Garage Door Spring Safety Explained: Tips From Local Pros

A garage door spring looks simple, but it does the heavy lifting behind the scenes. These tightly wound coils carry the full weight of your door so you, or your opener, can lift it with just a button or a gentle pull. When they wear out or break, everything stops working the way it should. Worse, a damaged spring can become a serious safety hazard if someone tries to fix it on their own.

This guide will walk homeowners in Appleton, Neenah, Freedom, Little Chute and across the Fox Valley through the basics of garage door springs, how to spot trouble, and why it is so important to leave repairs to trained professionals like Garage Door Specialists of Neenah.

Why Garage Door Springs Matter

A typical garage door can weigh anywhere from 150 to 400 pounds. Without springs, that weight would be nearly impossible to lift. Springs absorb the force each time the door opens and closes, helping it move smoothly and preventing it from crashing down.

They are also the most dangerous part of the entire system. Springs are under extreme tension. If they snap or are adjusted incorrectly, they can release that energy in an instant. Since your garage door is usually the largest moving object in your home, a failure here can affect both safety and security.

The Two Main Types of Garage Door Springs

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs sit on a metal shaft above the top of the garage door opening.

• Mounted horizontally above the door

• Can be a single spring or a pair, depending on door size

• Store energy by twisting

• Commonly fail while the door is closing or already shut

If a torsion spring breaks, the safest choice is to step back and let the door fall. Trying to catch or stop a heavy door can lead to serious injury.

Extension Springs

Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on both sides of the door.

• Stretch and contract to counterbalance the weight

• Require safety cables to keep broken parts from whipping across the garage

• Are more common on lighter doors and older systems

If you have extension springs in your Appleton or Neenah home, make a habit of visually checking that the safety cables are intact and not fraying.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

Spring life is usually measured in cycles. One cycle is one open and one close.

• Torsion springs: roughly 10,000 cycles, often 7 to 10 years with normal use

• Extension springs: roughly 7,000 cycles, often 5 to 7 years

Homes where the garage is the main entry door, which is common in the Fox Valley, may go through cycles faster and wear springs out sooner.

Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Attention

Common warning signs include:

• The door feels much heavier than usual

• A loud bang or snap from the garage, followed by a door that will not open

• A visible gap in the torsion spring coil

• The door only opens a few inches or not at all

• The door looks crooked or jerky when it moves

If you notice any of these, stop using the door and call Garage Door Specialists of Neenah. Continuing to operate a door with a damaged spring can cause more damage to the opener, tracks, or panels.

Safety Concerns You Should Not Ignore

Because garage door springs are under extreme tension, a failed spring can cause serious injuries, including cuts, fractures, and eye damage. Every year, thousands of people in the United States are injured in garage door accidents. Many of those injuries happen when someone attempts a do it yourself repair on springs or cables.

Even experienced DIY homeowners are at risk. All it takes is one wrong move for a bar to slip or a spring to unwind unexpectedly. Professional technicians use the right tools and techniques to control the stored energy and adjust the system correctly. That is why spring work should always be handled by trained pros.

Why Replace Both Springs At The Same Time?

If your system uses a pair of springs and only one breaks, the other has already done just as much work.

Replacing only the broken spring can:

• Create uneven tension on the door

• Put extra stress on the new spring

• Lead to another failure shortly after

By replacing both springs at the same time, you get a balanced system, smoother operation, and fewer service calls over the life of the door.

Professional vs DIY Spring Repairs

It can be tempting to order springs online and watch a video, but this is one area where DIY is simply not worth the risk.

Professionals provide:

• Proper identification of the correct spring size and type

• Specialized tools to safely wind and unwind springs

• Precise balancing of the door so it operates smoothly

• Inspection of related hardware like cables, drums, and bearings

At Garage Door Specialists of Neenah, we work on springs every day for homeowners in Appleton, Neenah, Freedom, Little Chute and the surrounding Fox Valley. Our technicians are trained to handle high tension systems safely and to leave your door properly balanced and secure.

Simple Maintenance To Help Springs Last Longer

You should never attempt to adjust or remove springs yourself, but there are basic habits that can help extend their life:

• Schedule a professional inspection once a year

• Lubricate springs, rollers, and hinges every few months with a garage door lubricant

• Watch the door as it opens and closes and listen for grinding, popping, or scraping

• Check that safety cables on extension springs are in place and not frayed

If something looks or sounds off, it is better to call for service early than wait for a complete failure.

Take The Safe Route

Garage door springs may be small compared to the door, but they do a big job. They make it easy to lift a heavy door and they keep your system working smoothly. They are also one of the most hazardous parts to work on.

Your job as a homeowner in the Fox Valley is to recognize the warning signs. Our job at Garage Door Specialists of Neenah is to handle the repairs and replacements safely.

If your door feels heavy, will not open, or you suspect a spring has broken, do not force it. Contact Garage Door Specialists of Neenah and let our local team get your garage door operating safely again for your home in Appleton, Neenah, Freedom, Little Chute or anywhere in the surrounding area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Springs

Can I replace my garage door spring myself?

You should not. Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if they slip or break during installation. A professional technician has the training and tools to do the work safely and to balance the door correctly.

How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring?

Costs vary based on door size, spring type, and hardware, but most homeowners can expect a range similar to other professional repairs on large home systems. The best way to get an accurate number is to contact Garage Door Specialists of Neenah for a quote tailored to your specific door and setup.

How do I know which spring my door needs?

The correct spring depends on the weight of your door, its height, and the type of system in place. Our technicians measure and weigh the door, then select the proper spring so it lifts smoothly and evenly. Guessing or choosing a spring from a chart online can lead to poor performance and added wear.

How can I tell if my garage door spring is broken?

Common signs include a visible gap in a torsion spring, a loud bang from the garage, a door that will not lift, or a door that feels extremely heavy when you try to open it manually. If any of these show up, stop using the door and call a professional.

How often should springs be inspected or replaced?

Springs should be inspected at least once a year. Replacement timing depends on how often the door is used and what type of spring is installed, but many homes see spring replacement somewhere between 5 and 10 years of use.

Can I buy springs online and then have you install them?

You can find springs online, but they are often the wrong size or rating for the door. We recommend letting Garage Door Specialists of Neenah supply and install the correct springs. That way you get parts that match your system, are installed safely, and are backed by our workmanship.