Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring

Your garage door springs play a crucial role in the smooth operation of your garage door. When these springs break, it can lead to inconvenience, potential safety hazards, and costly repairs. In this blog post, Lions Gate Garage Doors will guide you on how to identify if you have a broken garage door spring.

Unusual Sounds: One of the initial signs of a broken spring is unusual sounds when operating your garage door. If you hear a loud bang or popping noise, it could indicate that a spring has snapped. Pay attention to any changes in the normal operating sounds.

Imbalance in the Door: Stand inside your garage with the door closed. If you notice that one side of the door is higher than the other, it's a clear indication of a broken spring. The imbalance occurs because the door is no longer receiving equal support from both springs.

Difficulty in Opening and Closing: A broken spring can make it challenging to open or close your garage door. If you find that the door feels heavier than usual or if it jerks during operation, it's likely that a spring is damaged. Attempting to force the door open can exacerbate the problem and should be avoided.

Cable Issues: Inspect the cables on both sides of the door. If you see loose or hanging cables, it could be a result of a broken spring. Broken springs cause tension loss, leading to slack in the cables.

Sudden Door Stoppage: If your garage door stops abruptly while opening or closing, it may indicate a broken spring. The door's inability to move smoothly is a sign that the springs are not functioning correctly.

Gaps in the Torsion Spring: In some cases, you may visually inspect the torsion spring for gaps or separation. If you notice a visible separation in the spring, it's a clear sign of damage. The torsion spring is a tightly wound coil located above the garage door, and it's responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door, allowing for smoother opening and closing.

Visual Inspection:

Stand inside your garage and look up at the torsion spring. It's usually located parallel to the top of the door and mounted on a metal shaft. Examine the entire length of the spring carefully, paying attention to any irregularities.

Gaps between Coils:

The coils of a torsion spring should be tightly wound together with no noticeable gaps.

If you observe spaces or separation between the coils, it suggests a break or damage in the spring. These gaps can be visible to the naked eye, signaling a structural problem.

Caution:

Approach this inspection with caution. Torsion springs are under high tension, and attempting to touch or adjust them without proper knowledge and equipment can be dangerous. If you are unsure or uncomfortable inspecting the spring yourself, it is strongly recommended to contact a professional garage door technician.

Reasons for Gaps:

Gaps in the torsion spring can occur due to various reasons, including wear and tear, metal fatigue, or corrosion. Over time, the constant stress and strain on the spring may lead to a weakening of the metal, causing it to break or separate.

Prompt Action:

If you notice gaps in the torsion spring, it's crucial to take prompt action. A broken spring compromises the balance of the garage door, making it unsafe to operate. Avoid attempting DIY repairs, as mishandling the high-tension spring can result in injury or further damage.