Garage door springs are small components that handle a huge amount of work—they lift and lower the heavy door thousands of times over their lifespan. When springs wear out or break unexpectedly, it can lead to dangerous situations, damage to your garage door, or costly emergency repairs.
At Garage Door Doctor, we help homeowners identify potential spring problems early, keeping doors safe and functional. Here are seven warning signs your garage door springs may be about to fail.
1. Your Garage Door Feels Heavy or Unbalanced
One of the first signs of a failing spring is a door that suddenly feels heavier than usual. Garage door springs are designed to counterbalance the weight of the door, so if a spring is weakening:
- The door may feel unusually heavy when lifting manually
- The door might sag on one side
- The opener may struggle or make unusual noises
If you notice your door is harder to lift or doesn’t stay level, it’s a clear indicator that your springs need professional attention.
2. Loud or Unusual Noises
Garage doors usually operate quietly, with only the sound of the opener motor and rollers. Failing springs often produce:
- Squeaking or creaking sounds
- Loud bangs or snapping noises during operation
- Grinding or rattling
These sounds indicate that the springs are under stress or beginning to break. Ignoring these noises can lead to sudden spring failure.
3. Slow or Jerky Movement
A healthy garage door should move smoothly when opening or closing. If your door is:
- Moving slower than normal
- Jerking or hesitating mid-motion
- Struggling to fully open or close
…it could be a sign that the springs are losing tension and can no longer support the door efficiently.
4. Visible Gaps or Damage in the Springs
If your springs are exposed, a visual inspection can sometimes reveal early warning signs:
- Gaps in the coils
- Rust or corrosion
- Fraying or worn areas
Even small gaps or cracks are a major red flag. Springs under tension can be extremely dangerous to handle, so never attempt DIY repair; always call a professional.
5. Door Opens Partially and Stops
A failing spring may not provide enough lift for the door to reach its full height. If your garage door:
- Opens only halfway or stops unexpectedly
- Slams down when closing
…it’s likely that one or both springs are worn or broken. Continuing to use the door in this condition increases the risk of damage or injury.
6. Frequent Opener Issues
While garage door openers can fail independently, a struggling opener is often a symptom of spring problems. If you notice:
- The opener motor running constantly without lifting the door efficiently
- The opener burning out prematurely
- Odd resistance when using manual release
…it may be trying to compensate for a weak or failing spring.
7. Springs Are Over 7–10 Years Old
Even if your springs appear fine, age is a critical factor. Most torsion and extension springs have a lifespan of 7–10 years, depending on usage. If your system is nearing or past this age, proactive inspection or replacement is recommended, even before noticeable issues arise.
Why You Should Call a Professional Immediately
Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or property damage if handled improperly. Attempting DIY repair is extremely risky. A trained technician from Garage Door Doctor can:
- Safely inspect and replace worn or damaged springs
- Ensure the door is properly balanced
- Check related components like cables, rollers, and tracks
Professional service ensures safety, prevents costly secondary damage, and restores smooth operation.
Protect Your Home and Family
Your garage door springs do the heavy lifting, literally. Paying attention to these warning signs can prevent unexpected breakdowns, injuries, and expensive repairs.
If you notice any of these issues, don’t wait until it’s too late. Garage Door Doctor provides expert inspection, maintenance, and repair services to keep your garage door safe and reliable.
Call us today to schedule a spring inspection and ensure your garage door is ready for daily use!