- Understand why a garage door heavy to lift may indicate a broken spring.
- Learn the dangers of a garage door without springs and why immediate repair is crucial.
- Discover if it's possible to open garage door with broken spring safely.
Your garage door is an essential part of your home's security and convenience, but when a spring breaks, it can quickly become a major problem. If you've noticed your garage door heavy to lift, it's likely because one or both of its springs have failed. A garage door without springs cannot function properly, and trying to open garage door with broken spring can be extremely dangerous.
It's common for homeowners to be tempted to ignore the issue or attempt a DIY fix, but this can lead to serious injuries and costly repairs. In this guide, we'll explore why garage door springs are essential, what happens when they break, and the safest way to handle the situation.
How Garage Door Springs Work
Garage doors operate with the help of high-tension springs that counterbalance the weight of the door. Without them, the full weight of the door—often between 150 and 400 pounds—rests entirely on the opener or manual force.
There are two main types of springs:
- Torsion Springs: Mounted above the door, these springs store energy by twisting and releasing it to lift the door.
- Extension Springs: Found on the sides of the door, these springs expand and contract to provide lift.
When working properly, these springs make the garage door feel light and easy to open. However, if one breaks, you'll quickly notice the door becoming much heavier.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring is Broken
A broken spring doesn't always snap loudly or make itself immediately obvious. Here are some key signs that indicate a problem:
- Garage Door Heavy to Lift: If your door suddenly feels much heavier than usual, the spring may have broken.
- Uneven or Jerky Movement: A damaged spring may cause the door to rise unevenly or struggle while opening.
- Loud Bang in the Garage: Springs often snap with a loud noise due to the high tension they hold.
- Gaps in the Spring Coil: A visible gap in the torsion spring is a clear sign that it has broken.
- Door Won't Stay Open: If the door starts to close on its own when lifted manually, the counterbalance is failing.
If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to stop using the door and get a professional to repair it immediately.
Why a Garage Door Without Springs is Dangerous
A garage door without springs puts extreme strain on the opener and other components, which may lead to potential hazards:
- Injury Risk: Without the counterbalance of springs, the door can slam shut unexpectedly, posing a serious risk to anyone nearby.
- Opener Damage: The garage door opener is not designed to lift the full weight of the door. Continued use without functional springs can burn out the motor.
- Structural Damage: A falling door can damage vehicles, flooring, and other belongings inside the garage.
- Complete System Failure: Ignoring a broken spring can lead to further component failures, resulting in more costly repairs.
For these reasons, operating a garage door without springs is not recommended. Instead, you should have the springs replaced as soon as possible by a professional.
Can You Open Garage Door with Broken Spring?
Many homeowners wonder if they can still open garage door with broken spring in an emergency. While it is possible, it is not safe and should only be attempted with extreme caution.
If You Must Open the Door Manually:
- Disengage the Opener - Pull on the emergency release cord to disconnect the door from the opener.
- Lift with Assistance - Due to the weight, have at least one other person help you.
- Use Caution - Lift slowly and evenly to avoid straining yourself or further damaging the door.
- Prop the Door Open - If you need to keep the door open, use a sturdy object to hold it in place.
If You Must Open It with the Opener:
- Only attempt this if your opener is rated for heavy lifting.
- Be aware that this may overwork the motor and cause long-term damage.
- If the door does not lift easily, stop immediately and call a technician.
Whenever possible, avoid trying to open garage door with broken spring yourself and contact a professional instead.
Why You Should Call a Professional for Broken Spring Repair
Replacing garage door springs is a high-risk job that requires the right tools and expertise. Here's why professional repair is the best option:
- Proper Handling of High-Tension Springs: Springs store significant force and can snap unexpectedly.
- Correct Installation: Using the wrong size or type of spring can cause further issues.
- Long-Term Reliability: A professional will ensure the new springs are properly balanced for smooth operation.
Fixing a garage door is not a DIY project—calling a trained technician ensures the job is done safely and correctly.
Trust Balanced Garage Doors for Fast and Safe Spring Repair
If your garage door heavy to lift, don't risk further damage by trying to operate it yourself. A garage door without springs is unsafe, and attempting to open garage door with broken spring can lead to injury. Instead, trust the experts at Balanced Garage Doors for fast, professional repairs.
