How to Know If Your Garage Door Spring Is About to Break
Your garage door springs do the heavy lifting every day, balancing the weight of the door so it opens and closes smoothly. But like any mechanical part, they wear down over time—and a broken spring can quickly turn into a major inconvenience or even a safety hazard. Knowing the warning signs of a failing garage door spring can help you act before disaster strikes. Here’s how to tell if your spring is about to break.
1. Loud Noises or Sudden Bangs
A loud “bang” from the garage when the door isn’t in use is often the sound of a spring snapping. Even if the spring hasn’t fully broken yet, unusual creaks or grinding noises during operation are early indicators of spring fatigue.
2. Door Feels Heavier Than Usual
If your garage door suddenly feels heavier or harder to lift manually, that’s a red flag. Springs are designed to counterbalance the weight of the door—if one is worn out, the door becomes much more difficult to move.
3. Visible Gaps or Rust
Take a close look at the springs above your garage door. A visible gap in the coil or significant rust and wear can mean the spring is close to failing. Never try to repair or touch a spring yourself—they are under high tension and can be dangerous.
4. Uneven Door Movement
Is one side of the garage door rising faster than the other? Uneven lifting or a door that looks crooked while opening often signals that one spring is doing more work than the other, usually because the other is worn or broken.
5. Door Won’t Stay Open
If your door won’t stay open or slams shut quickly when you release it, your springs may not be providing enough counterbalance. This is a serious safety issue that needs urgent attention.
6. Slow or Jerky Operation
A normally smooth garage door that suddenly starts moving in a jerky, sluggish manner may be suffering from weakened springs. This puts additional stress on the opener and can shorten its lifespan.
7. Fraying Cables or Loose Hardware
When springs begin to fail, it can also affect the surrounding components like cables and pulleys. Frayed cables, loose brackets, or other visible signs of stress may indicate that the spring system is under excessive strain.
What To Do If You Notice These Signs
If you observe any of the above symptoms, don’t attempt to fix the issue yourself. Garage door springs are under immense tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Instead:
- Stop using the garage door immediately.
- Disconnect the automatic opener.
- Contact a professional garage door technician to inspect and replace the springs safely.
Why Timely Replacement Matters
Waiting until a spring breaks completely can lead to:
- Sudden inability to use the garage door.
- Damage to the opener system.
- Risk of the door falling and causing injury or property damage.
By catching the problem early, you save money, stay safe, and prevent further wear on other components.
Stay Safe with Preventive Maintenance Regular garage door maintenance can identify worn springs before they break. Schedule annual inspections with a trusted technician to ensure your entire system remains in optimal condition.
Need Spring Repair or Replacement? Contact our team today for quick, safe, and affordable service throughout Mount Pleasant and nearby areas.
