If you are wondering how to repair a garage door opener spring, the honest and safe answer is very simple. You should never try to fix a garage door spring on your own. The spring is the part that lifts and lowers the garage door, and it holds most of the door’s heavy weight. When a garage door spring breaks, the opener cannot lift the door because it is not made to carry that much weight by itself, which is why this problem should always be handled by a professional.
And now that you understand the risk, let us explain why expert help matters even more.
Trying to repair or replace a broken garage door spring without proper tools and training can cause serious injuries or expensive damage. The spring is under high tension, and one wrong move can make it snap or cause the door to fall suddenly. Many homeowners in Douglasville, GA attempt a DIY fix, but this often leads to more damage to the garage door opener, tracks, or panels. This is why professional garage door spring repair in Douglasville is the safest choice.
Once safety is clear, the next step is choosing the right solution.
The best and safest way to fix a broken garage door spring is to call a trained garage door repair technician. A professional can inspect the issue, replace the damaged spring, and adjust the opener so everything works smoothly again. At Barnes Garage Door Service in Douglasville, GA, we specialize in garage door spring replacement, opener repair, and full garage door inspections. Our local team makes sure your garage door opens and closes properly without strain.
After proper repair, your door works better and lasts longer.
Many homeowners in Douglasville and nearby areas try to lift the garage door by hand or restart the opener after a spring breaks, but this usually makes the problem worse. The door can drop suddenly or burn out the opener motor, leading to higher repair costs. That is why calling a trusted local garage door repair service in Douglasville, GA is always the smart move. With expert help, your garage door stays safe, reliable, and ready to use every day.
If your garage door refuses to open or you hear a loud bang, stop using it right away. Keep reading to learn how to spot a broken spring, what safety steps to follow, and when to call local professionals at Barnes Garage Door Service in Douglasville, GA for help.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
When your garage door spring is broken, you’ll often notice these signs right away:
- The door won’t open, even when the opener runs.
- You may see a visible gap in the spring coil (about 1 to 2 inches).
- The door feels extremely heavy when you try to lift it manually.
- The top panel of your door may bend slightly because the opener tried to lift the full weight.
If your garage door opener spring is broken, unplug the opener immediately. Keeping it running can damage the opener motor or the door panels. Also, keep children and pets away from the area a broken spring can still hold dangerous tension.
Why Garage Door Springs Break
Garage door springs work under a lot of tension. Every time you open or close your door, the spring stretches and coils back. Over the years, this wear and tear causes metal fatigue.
Here are some common reasons why garage door springs break:
- Age and usage: Most springs last about 10,000 cycles (a cycle means one open and close).
- Rust and poor maintenance: Rust weakens the coils, causing the spring to snap early.
- Temperature changes: Extreme cold or heat affects metal tension, increasing break risk.
- Improper installation: Using the wrong size or gauge spring leads to uneven stress and early failure.
Once your garage spring snaps, replacement is the only solution it cannot be repaired or reattached.
Torsion vs. Extension Springs: Know Your System
Your garage door may use one of two spring types: torsion or extension.
Torsion Springs
These are the most common type, located horizontally above your garage door. They twist to store energy, making them powerful and efficient. When you hear of a broken torsion spring, it’s this type that most homeowners deal with.
Extension Springs
These run along both sides of the horizontal tracks and stretch when the door closes. Although easier to spot, they can also be dangerous if they break under pressure.
Most modern doors use torsion springs because they offer smoother and safer operation. However, when one breaks, the tension released can cause serious injury if handled without the right tools or experience.
Can I Replace a Garage Door Spring Myself?
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask:
“Can I replace my garage door spring myself?”
The simple answer: No, you shouldn’t.
Here’s why:
- High tension risk: Garage door springs hold hundreds of pounds of force. Releasing that tension without the proper tools can cause severe injury.
- Wrong installation: Using the wrong spring size or wire thickness can throw off the door’s balance, leading to opener damage.
- Costly mistakes: A DIY repair might seem cheaper, but one mistake can double your repair bill.
