Common Garage Door Spring Problems and How to Fix Them

Garage door springs are small but essential. They bear the weight of your door, ensure smooth operation, and make your life much easier every time you hit that button. But what happens when a spring breaks, stretches, or wears out? That’s when it’s time to consider garage door spring repair to get your door back in working order quickly and safely. Garage door spring problems are not just frustrating but potentially dangerous. Here’s how to recognize and fix them.

Why Garage Door Springs Matter

Garage door springs support the massive weight of your garage door as it opens and closes. There are two main types of springs you’ll encounter in most garages:

Torsion Springs: Mounted above the garage door, these are tightly wound and provide maximum support through torque.
Extension Springs: Found on either side of the door, these springs stretch and contract to balance the door’s weight.

When springs fail, your door may stop working properly, or worse, become a safety hazard. Regular maintenance and early problem detection are key.

Common Garage Door Spring Issues

1. Broken Springs

One of the most common garage door spring problems is a complete breakage. If your door suddenly won’t open, listen for the sound of a loud snap or check for visible gaps in the spring.

Solution

Avoid DIY here as broken springs are highly dangerous under tension. Call a professional technician who can replace the spring with precision.

2. Worn-Out Springs

Springs don’t last forever. Most have a lifespan measured in cycles (one cycle being a full opening and closing of the door), typically about 10,000 cycles. Over time, they wear out and lose tension.

How to Spot It

Your garage door feels heavier.
The spring looks visibly stretched out or rusty.

Solution

If you notice signs of wear, consult a technician before the spring breaks. Proactive replacement is safer and more convenient.

3. Misaligned Springs

Sometimes springs lose their alignment due to uneven weight distribution or regular use.

Symptoms

Your door opens unevenly or gets stuck midway.
A noticeable tilt when the garage door is halfway up.

Solution

Realigning springs can be tricky and requires the right tools. Seek help from a garage door specialist to fix misaligned springs safely.

When to Call a Professional

While some minor issues, like lubricating noisy springs, can be done yourself, larger problems like broken or misaligned springs require professional help. Attempting to fix them without proper tools and expertise can cause injury or further damage to the system.

Make Your Garage Door Safer Today

Don’t ignore garage door spring problems; they only worsen over time. Regular maintenance and inspections can save you from costly repairs later. If you’re facing issues, don’t hesitate to call Reynoldsburg Garage Door Repair to restore your garage door to its top condition.