Garage doors are one of the heaviest moving components in a home, and the springs are the muscle behind their smooth, balanced operation. Yet, most homeowners give these crucial parts little thought—until something goes wrong. When a garage door spring fails, it can lead to safety risks, property damage, or complete garage door malfunction.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about garage door spring repair, including how springs work, warning signs of damage, and what you should (and shouldn’t) do as a homeowner.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
There are two main types of springs used in garage doors:
1. Torsion Springs
- Located above the closed garage door.
- Use torque to lift the door.
- Typically last 15,000–20,000 cycles (1 cycle = one open and close).
2. Extension Springs
- Found along the sides of the door tracks.
- Stretch and contract to raise and lower the door.
- Usually last 10,000 cycles.
Both types of springs are under high tension, making them powerful—but also dangerous—components of your garage door system.
Why Garage Door Springs Break
Garage door springs don’t last forever. Several factors can contribute to their wear and eventual failure:
- Age and Usage: Frequent use over the years weakens the spring steel.
- Rust or Corrosion: Rust reduces spring flexibility and lifespan.
- Poor Maintenance: Lack of lubrication or tension adjustment shortens spring life.
- Extreme Temperatures: Utah’s cold winters can make springs brittle and more prone to breaking.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Repair
Wondering if your garage door springs are on the verge of failure? Here are the most common symptoms:
1. Loud Bang or Snap
A sudden, loud noise from the garage could be a spring snapping.
2. Door Feels Heavy
If it suddenly takes more effort to lift your door (or the opener strains), the springs may have lost tension or broken.
3. Door Only Opens a Few Inches
Garage door openers are designed to stop working when springs fail to avoid damage to the motor.
4. Crooked or Jerky Door Movement
Uneven tension can cause the door to rise unevenly or stick midway.
5. Visible Gaps in the Spring
If you notice a 2–3 inch gap in the torsion spring, it’s broken and needs immediate replacement.
Why DIY Spring Repair Is Dangerous
Garage door springs are wound tightly to counterbalance the door’s weight. Mishandling them can lead to serious injury or property damage. Common DIY mistakes include:
- Using incorrect tools or replacement springs
- Over- or under-tightening the torsion system
- Releasing tension improperly
Important: Even experienced DIYers should avoid spring repair or replacement unless they have professional training and the right equipment.
The Safe and Smart Solution: Professional Garage Door Repair
Hiring a trained technician for spring repair ensures:
- Correct spring sizing and installation
- Proper tension calibration
- Inspection of related components (cables, drums, rollers)
- Safety checks to prevent future issues
A professional can also spot early signs of wear in other garage door parts, helping you avoid bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
How to Extend the Life of Your Garage Door Springs
While you can’t stop springs from eventually wearing out, you can get more life out of them with good maintenance:
- Lubricate springs every 3–6 months with a silicone-based garage door lubricant.
- Schedule annual inspections by a garage door professional.
- Keep the door balanced—if it’s jerking or drifting, call for service.
- Upgrade to high-cycle springs if you use your garage door frequently.
Final Thoughts
Garage door spring issues are among the most common—and potentially dangerous—problems homeowners face. Knowing the warning signs and understanding the risks of DIY repair can protect your home and family. When it comes to spring repair, don’t take chances.
For safe, reliable, and affordable garage door repair, trust the experts at Universal Garage Door Repair. Whether it’s a broken spring or a full system check, our skilled technicians are here to restore your garage door’s function and safety.
Need help with a broken garage door spring? Contact Universal Garage Door Repair today for fast and professional service!
Business Name: Universal Garage Door Repair
Address: 2607 S State Street Suite B, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
Phone Number: (801) 784-4550