Your garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system, bearing the heavy load of lifting and lowering the door multiple times a day. Over time, wear and tear can take a toll on these critical components. Knowing the signs of a failing spring can help you address the issue before it turns into a costly or dangerous problem. Here are the top indicators that it’s time to replace your garage door springs.
1. Your Garage Door Won’t Open or Feels Heavy
One of the most noticeable signs of a broken spring is when your garage door refuses to open or feels unusually heavy when lifting it manually. Springs counterbalance the weight of the door, so if they’re not functioning, the door’s full weight is no longer supported.
2. Visible Gaps in the Springs
Take a look at your torsion or extension springs. If you see a visible gap in a torsion spring or a stretched-out appearance in an extension spring, it’s a clear sign the spring has failed and needs to be replaced.
3. Loud Bang or Popping Sound
If you hear a loud noise, like a gunshot or a popping sound, it’s likely that a spring has snapped. Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, and when they break, they release that tension with a sudden, loud noise.
4. Uneven Door Movement
A broken or worn spring can cause your garage door to move unevenly or tilt to one side. This happens because the remaining spring or cable is taking on more load than it should, disrupting the door’s balance.
5. The Door Closes Too Quickly
Garage door springs control the speed at which your door opens and closes. If the door slams shut quickly or seems out of control, the springs may no longer be providing the necessary counterbalance.
6. Visible Wear or Rust on the Springs
Over time, garage door springs can develop rust or show signs of wear, such as fraying cables or small cracks. Regular inspections can help you spot these issues before they lead to failure.
7. The Garage Door Opener Struggles
If your garage door opener is working harder than usual to lift the door, it’s often because the springs are no longer effectively supporting the door’s weight. This added strain can also damage your opener if not addressed promptly.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Replace Garage Door Springs
Delaying a spring replacement can lead to:
- Safety Hazards: A broken spring can cause the door to fall unexpectedly, posing a risk to people and property.
- Damage to Your Garage Door System: A failing spring can strain other components, leading to more extensive and costly repairs.
- Inconvenience: A broken spring can leave you unable to use your garage door until it’s fixed.
Leave Spring Repairs to the Professionals
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can be dangerous to replace without the proper tools and training. Attempting a DIY fix can result in injury or further damage to your garage door system.
Trust State Line Garage Doors for Safe, Reliable Spring Replacements
At State Line Garage Doors, we have over a decade of experience replacing garage door springs safely and efficiently. Whether your springs are broken, worn out, or showing signs of trouble, our expert team is here to help. We’ll ensure your garage door is back in perfect working condition in no time.
Contact us today for fast, professional spring replacement services!