Professional technicians are trained to handle broken torsion spring replacement safely. They know how to release stored energy, install the correct spring size, and balance your door perfectly.
Need help fast? Call Barnes Garage Door Service, your trusted experts for broken garage spring repair. We fix it right the first time.
Can I Open the Door with a Broken Spring?
Another common question is:
“Can I open my garage door if the spring is broken?”
Technically, yes, but only manually and with extreme caution.
If you must open the door (for example, to get your car out), follow these safety steps:
- Disconnect the opener by pulling the red emergency release cord.
- Have two people lift the door from the bottom center at the same time.
- Use locking pliers or a clamp to hold the door open, preventing it from slamming down.
However, this is just a temporary solution. You should never keep using your door with a broken spring. It’s unsafe and can lead to further damage.
What to Do Right After Spring Breaks
Once your garage door spring breaks, take these immediate steps:
- Unplug the opener to prevent automatic activation.
- Keep the door closed if possible; it’s unsafe to leave it halfway open.
- Avoid touching or winding the spring.
- Call a local professional for broken garage door spring repair.
If you’re in our service area, Barnes Garage Door Service is always ready to help. We offer same-day service for broken torsion spring repair and replacement.
Call us today, we’re licensed, insured, and trusted by hundreds of homeowners in your community.
How Professionals Repair a Broken Garage Door Spring
When you call a professional like Barnes Garage Door Service, here’s what happens:
1. Inspection and Diagnosis
We start by confirming whether your spring is broken or stretched beyond repair. Sometimes, both springs need replacement for balance and longevity.
2. Safety Preparation
We use special bars and tools to safely unwind the broken torsion spring, releasing the stored tension without risk.
3. Correct Spring Selection
Each garage door requires a specific spring size and wire gauge based on door weight and type. Using the correct spring ensures smooth and balanced operation.
4. Professional Installation
We replace both springs (if your system uses two) for even performance and longer life.
5. Final Balancing and Testing
After installation, we adjust and test the balance to make sure your door lifts easily and evenly. This step ensures your garage door opener spring doesn’t take on extra load.
When we’re done, your garage door operates smoothly, safely, and quietly again, just like new.
How to Keep Your New Springs Lasting Longer
You can’t stop wear and tear, but you can extend your spring’s life with simple care:
- Lubricate the springs every 3 months with a silicone-based spray.
- Inspect for rust or gaps in the coils regularly.
- Avoid overuse don’t open and close the door unnecessarily.
- Call for yearly inspection to catch issues before they turn serious.
Routine maintenance not only keeps your door safe but also prevents costly broken torsion spring replacement in the future.
Why Choose Barnes Garage Door Service
When your garage spring snaps, you need fast, reliable help. Barnes Garage Door Service provides:
- Licensed and insured technicians.
- Same-day spring replacement.
- Affordable and transparent pricing.
- 24/7 emergency response.
We specialize in fixing broken garage door springs, torsion spring replacement, and complete garage door opener repair.
Don’t wait call Barnes Garage Door Service now and get your garage door working safely again!
Safety First, Always
A broken garage door spring is not just a small problem; it is a serious garage door safety issue. The spring lifts the full weight of your garage door, and when it snaps, the door becomes heavy and unsafe to use. This is especially risky for homeowners in Douglasville, GA, where many families use the garage as their main way in and out of the house. When the spring breaks, the garage door opener cannot work properly, and the door can fall without warning.
Because of this danger, it is important to act fast and choose the safe option.
Do not try to fix a garage door spring repair on your own. DIY repairs can cause serious injuries and damage to your garage door system. Always call a trained expert for broken garage door spring replacement. With help from trusted local garage door technicians in Douglasville, your door will be repaired the right way and tested to make sure it works smoothly and safely again.
Once the repair is done by a professional, you can use your garage with confidence.
Remember, your safety always comes first. If you need fast and reliable garage door spring repair in Douglasville, GA, call Barnes Garage Door Service today. Our team provides quick, affordable, and professional service you can trust to keep your home safe and your garage door working like new.
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