Identifying Broken Garage Door Springs: Symptoms Parker Homeowners Should Know

If your garage door suddenly stops working or begins behaving strangely, there’s a good chance the issue lies with the springs. Broken garage door springs are one of the most common causes of garage door malfunctions.

Homeowners in Parker, Colorado, rely on reliable garage access year-round, so knowing the signs of a broken spring can help them prevent inconvenience, property damage, or even injury.

At Select Garage Doors, we believe in empowering homeowners with the knowledge they need to keep their garage doors functioning safely. Let’s break down the most common symptoms of broken garage door springs and what you should do if you notice them.

Table of Contents

• Why Garage Door Springs Are So Important
• Common Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Broken
  • Loud Bang or Snap Noise
  • Garage Door Won’t Open
  • The Door Feels Too Heavy to Lift
  • Uneven Door Movement
  • Visible Gaps in the Springs
  • Slow or Jerky Door Operation
  • Cables Appear Loose or Unwound
• Should You Attempt a DIY Spring Repair?
• How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
• What to Do If Your Springs Are Broken
• Trust Select Garage Doors for Spring Repair in Parker, CO

Key Takeaways

• Broken garage door springs are a leading cause of garage door failure and pose serious safety risks.
• Loud noises, heavy or immobile doors, uneven movement, and loose cables are major warning signs.
• Never attempt to fix springs on your own. The high tension makes DIY repair extremely dangerous.
• If you suspect spring damage, stop using the door immediately and contact a professional.
• Select Garage Doors provides expert garage door spring repair in Parker, CO, including emergency service and honest assessments.

Why Garage Door Springs Are So Important

Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage system. Whether you have a torsion spring system or extension springs, these components are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door.

When functioning properly, they make it possible to open your garage door with ease, either manually or with a garage door opener.

A typical garage door weighs anywhere from 130 to 400 pounds. Without working springs, that weight becomes dangerously unbalanced. That’s why identifying spring problems early is crucial.

Common Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Broken

Below are the most frequent signs that your garage door springs may be broken or about to fail. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to stop using your garage door and contact a Parker garage door technician right away.

1. Loud Bang or Snap Noise

One of the most obvious indicators is a loud, sudden bang coming from your garage. Many homeowners describe it as sounding like a firecracker or gunshot. That sound is often the spring breaking under tension.

If you were not home when the spring broke, you might only notice the noise after discovering that the door is not functioning properly. In either case, take it seriously. A broken spring means your door is no longer safe to operate.

2. Garage Door Won’t Open

If you press the opener and the door won’t budge, or it rises only a few inches before reversing, that could be a clear sign of a broken spring. Since springs bear most of the weight, a broken one makes it almost impossible for the opener to lift the door.

In some cases, the door may open very slowly or jerkily. Don’t force it—doing so can burn out your opener or cause more damage.

3. The Door Feels Too Heavy to Lift

Try to lift your garage door manually (with the opener disconnected). If it feels heavier than usual or nearly impossible to lift, that’s another clue your spring is no longer supporting the door’s weight.

This is a useful test if you’re unsure whether the problem lies with the springs or the opener. A heavy, unresponsive door usually points to spring failure.

4. Uneven Door Movement

Garage doors with extension springs on each side may begin to rise unevenly or tilt to one side if one spring breaks before the other. This uneven strain can cause the door to jam, damage the tracks, or become misaligned.

If you notice the door looks crooked or wobbly while moving, stop the operation immediately to avoid further complications.

5. Visible Gaps in the Springs

Inspect the springs along the top of your garage door (for torsion systems) or near the sides (for extension systems).

If you see a gap in the coil or a spring that looks stretched out or deformed, it’s a sign that it has snapped or is about to break.

It’s worth checking the springs regularly, especially if your garage door is over 7 years old or used multiple times daily.

6. Slow or Jerky Door Operation

A normally functioning garage door opens smoothly and at a consistent speed. If your door moves more slowly than usual, starts and stops, or shakes while opening, a failing spring might be the cause.

These symptoms can also suggest other problems, but when combined with other signs, they point toward the springs.

7. Cables Appear Loose or Unwound

Garage doors often use cables in tandem with the springs to help with lifting. If you see loose, slack, or hanging cables, it could indicate that a spring has broken, causing the cables to lose tension.

This is a red flag and can quickly become a safety hazard if not addressed.

Should You Attempt a DIY Spring Repair?

Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Attempting to repair or replace them yourself is dangerous and not recommended. One mistake can result in serious injury or costly damage.

Always leave spring repairs to trained professionals. At Select Garage Doors, we specialize in safe, efficient garage door spring repair in Parker, CO. We’ll inspect your entire system, ensure the correct springs are installed, and verify everything is balanced for optimal performance.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

On average, garage door springs last between 7 to 10 years with regular use (roughly 10,000 cycles). However, their lifespan depends on how often you use your garage and whether the springs were properly installed.

To extend their lifespan, consider:

• Regular maintenance and inspection
• Lubricating springs and moving parts
• Scheduling tune-ups from a garage door specialist

What to Do If Your Springs Are Broken

Remember, a malfunctioning garage door poses both safety and security risks. Prompt repairs ensure your garage is usable, your vehicle is safe, and your home remains secure.

If you suspect your garage door springs are broken:

1. Stop using the door immediately to avoid further damage.
2. Disconnect the opener if needed.
3. Call a garage door technician in Parker for a professional inspection and repair.
4. Avoid forcing the door open or closed—this can damage your opener or cause injury.

Trust Select Garage Doors for Spring Repair in Parker, CO!

At Select Garage Doors, we’re proud to serve Parker homeowners with expert garage door spring repair and replacement services. Our team has years of experience working with all garage door types and spring systems. We prioritize safety, precision, and long-term performance in every repair job.

We also offer emergency service and upfront pricing, honest assessments, and recommendations.

If your garage door in Parker shows signs of spring failure, don’t wait—contact us for reliable, professional repair service you can trust!