Garage Door Spring Broken: What to Do Next?

The spring of your garage door plays a major role in making it easy to use. When you have your garage door spring broken, you need it fixed quickly. It is not something you can fix on your own easily. You will need to know the basics to do everything in a good way.

So, in this guide, we will discuss the causes and signs of a broken garage door spring along with fixes. Whether you are looking for maintenance tips or want an idea of the repair cost, this guide will share everything you need.

Why is Your Garage Door Spring Broken?

Garage door springs are under a lot of pressure. They have o support the weight of your garage door. These springs can break after some time due to one reason or another including:

Rust

Rust is among the biggest causes of garage door failure. If the moisture content is allowed to settle on the springs the formation of rust may occur. Rust makes the metal weak making the spring break.

Daily Wear and Tear

Garage door springs are made with a certain number of cycles. A cycle is counted as an up and down motion of the garage door. Normal garage door springs can endure a possible 10,000 operations on average.

Lack of Maintenance

Maintenance of your garage door should be done frequently so that it can have a long life span. Failure to apply oil to the springs or conduct frequent checks keep the springs overworked This may result in their breakdown.

How to Tell if Garage Door Spring is Broken

Below are the signs you need to look at.

Cables Are Loose

There are some cables attached to the garage doors. If those cables are loose and hanging, then it can be a sign of broken garage door springs. The springs are responsible for keeping these cables tight.

Garage Door is Too Heavy

Springs assist in opening the garage doors. If it feels too heavy to open manually or feels heavy on the motor, the springs are not good any longer.

A Visible Gap

A garage door spring is one whole unit and when it breaks, it usually snaps into two pieces. So, if you see a visible gap in the spring, it will be a clear sign of a broken spring.

The Garage Door is Crooked

These springs are responsible for evenly balancing the weight of garage doors. So, if the door looks unbalanced or crooked then there is some issue. A broken spring may cause the door to lift more on one side.

Garage Door Falls Quickly

Springs are not only responsible for opening the garage doors smoothly but also for closing them as well. If your garage door falls quickly, it may tell that the springs are not working normally.

Loud Banging from Your Garage

Garage door springs are under a lot of tension. So, when they break you may hear a loud bang. Such noises from the garage will usually be a sign of the spring breaking. Moreover, you can test it by looking for other signs.

Can You Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?

A garage door with a broken spring can be operated technically but should not be encouraged under any circumstance. When a spring is broken then the door loses support and is much heavier to lift and might be a hazard to operate manually.

Also, if the garage door is opened or closed with a faulty spring, it will put a lot of pressure on the motor as well as other parts.

How to Open a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?

Although it is not recommended, you may need to open the door for emergencies or to replace the springs.
So, in that case, you may follow these steps with extreme caution:

1. Disconnect the door opener unit.
2. Manually lift the door to open it. You may need assistance from others.
3. Use c-clamps or a wooden plank to hold the door in place while it is opened.

Repair Broken Garage Door Spring

When you want to repair a broken garage door spring, it is important to call a professional. This procedure is dangerous. Professionals know all the right measures to take.

How to Fix a Broken Garage Door Spring

Below are the steps that can be followed to fix a broken garage door spring:

1. Inspect the broken springs and get the right replacement parts.
2. Use C-clamps to keep the door open when repairing.
3. Detach the spring bracket by unfastening its bolt.
4. Disconnect the lift and safety cable and now you can put the new springs in their place.
5. Connect the lift and safety cables and fasten the bracket for the spring.
6. Finally, lubricate the new spring and repeat for other springs.

Note: These steps may vary for different spring types.

Repair Cost for Garage Door Broken Spring

The average cost of fixing a broken garage door spring can range from $100 to $200. The cost depends on the type of spring used and the size of the door. Garage door springs are normally found at the top and bottom of the door. They may take about $150 to $350 in overall cost for replacement of a single spring.

Bonus: Recommended Garage Security Cameras

For top-notch garage security, consider the Reolink Altas PT Ultra. It offers 4K UHD resolution, 360° pan and tilt, and continuous recording with its powerful battery. The WiFi 6 feature ensures a stable connection, and the camera’s spotlight and siren help deter intruders, making it ideal for securing your garage space.

FAQs

1. Can I Replace the Garage Door Spring Myself?

These springs are normally under high tension so you may get seriously injured if you mishandle springs. That kind of repair is better left to a professional which is why you should take time and hire one.

2. Can You Still Use a Garage Door with a Broken Spring?

Even when the garage door spring is broken, you still may attempt to open the door, and this is dangerous. It imposes more pressure on the garage door opener, and it may result in injury, so it is unsafe. Of course, you should not use the door until the spring is fixed.

3. How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

Most springs come with 10,000 cycles with the average household giving seven to ten years depending on usage. However, they tend to degenerate with constant use compared to the normal usage.

Conclusion

Getting a garage door spring broken is a common yet frustrating problem for homeowners. When looking to resolve this problem, you must understand the signs. Only then can you decide between DIY or professional fix.