Garage Door Spring Broke: Learn How to Open Them Safely

A broken garage door spring can be a significant inconvenience, making it difficult or even impossible to open your garage door. Garage door springs are under immense tension, and attempting to fix or replace them on your own can be extremely dangerous. It is essential to know what to do when your garage door spring broke. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about broken garage door springs, including how to open them safely.

A garage door spring is a crucial component of a garage door system that provides the tension needed to lift and lower the garage door. Garage doors can have either torsion springs or extension springs. Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door opening, while extension springs are located on either side of the door.

There are several signs that your garage door spring may be broken. Some of the common signs include:

• The garage door won't open or close
• The door opens only a few inches and stops
• You hear a loud bang or popping sound from the garage
• The garage door feels heavy when opening or closing

If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to check your garage door springs immediately.

Garage door springs are under a lot of tension and can cause severe injuries if they break. A broken spring can cause the garage door to fall suddenly, damaging property, and injuring people or pets. Attempting to fix or replace garage door springs without proper training and tools can lead to severe injuries, including amputations and even death.

Opening a garage door with a broken spring is not recommended. However, if you need to access your garage immediately, you can follow the below steps to open your garage door safely.

• A sturdy ladder
• Vice grips or locking pliers
• C-clamps
• A wooden board or similar object
• A partner to help

• Make sure to disconnect the power source of your garage door opener.
• Place a sturdy ladder under the garage door opener motor unit and climb up to reach the emergency release cord.
• Pull the emergency release cord down to disengage the opener trolley from the door.
• Use vice grips or locking pliers to clamp the garage door tracks just below the bottom rollers to prevent the door from falling suddenly.
• Slide a wooden board or similar object underneath the garage door to support its weight.
• Slowly and carefully lift the garage door by the wooden board until it is fully open.
• Use C-clamps to secure the door in the open position and prevent it from closing unexpectedly.
• If you need to close the garage door, follow the same steps in reverse order.

It is crucial to note that opening a garage door with a broken spring is only a temporary solution. You should not attempt to fix or replace the broken spring on your own, as it can be extremely dangerous. Instead, you should call a professional garage door repair company to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

Fixing a broken garage door spring is not a DIY project and requires professional expertise. Garage door springs are under immense tension and can cause severe injuries or even death if handled improperly. Therefore, it is best to leave the job to a professional garage door repair company. A trained technician can diagnose the issue, replace the broken spring, and ensure that your garage door is working correctly and safely.

Regular garage door maintenance is essential to prolong the lifespan of your garage door springs and prevent breakdowns. Here are some tips to maintain your garage door springs:

• Lubricate the garage door springs regularly with a silicone-based lubricant.
• Inspect the springs for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or gaps.
• Test the garage door balance periodically to ensure that the springs are functioning correctly.
• Call a professional garage door repair company for annual maintenance and tune-ups.

Garage door springs have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced periodically. Typically, garage door springs last for around 10,000 cycles, or 7-10 years, depending on usage. You should replace your garage door springs if you notice any signs of wear and tear or if they have exceeded their lifespan. It is best to call a professional garage door repair company to replace your garage door springs.

DIY garage door spring repair is not recommended. Garage door springs are under immense tension and can cause severe injuries if handled improperly. Attempting to fix or replace garage door springs without proper training and tools can lead to severe injuries, including amputations and even death. Therefore, it is best to leave the job to a professional garage door repair company.

You should call a professional garage door repair company if you notice any signs of a broken garage door spring or if your garage door is not functioning correctly. A trained technician can diagnose the issue, recommend the best course of action, and fix the problem safely and efficiently.

The cost of replacing a garage door spring depends on several factors, such as the type of spring, the size of the door, and the extent of the damage. On average, the cost of replacing a garage door spring ranges from $200 to $400. However, the price may vary depending on your location and the complexity of the job. It is best to call a professional garage door repair company for a quote.

A broken garage door spring can be a significant inconvenience and safety hazard. It is essential to understand how to open a garage door with a broken spring safely and when to call a professional for repair. Regular garage door maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your garage door springs and prevent breakdowns. Remember to never attempt to fix or replace a broken garage door spring on your own, as it can be extremely dangerous. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you when dealing with garage door springs.

How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?

You may notice several signs if your garage door spring is broken, such as the door not opening or closing smoothly, a loud bang or pop when opening or closing the door, or a visible gap in the spring.

What causes garage door springs to break?

Garage door springs can break due to several factors, such as wear and tear, rust or corrosion, improper maintenance, or exceeding their lifespan.

Can I replace one garage door spring instead of both?

While it is possible to replace only one garage door spring, it is best to replace both at the same time to ensure that the door is balanced and functioning correctly.

How long does it take to replace a garage door spring?

The time required to replace a garage door spring depends on several factors, such as the type of spring and the extent of the damage. On average, it takes around 1-2 hours to replace a garage door spring.

Can I prevent garage door spring damage?

While garage door springs will eventually wear out, you can prolong their lifespan and prevent breakdowns by following regular maintenance practices, such as lubricating the springs and inspecting them for wear and tear.