Garage door springs do the heavy lifting in opening and closing your door. If a spring breaks, you might be left wondering if it’s safe or even possible to open the door. Technically, a garage door with a broken spring can be opened, but it’s challenging and potentially dangerous. Attempting to open it without professional help could lead to further damage or even injury.

For fast, reliable repair, contact The Garage Door Guy Corp today to schedule your appointment for any garage door needs at your residential or commercial property.

What Type of Springs Do I Have and Why Are They Important?

• Torsion Springs: These springs are mounted above the garage door horizontally. Typically, one or two tightly wound springs manage the door’s weight, making it easier to open and close. This system is durable but requires maintenance due to the tension it endures.

  Extension Springs: Mounted on either side of the garage door, these springs use a series of cables and pulleys. They expand and contract as the door moves, providing lift and balance. Regular maintenance ensures both types of springs work smoothly, avoiding sudden breaks. When a spring breaks, it’s best to leave repairs to experienced professionals like The Garage Door Guy Corp to avoid injury and additional damage.

Whether your garage door has torsion springs or extension springs, those springs are responsible for raising and lowering your garage door. When the garage door is lowered, the springs gain tension. However, when the garage door is being raised, the tension is released and the spring helps with lifting. Because garage door springs have the most tension when the door is lowered, it is most common for these springs to break when the garage door is down. 

How Long Does a Garage Door Spring Last?

Most garage door springs are designed to last around 10,000 cycles of opening and closing. For an average household, this lifespan translates to roughly 5-10 years, depending on daily use.

Common causes of spring failure include wear and tear, rust, excess weight on the spring, and improper installation. Each of these factors adds strain, shortening the spring’s life and making breakage more likely over time. Regular inspections and professional service can extend spring longevity, helping you avoid unexpected issues.

Can I Still Open My Garage Door if the Spring is Broken?

Attempting to open a garage door with a broken spring can lead to serious issues. Using the opener could result in costly problems, including:

• bent rails
• stripped gears
• damaged door panels.      

The risks go beyond structural damage: garage doors can weigh hundreds of pounds, and lifting this weight without spring support is unsafe. It is strongly advised that you do not attempt to open your garage door if the spring is broken. Because garage doors are typically made out of materials like metal or wood, they can sometimes weigh upwards of 500 pounds. If one of the springs is broken, you will be left lifting all of that weight on your own.

For your safety and the integrity of your garage door system, it’s best to reach out to The Garage Door Guy Corp for a safe, professional repair whenever you suspect a spring issue.

Contact The Garage Door Guy Corp for Quality Spring Repair

When dealing with repairing or replacing broken springs on your garage door, it’s best to let the professionals handle it. At The Garage Door Guy Corp, our team of experienced professionals is here to provide you with friendly service and to help with all of your garage door needs. We have locations all across Arkansas in Little Rock, Hot Springs Village, Hot Springs, Cabot, Sherwood, Jacksonville, Alexander, Malvern, and White Hall. Contact us to schedule your appointment for your residential or commercial property today!