Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
The springs counterbalance the weight of your garage door so that you – or the opener – can lift it easily. When a spring breaks, the door suddenly feels like it weighs hundreds of pounds. Common signs include:
- A loud bang from the garage, often when nobody is using the door
- A visible gap in the torsion spring above the door
- The opener runs but the door lifts only a few inches, or not at all
- The door goes up crooked or slams down quickly
- Cables hanging loose from the drums
Torsion and Extension Springs
Most newer doors in Greece use torsion springs mounted on a shaft above the door. Older and lighter doors often use extension springs that run alongside the horizontal tracks. Both wear out over time – every spring is rated for a limited number of open-and-close cycles, and cold Rochester winters add stress.
We replace springs with the correct wire size, length and strength for your door’s weight, then balance the door so it stays put when lifted halfway. On doors with two springs, we generally recommend replacing both at once: the second spring has the same wear and is usually close behind.
Please Don’t DIY Spring Repair
Wound springs store enough energy to cause serious injury. Adjusting or replacing them without the right winding bars and training is one of the most dangerous home repairs there is. Leave the door closed, unplug the opener if it keeps trying to lift, and call (585) 252-9426.
A spring often breaks together with other worn parts, so we also check the cables and drums, rollers and bearings while we’re there.