How to Tell if a Garage Door Spring Is Broken: Signs You Should Never Ignore

If your garage door spring is broken, your door will usually show clear warning signs like loud noises, crooked movement, or difficulty opening. Garage door springs are the workhorses of your system. They counterbalance the heavy weight of the door so that it opens smoothly whether you use a remote opener or lift it by hand. When a spring fails, the door becomes unsafe and difficult to use. Recognizing the symptoms early protects your garage door, prevents costly damage, and keeps your family safe.

At Garage Door Specialists of Neenah, we help homeowners across Appleton, Neenah, and the Fox Cities identify and fix spring problems before they turn into major repairs. Here are the most common signs that your garage door spring may be broken and why you should never ignore them.

1. Unbalanced or Struggling Door Movement

One of the first warning signs is an unbalanced door. If one spring has broken, the door can no longer distribute its weight evenly. The result is a door that tilts, jerks, or feels extremely heavy on one side.

A simple test: disconnect your opener and try lifting the door halfway. A properly working spring will hold the door in place. If the door slams down, feels too heavy, or leans to one side, the spring is no longer doing its job. Continuing to operate the door in this state can cause serious strain on your opener and tracks.

2. A Loud Bang or Snap

When a spring breaks, it often produces a loud, startling sound. Many homeowners describe it as a sharp bang, similar to a gunshot or a firecracker. This noise comes from the release of the spring’s stored tension.

Springs can snap without warning, often at night or early in the morning when temperature changes put extra stress on metal parts. If you hear this sound, stop using your door immediately until it has been inspected.

3. A Visible Gap in the Spring

Springs are tightly wound coils of metal, so when one breaks, the separation is usually easy to spot. Look for a clean gap in the spring or coils that no longer line up evenly.

If your garage has two springs, always check both. Springs are often installed in pairs and tend to wear out at the same time. If one breaks, the other is probably close behind.

4. Door Will Not Open or Closes Too Fast

Without springs to counterbalance the weight, your garage door suddenly becomes extremely heavy. You may notice that:

• The opener struggles to lift the door

• The door opens halfway before slamming shut

• Manual operation is nearly impossible

A door that closes too quickly is a serious safety hazard. The full weight of a double garage door can exceed 150 pounds, and without spring support, that weight falls directly on the tracks, opener, or anyone beneath it.

5. Crooked or Uneven Door Movement

Another clear sign of spring failure is a crooked or tilted door. As the opener tries to lift, the door may appear higher on one side. You might hear scraping or grinding as the misaligned door rubs against its track.

Operating your door in this state can bend the tracks, damage the rollers, and even burn out your garage door opener. If your door looks uneven, stop using it and have it checked by a technician right away.

6. Torsion Spring Unwinding

If you have a torsion spring system, failure can look different. Instead of breaking cleanly, the spring may begin to unwind uncontrollably. When this happens, the door can slam shut with incredible force. You may also hear the spring spinning rapidly or see it stretched out of shape.

This situation is extremely dangerous and should only be handled by a professional. Torsion springs are under hundreds of pounds of pressure, and attempting a DIY fix can lead to severe injury.

Why Professional Spring Repair Is Critical

It may be tempting to try and fix or replace a spring yourself, but garage door springs hold an immense amount of stored energy. One wrong move can cause serious harm. Professional technicians have the right tools, training, and safety procedures to handle the job safely.

In addition, replacing both springs at the same time is often recommended to keep the system balanced. A technician will ensure your springs are the correct size and strength for your door, which is key to long-term performance.

Recap: Spotting Broken Garage Door Springs

A broken spring is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a safety issue. Watch for signs like loud noises, visible gaps in the coils, crooked or unbalanced doors, and difficulty lifting. If you notice any of these, stop using the door and schedule service immediately.

At Garage Door Specialists of Neenah, we provide professional spring repair and replacement throughout Appleton and the Oshkosh, Wisconsin. With proper care and expert service, your garage door can return to safe, smooth operation quickly.

FAQ: Garage Door Springs

Q: How long do garage door springs last?
A: Most springs last between 7 and 10 years, or about 10,000 cycles. Heavy use can shorten that lifespan.

Q: Should I replace both springs if only one is broken?
A: Yes. Since springs work together and usually wear at the same rate, replacing both ensures balance and prevents another failure soon after. To prevent more costly maintenance in the near future, you’re better off replaced both springs at the same time.

Q: Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?
A: It is not safe. The door becomes very heavy and can cause serious damage or injury if forced open.

Q: What is the difference between torsion and extension springs?
A: Torsion springs are mounted above the door and wind tightly to lift. Extension springs stretch along the sides of the tracks. Both perform the same function but require different repair methods.

Q: How do I know if I need professional help?
A: If your door is crooked, feels heavy, or will not stay open, it is time to call a technician. DIY spring repair is not recommended due to the high tension involved.