replacing garage springs

As a homeowner, you understand that your garage door is one of the most important parts of your home. If you have an issue with it, it can derail your daily activities, or worse, present possible danger. One of the most common ways to know that your garage door needs to be fixed is if your springs break. 

Garage door springs are small but integral parts of each garage door. Most people do not think about their garage door springs until they break or require replacement. There are ways to prevent the springs from breaking. Here are five expert things to look out for if you think you might need to replace your garage door springs. 

Disconnected Door Cables

One of the most common signs that your garage door springs need to be replaced is if your door cables become disconnected. A broken garage door spring can cause your cables to disconnect and flail about as your door opens and closes. It is likely that your cables are fine, and that your springs need replacing. 

If your door opens a few inches and then abruptly stops and goes no further, you also may have broken springs. This is a feature of many newer garage doors. When springs are broken, the door system prevents itself from being raised, preventing possible accidents from the heavy door coming crashing down.

Loud Noises Coming From the Garage

Some homeowners have told us that the loud noises of their broken garage door springs may sound like someone is trying to break in. If you hear a loud noise in your garage and enter to find nothing, it could very well be your garage door springs unwinding and creating a crashing sound, which can be very dangerous if children or pets are around.

Gaps in the Springs

One of the most common ways to instantly determine if your springs are broken and need to be replaced is by noticing a gap in the torsion springs. If there is a gap of about a few inches or more in the middle of your torsion spring, your springs almost surely need to be replaced. Do not try to open or close your door at this time. 

Bent Top of Garage Doors 

Certain kinds of garage doors from different brands will bend at their tops if someone tries to open them when the springs are broken. The reason for this is the weight of the garage door and the opening mechanism is trying to open the door without the support of the springs. Do not try to open or close your door at this time. 

The Door Falls Faster When Shutting

The springs of your garage door help carry an immense load of your door. Without them, it’s difficult for the mechanism to support the weight of the door and allow it to close gently. With a broken spring, the mechanism will drop the door into its closed position with a sudden jarring motion that could be dangerous.

Additionally, check the red emergency rope that should hang from the opening mechanism of every garage door. If you pull on this rope and are unable to open your garage door manually, you likely have broken springs. Do not try to open or close your door at this time. 

Garage Doors in My Area: Here to Help

Needing to replace your garage door can present a stressful situation for homeowners, but it doesn’t have to. That’s where the garage door technicians at Garage Doors in My Area are here to help. We offer fair, upfront pricing and comprehensive plans that fit your schedule. We are often able to respond to emergency calls within 24 hours. Call us today or fill out the form here on our website!