How Do I Know If a Garage Door Spring Is Broken?

A broken spring usually changes how the door behaves in a noticeable way. You may even hear a loud bang when it breaks, even if nobody is using the door at the time.

Look above the door

Many garage doors use a torsion spring mounted above the opening, and a broken one may show a visible separation or gap. Other doors use different spring systems.

The door may feel extremely heavy

Springs counterbalance the door's weight. When one fails, the opener may struggle or the door may become unexpectedly heavy.

Don't keep using the opener

An opener isn't meant to substitute for a failed spring, and repeated operation can strain the opener or other door components.

Don't replace the spring yourself

Garage-door springs are under significant tension, and replacing or adjusting them requires the right tools, procedures, and experience. This is one repair where the DIY boundary should be clear. Suspect a broken spring? Find Local Garage Door Help