you commit to repairs.
During the check, they’ll assess spring tension, wear, and overall door balance. In addition, they’ll let you know if your cables, rollers, or tracks also need attention. It’s a small step that can prevent bigger problems later.
FAQ
How long do garage door springs usually last?
Most springs are rated for around 10,000 cycles, which often lasts between 7 and 10 years depending on usage.
Is it dangerous to use a garage door with a broken spring?
Yes, a broken spring makes the door unsafe to operate and can cause the door to fall or damage the opener.
Can I open my garage door manually if the spring is broken?
You can try, but it will be very heavy and unsafe. It’s best not to attempt it without help or proper support.
Are both springs always replaced together?
In most cases, yes. Replacing both ensures even wear and helps the door stay balanced.
What’s the difference between torsion and extension springs?
Torsion springs sit above the door and rotate to lift it. Extension springs stretch along the sides and extend when the door moves.
