Broken Garage Door Spring? Here’s What to Do
Has your garage door suddenly stopped working? Failed tension coils within garage entry mechanisms frequently underlie these operational problems. This common problem affects many Ontario homeowners and requires immediate attention. Whether you’ve noticed a garage door spring broken on one side or your garage door opener spring broken and failing to lift, let’s walk through what you need to know if you’re facing this frustrating situation.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
Spring failure in your garage entry system typically manifests through multiple sudden alterations in operational performance. Recognizing these signs helps you quickly identify if you’re dealing with a broken garage door spring. Here are the telltale indicators that may signal you’re dealing with spring failure in your garage door mechanism.
Sudden Loud Bang or Snap Noise
Did you hear a gunshot or a loud bang coming from your garage? That alarming crack frequently indicates the sudden release of a tightly wound spring component, giving way. The noise happens because garage door springs store enormous energy while supporting your door’s weight. When that tension releases suddenly, it creates the characteristic loud snap many homeowners report when a garage door spring breaks.
Door Becomes Heavy or Won’t Open
One of the most noticeable signs is that your door suddenly becomes extremely heavy to lift manually. When your opener motor strains or fails to raise the door, this typically points to a compromised spring mechanism in your garage door system. When your garage door opener spring broken issues occur, the motor will strain or make unusual noises as it attempts to lift the unbalanced weight. Springs counterbalance your door’s weight—without them, you’re trying to lift 150-300 pounds on your own!
Visible Gaps or Damage in the Spring Coil
Take a quick look at the springs located above your garage door or along the sides. A broken spring will show an obvious gap in the coil or appear stretched out compared to other intact springs. With torsion springs (mounted horizontally above the door), you might see a visible separation in the coil. For extension springs (along the sides), one may appear significantly longer or stretched compared to the other side. This visible evidence confirms you’re dealing with a broken garage door spring.
Safety First—What Not to Do
Addressing a broken spring on a garage door requires prioritizing safety above all else. This malfunctioning component can pose significant hazards if mishandled. Here’s what to avoid:
Avoid Forcing the Door Open or Closed
Avoid applying pressure to manipulate a garage door with failed spring components. Without a proper counterbalance, the door could:
- Fall suddenly and cause injury
- Damage to the door panels or track system
- Create excessive stress on your door’s motorized operating mechanism
Even if you need to access your vehicle, it’s better to arrange alternative transportation temporarily rather than risk injury or further damage.
Don’t Attempt a DIY Spring Replacement
While many home repairs make good DIY projects, garage door spring replacement isn’t one of them. Such coiled components maintain dangerous levels of compression force, including after failure—necessitating specific equipment and technical expertise for risk-free handling. The risk simply isn’t worth the potential savings, especially considering the serious injuries that can result from improper handling of these high-tension components.
Risks of Injury Without Proper Tools or Training
The dangers of DIY spring replacement include:
- Serious facial injuries
- Broken bones or crushed fingers
- Falls from ladders
- Further damage to your garage door system
Hundreds of Canadians are injured each year attempting to repair their garage door springs. It’s simply not worth the risk when professional help is available.
What You Should Do Immediately
Follow these steps when you discover a broken garage door spring:
Disconnect the Opener if Necessary
If your door is partially open and won’t move:
- Find the manual override tether (typically identifiable as a crimson-colored string suspended from the operator rail)
- Tug the emergency release line to separate the motorized mechanism from the door panel
- If feasible, gently lower the door by hand, enlisting assistance if the weight proves difficult to manage
This step prevents your opener motor from burning out as it tries to lift a door without spring assistance.
Secure the Door to Prevent Further Damage
Once the door is closed:
- Engage any accessible fastening devices to prevent the door from shifting unexpectedly
- Ensure young family members and household animals remain at a safe distance from the door area
- Don’t try to use the automatic opener until repairs are complete
A properly secured door will prevent accidents while you wait for professional repair service.
Contact a Professional Garage Door Technician
Call a reliable service provider like Fix One right away. When you call, be ready to share:
- When the spring broke
- Your specific garage door model or configuration (if this information is available to you)
- Whether one or both springs appear broken
- If you need prompt service to regain access to vehicles housed inside your garage
Trained service personnel come equipped with specialized equipment, appropriate components, and the necessary expertise to restore your door’s functionality without compromising safety.
Fix One’s Expert Spring Repair Services in Ontario
When you’re facing a broken spring, you need reliable help fast. Fix One delivers professional service throughout Ontario cities and communities.
Same-day repairs by Certified Technicians
Our expert technicians respond quickly to spring replacement calls because we understand the urgency. We offer:
- Same-day service in most areas
- Weekend and after-hours emergency options
- Fully equipped service vehicles with common springs in stock
- Service specialists with verified qualifications across the full spectrum of garage door configurations and brands
Our team arrives prepared to complete your repair in a single visit whenever possible.
Use of High-Quality, Long-Lasting Springs
Fix One never cuts corners on quality. We install:
- Premium-grade springs rated for 10,000+ cycles
- Galvanized springs for Ontario’s challenging climate
- Properly sized springs matched to your specific door weight
- Springs with manufacturer warranties for peace of mind
Quality springs mean fewer replacements and more reliable operation for years to come.
Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees
We believe in honest, upfront pricing:
- Clear quotes before work begins
- No surprise charges or last-minute additions
- Competitive rates throughout our service areas
- Multiple payment options for your convenience
You’ll know exactly what to expect with no unwelcome surprises on your bill.
Prevent Future Spring Breakages
Though tension mechanisms inevitably deteriorate with age, appropriate maintenance significantly prolongs their functional durability.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Simple regular checks help identify problems early:
- Listen for unusual noises during operation.
- Watch for uneven movement when the door opens or closes.
- Check for visible rust or wear on springs quarterly.
- Evaluate your door’s equilibrium by releasing the opener mechanism and raising the door halfway—a properly balanced system will remain stationary without support.
Consistent monitoring helps identify small concerns before they develop into significant complications requiring costly intervention.
Lubricating Springs to Reduce Wear
Proper lubrication greatly extends spring life.
- Apply silicone-based lubricant to springs twice yearly
- Wipe away excess oil and debris that can accelerate wear
- Avoid using WD-40 or grease on springs (these attract dirt)
- Pay special attention after the winter months
This simple maintenance step can add years to your springs’ functional lifespan.
Fix One’s Preventive Maintenance Plans
Prevent issues proactively through our economic upkeep programs:
- Annual or semi-annual inspection visits
- Complete system lubrication and adjustment
- Safety sensor testing and alignment
- Early detection of wear before failure occurs
Scheduled expert servicing is the wisest financial approach to preventing surprise malfunctions in your garage entry system.
Get Your Garage Door Back on Track Today
Don’t let a broken spring keep you from using your garage or put your safety at risk.
Book a Service with Fix One in Minutes
Getting help is simple:
- Call our service line for immediate assistance
- Describe your issue to our knowledgeable staff
- Get a service appointment that works with your schedule
- Receive confirmation and technician details
Our efficient scheduling process means minimum disruption to your day.
Trusted Garage Door Spring Repairs—Call Now!
With service throughout Ontario, Fix One’s experienced technicians are ready to solve your garage door spring problems quickly and professionally. Our dedication to superior craftsmanship and exceeding client expectations has established us as the preferred provider for Ontario residents confronting spring failures in their garage entries.
Don’t risk injury or further damage. Contact Fix One today and get your garage door working safely again!
