Short answer: The springs do the heavy lifting on a garage door, and when one breaks the whole door stops working. Here's how to spot the problem safely.
The springs do the heavy lifting on a garage door, and when one breaks the whole door stops working. Here's how to spot the problem safely.
The door won't lift, or feels impossibly heavy
A broken spring leaves the opener straining against the full weight of the door, often 150 pounds or more. The door may rise a few inches and stop, or refuse to move at all.
Look for a visible gap in the spring
Torsion springs sit on a bar above the door. If you see a two- to three-inch gap in the coil, the spring has snapped and needs replacement, not a repair.
Why spring replacement is not a DIY job
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if they release suddenly. Replacement should be done by a trained technician with matched parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
The door won't lift, or feels impossibly heavy?
A broken spring leaves the opener straining against the full weight of the door, often 150 pounds or more. The door may rise a few inches and stop, or refuse to move at all.
Look for a visible gap in the spring?
Torsion springs sit on a bar above the door. If you see a two- to three-inch gap in the coil, the spring has snapped and needs replacement, not a repair.
Why spring replacement is not a DIY job?
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if they release suddenly. Replacement should be done by a trained technician with matched parts.
How do I get help with this?
Call (510) 925-1611 and describe the situation, your exact location, and what you need. Timing is confirmed on that call rather than promised in advance.
Call for help: (510) 925-1611 — a straight answer and an honest estimate before any work begins.