A broken garage door spring isn't always difficult to recognize. You may hear a loud bang from the garage even though nothing appears to have fallen. The next time you try to open the garage door, it may barely move or feel significantly heavier than normal.

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Common signs of a broken or damaged garage door spring include:

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• The garage door will not open

• The door only opens a few inches

• The garage door feels unusually heavy

• You heard a loud bang from the garage

• The door opens or closes unevenly

• A visible gap has appeared in the spring

• Cables appear loose or out of place

• The garage door opener struggles to lift the door

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If you notice these symptoms, avoid repeatedly operating the door. A broken spring can place unnecessary stress on the opener, cables, and other parts of the garage door system.

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Garage Door Spring Replacement in Austin

When a garage door spring breaks, it generally needs to be replaced rather than repaired. Springs are designed to counterbalance the weight of the garage door, making it possible for the door to move smoothly and for the opener to lift it without excessive strain.

 

A-American Overhead Doors can evaluate your existing spring system and determine the appropriate replacement based on the size, weight, and configuration of your garage door.

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Replacing the correct spring is important. Installing a spring that isn't properly matched to the door can affect how the door operates and may contribute to premature wear on other components.

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Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs

Garage doors commonly use either torsion springs or extension springs.

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Torsion springs are typically installed horizontally above the garage door opening. They use torque to help counterbalance the weight of the door as it opens and closes.

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Extension springs are generally installed along the sides of the garage door's horizontal tracks. These springs stretch and contract as the door moves.

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The appropriate repair depends on the type of spring system installed on your garage door. Our technicians can identify your existing system and determine what is needed to restore proper operation.

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Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Wearing Out

A garage door spring doesn't always fail without warning. Changes in the way your garage door operates can indicate that the spring system should be inspected.

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Watch for a garage door that has become unusually heavy, opens more slowly than before, moves unevenly, makes new noises, or doesn't stay balanced when operated.

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You may also notice that your garage door opener seems to be working harder. Because the opener isn't designed to lift the full weight of the door by itself, a weakened spring can place additional strain on the opener.

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Having the system inspected when you first notice a problem may help prevent additional damage.

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How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

Garage door spring lifespan is generally measured in cycles, with one cycle consisting of the garage door opening and closing once.

How long a spring lasts depends on several factors, including the type and quality of the spring, how frequently the garage door is used, the weight of the door, and the condition of the overall garage door system.

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For a household that uses the garage as its primary entrance, those cycles can accumulate quickly.

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If your springs are older and your garage door has started operating differently, an inspection can help determine whether the springs are nearing the end of their useful life.

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Why You Shouldn't Replace a Garage Door Spring Yourself

Garage door springs operate under significant tension. Attempting a DIY spring replacement without the proper tools, training, and understanding of the garage door system can result in serious injury or property damage.

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There is also more involved than simply removing one spring and installing another. The replacement spring needs to be appropriate for the weight and configuration of the garage door, and the entire system should be checked for proper balance and operation.

For safety, garage door spring replacement is a job best handled by an experienced garage door professional.

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Same-Day Garage Door Spring Repair in Austin

A broken spring can be especially frustrating when your vehicle is trapped inside the garage or the door won't close securely.

A-American Overhead Doors offers same-day garage door repair in Austin, subject to scheduling and availability, as well as night and weekend emergency service for urgent garage door problems.

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When you contact us, let us know what your garage door is doing and whether you suspect a broken spring. We can help determine the appropriate next step and schedule service.

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How Much Does Garage Door Spring Repair Cost in Austin?

The cost of replacing a garage door spring can vary depending on the type of spring system, the size and weight of the garage door, the number of springs, and whether other components require attention.

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Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all estimate, it's important to determine what your particular garage door needs.

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Learn more about garage door spring replacement costs in Austin.

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Should Both Garage Door Springs Be Replaced?

If your garage door uses two springs and only one has broken, whether both should be replaced depends on the condition and age of the existing springs.

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Because springs installed together often experience a similar number of cycles, the second spring may also have significant wear. A technician can inspect the system and explain whether replacing one or both springs makes sense for your garage door.

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Garage Door Spring Repair From A-American Overhead Doors

When your garage door isn't working properly, you want to know what is wrong and what actually needs to be fixed.

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A-American Overhead Doors provides garage door spring repair and replacement throughout the Austin area. We can inspect the spring system as well as the cables, rollers, tracks, opener, and other components that affect the operation of your door.

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Whether you've already spotted a broken spring or simply know that something isn't right with your garage door, contact A-American Overhead Doors to schedule service.

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Call today to schedule garage door spring repair in Austin, TX.

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Garage Door Spring Repair FAQs

Can you open a garage door with a broken spring?

A garage door with a broken spring can become extremely heavy because the spring is no longer helping counterbalance the weight of the door. Trying to force it open can be dangerous and may damage the opener or other components. It's generally best to stop operating the door and have the spring inspected.

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Can a broken garage door spring be repaired?

A broken garage door spring generally needs to be replaced rather than repaired. The replacement spring must be properly matched to the garage door so the system remains balanced and operates correctly.

Why did my garage door spring suddenly break?

Garage door springs wear as they complete repeated opening and closing cycles. Age, frequent use, corrosion, improper spring sizing, and other factors can contribute to spring failure.

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Will a garage door opener work with a broken spring?

The opener may activate, but it isn't designed to lift the full weight of a garage door without assistance from the spring system. Continuing to use the opener with a broken spring can place excessive strain on the opener and potentially cause additional damage.

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How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?

Common signs include a door that won't open, a door that feels extremely heavy, a loud bang from the garage, loose cables, uneven movement, or a visible gap in a torsion spring.

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Do you provide garage door spring repair near me in Austin?

A-American Overhead Doors provides garage door spring repair and replacement for homeowners throughout Austin and the surrounding service area. Contact us to confirm service availability for your location.