My Garage Door Spring Broke. What Do I Do?

A broken garage door spring can be alarming. One moment everything is working normally, and the next your garage door won’t open, slams shut, or makes a loud bang that sounds like something exploded in the garage. This is a common issue for homeowners, but it’s also one of the most dangerous garage door problems if handled incorrectly.

Below is a clear, homeowner‑friendly guide on what to do when a garage door spring breaks, what not to do, and how to get your door safely back in service.

Step 1: Stop Using the Garage Door Immediately

If you suspect a torsion spring or extension spring has broken, do not continue to operate the door.

Common signs of a broken garage door spring include:

• A loud bang coming from the garage

• The door only opens a few inches and stops

• The door feels extremely heavy when lifting manually

• The garage door opener strains or won’t lift the door

• A visible gap in a torsion spring above the door

Continuing to use the door can:

• Damage your garage door opener

• Bend tracks or panels

• Create a serious safety hazard

  
  

Step 2: Do NOT Attempt to Repair the Spring Yourself

Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Whether it’s a torsion spring mounted above the door or extension springs running along the tracks, attempting a DIY repair can result in severe injury or worse.

Common DIY risks include:

• Springs snapping or unwinding violently

• Tools slipping under tension

• Loss of control of a heavy garage door

This is one repair where calling a professional is always the safest option.

Step 3: Avoid Forcing the Door Open

If your garage door spring has broken, avoid trying to force the door open, even if your car is trapped inside. A garage door without a functioning spring is extremely heavy and can fall unexpectedly, creating a serious safety risk.

In these situations, it’s best to wait for a professional who has the proper tools and experience to safely open and secure the door before making repairs.

Step 4: Call a Local Garage Door Professional

A trained technician can:

• Identify whether you have a torsion spring or extension spring system

• Replace the correct spring(s) safely

• Balance the door properly

• Inspect cables, rollers, and bearings for wear

  
  

In most cases, garage door spring replacement can be completed the same day.

Torsion Springs vs. Extension Springs: What’s the Difference?

Torsion Springs

• Mounted above the garage door opening

• Twist to lift the door

• More durable and smoother operation

• Common on newer or higher‑quality doors

Extension Springs

• Run alongside the horizontal tracks

• Stretch to lift the door

• More common on older systems

• Must include safety cables

  
  

A professional will ensure the correct spring type and size is installed for your door.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

Most standard garage door springs are rated for:

• 10,000 cycles (one open + close = one cycle)

• Roughly 7–10 years for the average household

  
  

High‑cycle spring upgrades can significantly extend lifespan and reduce future breakdowns.

Why Choose Legacy Garage Doors?

At Legacy Garage Doors, garage door spring replacement is something we handle safely, correctly, and promptly.

• Local, owner‑operated service

• Expert torsion and extension spring replacement

• High‑quality, properly sized springs

• Full inspection with every repair

• Serving Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, and surrounding areas

Because I handle all service and installations personally, you get honest recommendations, clean workmanship, and reliable scheduling.

Need Garage Door Spring Repair?

If your garage door spring has broken, don’t take chances.

Contact Legacy Garage Doors today for professional garage door spring repair, garage door service, and garage door installation you can trust.

Your safety — and your garage door — are worth it.