Springs do most of the heavy lifting on a garage door. They counterbalance the door’s weight so it can be opened by hand or by a motor — and when one fails, the door can become impossible to lift or drop suddenly. Cold weather puts extra strain on metal springs, which is why autumn and winter are our busiest times for spring repairs. Here are the warning signs to look out for.
1. The door feels much heavier than usual
If your up-and-over or sectional door suddenly feels heavy to lift, the springs are probably no longer providing enough tension. This is often the first sign of wear.
2. A loud bang from the garage
Torsion springs can snap with a loud bang, a bit like a firework. If you hear this and then find the door won’t open, a broken spring is the most likely cause.
3. The door won’t stay open
A healthy door should stay in place when partly open. If it drifts down or creeps up on its own, the springs are out of balance.
4. Visible gaps or stretching in the spring
Look at the springs with the door closed. A gap in the coils of a torsion spring, or extension springs that look stretched and uneven, are clear signs of failure.
5. The door opens unevenly
If one side of the door rises faster than the other, or the door looks crooked when open, one spring or cable may have failed.
6. Jerky movement or loud noises
Squeaking, grinding or jerky movement can point to worn springs, although it can also mean rollers or hinges need attention. A garage door service will identify the cause.
7. Your electric door struggles or stops
A motor isn’t designed to lift the full weight of a door. If springs are weak, an electric garage door may stop part way, reverse or make straining noises — and continued use can damage the motor.
Why you shouldn’t replace springs yourself
Garage door springs are under very high tension and can cause serious injury if they’re released incorrectly. Replacing them requires the right tools and training, so this is always a job for a professional engineer. Our article Can I fit a garage door myself? explains more about which jobs are and aren’t suitable for DIY.
How long do garage door springs last?
Lifespan depends on how often the door is used, the quality of the spring and how well it’s maintained. Regular servicing and lubrication help springs last longer — see our autumn and winter maintenance checklist for simple steps you can take.
Fast garage door spring repairs
If you’ve spotted any of these signs, don’t wait for the spring to snap. Our engineers carry common spring types and can often fix the problem in a single visit. Find out more about our garage door spring repair service, or call 0116 332 3613 to book an engineer in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry or the surrounding areas.