That loud bang from your garage wasn’t just scary, it was a warning. Garage door spring failure is one of the most common problems homeowners face. But what if you could spot the red flags before that terrifying snap happens? Understanding the signs can save you from a stuck car, a damaged door, and a real safety hazard.
You might be wondering, “what does a garage door spring about to break actually act like?” or “how can I check it without getting hurt?” The answer often lies in the type of spring you have, like a robust garage door torsion spring mounted above the door, or the older extension springs on the sides.
In this guide, we will walk you through the six signs that your spring is on its last legs. You will learn not just what to look for, but also why it is happening, and the steps to take to protect your home and family.
Think of your garage door spring as the powerful muscle of your entire door system. It’s what does the heavy lifting, counterbalancing the immense weight of the door so your opener, or your own arm, doesn’t have to. Every time you open or close the door, this muscle is flexing and unflexing, storing and releasing a huge amount of energy. That’s why when one fails, it’s such a big deal.
You’ll typically find one of two types of muscles on a garage door. Knowing which one you have helps you know what to look for.
Torsion Springs: The Modern Powerhouse
You’ll find this heavy-duty garage door extension spring mounted horizontally on a metal shaft above your closed door. It works by twisting (or torquing) tightly to lift the door. These are known for their strength, smoother operation, and longer lifespan, making them the go-to choice for most modern, heavier doors.
Extension Springs: The Side-Stretchers
These older-model springs for garage doors run parallel to the tracks on either side of the door. Instead of twisting, they stretch and extend to provide the lifting force. While they get the job done, they generally don’t last as long as their torsion counterparts and are more common on lighter, older doors.
Even the strongest muscles wear out. Here’s what slowly brings a spring to its breaking point:
Remember that “muscle” we talked about? When it starts to get tired, your garage door will send you clear signals. Think of these as your door’s way of asking for help before it gives up completely.
This is often the very first clue you will get. When you press the button or try to lift the door manually, it suddenly feels like you are trying to lift a small car. A healthy spring is supposed to counterbalance almost all of the door’s weight. When it loses its tension, that full weight lands on your opener, or your back.
If you are wondering, “why is my garage door so heavy all of a sudden?” this is almost certainly the answer. Ignoring this is a fast way to burn out your opener’s motor, turning a simple spring fix into a much more expensive overhead door spring replacement.
A properly balanced door should hold its position at any point you leave it, whether it is halfway open or all the way up. If you lift your door and it immediately starts to slide back down, or if it refuses to stay fully open, your springs have officially lost their strength.
This is a major safety issue. A door that won’t stay open can come crashing down without warning, which is dangerous for anyone, or anything, below it. This is a sign that you need to look into replacing garage door springs right away.
Take a look at the thick, coiled spring above your closed garage door. Healthy torsion springs for garage doors are tightly wound coils with no space between the rings. If you see a noticeable gap, usually about one to two inches wide, that is the smoking gun. The spring has snapped, and that gap is the physical break in the metal.
This is what often causes that loud bang we mentioned earlier. The spring is under so much tension that when it breaks, it violently snaps apart. At this point, your door is completely inoperable until you get a new garage door spring replacement.
Speaking of that bang, it is a sound you will not forget. It is startlingly loud, like a gunshot or a firecracker going off inside your garage. If you hear this noise and then find your door won’t open, you do not need to be an expert to diagnose the problem.
Your garage door spring broke. The stored energy in the spring has just been released all at once. This is the most dramatic of all the signs, and it means your door is now out of commission until a professional can safely install a new one.
Take a step back and watch your door move. Does one side seem to lift faster than the other, making the whole door look crooked or lopsided? This is a classic sign that one spring has failed while the other is still hanging on, creating a dangerous imbalance.
This uneven strain does not just look bad; it puts stress on the tracks, rollers, and your opener, threatening to cause even more damage. It is a clear signal that the system is out of balance and needs professional attention to change out garage door springs.
Your garage door opener is the brain, not the brawn. It is designed to work with the spring, not replace it. If you hear the motor straining loudly, see the whole unit shaking violently, or if it just gives up and reverses halfway through, the opener is begging for a break.
It is trying to tell you that the spring is no longer helping, forcing the motor to lift the door’s entire weight, which is a job it was never meant to do. This is the moment to call for garage door spring replacement before you burn out the motor completely.
So, you are probably asking yourself, “how long does a garage door spring last?” It is a great question, and the answer is not a simple number of years. A garage door spring’s life is actually measured in cycles, one cycle being a single open and close. Think of it like a battery that only has so many charges.
Here is a straightforward breakdown of what determines your spring’s lifespan:
Torsion Springs: These are the long-distance runners. A well-made torsion spring is typically rated for 10,000 to 20,000 cycles. If you use your door about 5 times a day, that translates to roughly 5 to 10 years of service.
Extension Springs: These are more like sprinters. They usually have a lower cycle rating, often between 5,000 and 10,000 cycles. That is about 3 to 7 years with average use. This is a key reason many people opt for a garage door torsion spring replacement when their old system wears out.
Knowing how long garage door springs last helps you plan. If your door is approaching that 7-year mark and showing even a minor sign, it is wise to start paying closer attention.
If one spring breaks, it can be tempting to just replace that single one. After all, the other one is still working, right? While that might seem logical, for safety and performance, replacing both springs at the same time is almost always the right call. Think of them like a pair of tires on your car; if one wears out, you replace both to keep the vehicle balanced and safe.
The spring that did not break is just as old and has been through the exact same number of cycles as the one that snapped. Its strength is already significantly depleted. If you only replace one, you are almost guaranteeing another loud bang and another service call in the very near future. Investing in a full garage door extension spring replacement for both sides, or a pair of new torsion springs, saves you money on a second service fee and protects your door from the imbalance and damage a second failure would cause.
Spotting the warning signs is your key to avoiding a sudden breakdown and staying safe. Remember, your garage door spring is a hard-working muscle that wears out over time. By paying attention to these six signs, you can take control, act before a break happens, and make sure your garage door remains a smooth and secure part of your home.
When it is time for action, trust the professionals at Prime Access Garage Doors. Our Garage Door Spring Replacement Service safely removes old, worn-out springs and installs the perfect new one for your door’s specific needs. For your safety and peace of mind, give us a call at +1 (469) 729-8373 or visit our service page at https://primeaccessgaragedoors.com/garage-door-spring-replacement/ to learn more and schedule your expert repair.
Look for a door that feels heavy to lift, won't stay open on its own, opens unevenly, or makes your opener struggle. A visible gap in the spring coil is a sure sign it's broken.
It's a startlingly loud noise, often compared to a gunshot or a firecracker. You'll hear a single, powerful bang coming from your garage.
Extremely common. Garage door springs are under constant high tension and have a limited lifespan, making them one of the most frequently replaced parts on any garage door.
The cost varies based on the spring type (torsion or extension) and whether you replace one or both. For an accurate quote for your specific door, it's best to contact a professional service for an assessment.
Lifespan is measured in cycles, not years. A torsion spring typically lasts 10,000 cycles (5-10 years), while an extension spring lasts 5,000-10,000 cycles (3-7 years) with normal use.
