A garage door is one of the most frequently used entry points in many American homes. With daily use, components naturally wear out—especially the springs. A broken garage door spring is one of the most common and potentially dangerous issues homeowners in the United States face. Understanding the causes, signs, and solutions can help you stay safe and protect your property.

1. What Causes a Garage Door Spring to Break?

Garage door springs are engineered to handle a specific number of cycles—typically between 10,000 and 20,000 openings and closings. Over time, natural wear and tear is the primary reason springs break. However, several other factors can speed up the process:

• Rust Buildup: Moisture can cause springs to rust, weakening the metal and adding friction.
• Poor Maintenance: Without regular lubrication, springs experience extra stress.
• Temperature Fluctuations: In many parts of the United States, extreme cold or heat can affect metal fatigue and lead to premature failure.
• Incorrect Spring Type: Using the wrong spring for the weight of your garage door can put stress on the system.

A broken garage door spring is almost unavoidable eventually, but good maintenance can significantly extend its lifespan.

1. Common Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken

Most homeowners discover a spring problem when their garage door suddenly stops working. But early warning signs can help you address the issue before it becomes hazardous:

• Loud Bang: Springs often snap with a noticeable popping or banging sound.
• Door Won’t Open: If the opener tries to lift the door but struggles or fails entirely, the spring may be broken.
• Door Raises Crooked or Jerky: One damaged spring can throw the whole door off balance.
• Gaps in the Spring: A visible separation in the torsion spring is the clearest indicator of a break.
• Heavy Door: If the door suddenly feels heavier than normal when lifting manually, the spring has likely lost tension.

Because garage door springs are under extreme pressure, it’s important not to attempt repairs on your own.

1. Why Broken Garage Door Springs Are Dangerous

A broken garage door spring is more than an inconvenience—it can be hazardous. When a spring snaps, the door becomes nearly impossible to lift safely. Forced lifting may cause additional damage to rollers, tracks, or even the opener. More importantly, attempting DIY repairs on springs can lead to severe injuries.

Garage doors typically weigh between 150 and 300 pounds, and the spring system is what makes them manageable. When that tension is suddenly lost, the door can fall quickly and without warning. This makes professional repair not only recommended, but essential for safety.

1. How to Prevent Garage Door Spring Problems

While no garage door spring lasts forever, proper care can help prevent early failure:

• Schedule Routine Inspections: Professionals can spot signs of wear before a break happens.
• Lubricate Regularly: Applying silicone-based lubricant reduces friction and prevents rust.
• Balance Testing: Ensures the door isn’t putting excessive stress on the opener.
• Replace Both Springs: If one breaks, the other is likely close behind. Replacing both ensures even performance.

Preventive maintenance is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner.

Need Fast Spring Repair? Call Garage Door Repair Fort Collins

If you’re dealing with a broken garage door spring or suspect one is wearing out, professional help is the safest solution. At Garage Door Repair Fort Collins, we proudly serve homeowners throughout the United States with reliable spring replacement, inspections, and full-service garage door repair. Our trained technicians offer fast, affordable, and safe solutions to get your door working perfectly again. Contact us today for expert service you can trust.