Your garage door is the heaviest moving object in your house. While most folks think the motorized opener does all the heavy lifting, the spring system actually does most of it. The door can weigh between 150 and 300+ lbs.
Every time a garage door cycles, the springs are under constant, intense mechanical tension that wears them down. If a spring wears out or breaks, your door will not work and can be dangerous.
Here’s what you need to know about how to recognize a failing spring and why you need a pro to replace your garage door spring.
Extension Springs vs. Torsion Springs – What’s the Difference?
Two spring systems are used in most residential garage doors:
Torsion Springs: These are located horizontally on a metal shaft just above the door opening. They twist and untwist to create torque and smoothly counterbalance the door.
Extension Springs: These are found on the upper horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They open and close to raise and lower the panels.
Most modern homes use torsion springs because they are more stable, last longer (typically 10,000 to 20,000 cycles), and operate more smoothly.
Signs You Need Garage Door Spring Repair
A loud “bang” in the garage when a spring snaps under tension, similar to a gunshot or firecracker.
- Visible gap in spring coil. If you see a 2-inch gap in the coiled metal spring above the closed door, it has broken.
- The door opens a few inches, then stops: modern safety openers sense too much weight. If the spring is broken, the motor will shut down to avoid burning out.
- The door feels unbearably heavy. If you still can’t lift the door by hand after pulling the emergency release cord, the counterbalance spring has broken.
- Uneven or Jerky Movement: If one extension spring breaks, your door will be uneven as it pulls to one side and tries to move along the tracks.
The Dangers of DIY Spring Replacement
Warning: Garage door springs have a lot of potential mechanical energy. Use of common household tools to try to remove, wind or adjust high-tension springs can cause severe lacerations, fractures or impact injuries.
Too much or too little spring tension will throw the entire door off balance, not only for your safety but also by prematurely destroying the opener gears and wearing out the track rollers.
Fast, Safe Garage Door Spring Repair – Halton Garage Doors
When a spring breaks, you need fast, reliable service to get your car out and your home secured. Our certified technicians at Halton Garage Doors stock heavy-duty replacement springs with high cycles to withstand tough Canadian seasonal swings.
We offer professional garage door spring replacement, complete safety inspections, and same-day service in the Halton Region, including Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Halton Hills.
Did a Spring Snap? Call the Experts Now!
Never try to work a door with a broken spring. Visit Halton Garage Doors or call our team now for fast, safe and professional spring replacement!
