How to Find Out If Your Garage Door Springs Are Broken (Without Losing a Finger)
Let’s face it—garage doors are like that quiet roommate who never complains… until they really do. One day, everything’s fine. The next, you’re staring at a door that won’t budge, wondering if it’s possessed. Spoiler: It’s probably the springs. And trust us, ignoring a broken spring is like ignoring a “check engine” light—you will regret it later.
As the crew at Overhead Door Pros in Edmonton, we’ve seen it all: from DIY disasters (RIP, Dave’s patio table) to commercial garage door repair jobs that could’ve been avoided with a little know-how. So, grab a coffee, and let’s break down how to spot a broken spring—and why you shouldn’t try to fix it yourself (unless you’ve got a death wish).
Why Garage Door Springs Matter (Spoiler: They’re the Unsung Heroes)
Garage door springs are the muscle behind the magic. They counterbalance the door’s weight, making it feel lighter than your last Amazon package. There are two types:
- Torsion springs: Mounted above the door, these coiled beasts handle heavy lifting.
- Extension springs: Found on older doors, they stretch along the tracks.
When either fails, your door goes from “smooth operator” to “angry sumo wrestler.” FYI, torsion springs are under massive tension. Messing with them without training? That’s like juggling chainsaws—thrilling but stupid.
5 Signs Your Garage Door Spring Has Left the Chat
1. Your Door Feels Heavier Than Your Emotional Baggage
If lifting the door manually feels like bench-pressing a Buick, the springs are likely toast. A functioning door should glide up with minimal effort.
2. The Door Slams Shut Faster Than Your Hopes on a Monday Morning
A door that crashes down? That’s a spring waving a white flag. Springs control the door’s speed—no spring, no brakes.
3. You’ve Got a Noisy Garage Door (Cue the Horror Movie Soundtrack)
Squeaks, bangs, or grinding? Could be track alignment issues or a fraying cable (shout-out to garage door track repair and garage door cable repair), but springs often star in this symphony of chaos.
4. There’s a Visible Gap in the Spring
Inspect torsion springs for gaps or cracks. Extension springs? Look for snapped coils. If you spot damage, stop using the door immediately.
5. The Door Stops Mid-Opening (Like Your Wi-Fi During a Zoom Call)
A door that halts halfway? The springs might not have enough oomph to finish the job.
“But Can’t I Just Fix It Myself?” (Spoiler: Please Don’t)
We get it—YouTube tutorials make everything look easy. But garage door springs aren’t IKEA furniture. Here’s why DIY is a bad idea:
- They’re under insane tension: A snapped spring can decapitate a watermelon. Your face isn’t tougher than a watermelon.
- Special tools required: This isn’t a “screwdriver and hope” situation.
- One wrong move = disaster: Even pros like us at Overhead Door Pros treat springs with respect.
Pro Tip: If you’re in Edmonton or Sherwood Park and suspect a broken spring, call us before your door becomes a TikTok fail.
What’s the Damage? Garage Door Spring Repair Costs
Let’s talk numbers. Garage door torsion spring replacement typically costs between $200-$400, depending on spring type and labor. Commercial garage door repair? Higher—those doors are beefier.
Why the price range?
- Spring type: Torsion vs. extension.
- Single vs. dual springs: Some doors need two.
- Urgency: Weekend emergency calls cost more (hence, don’t ignore the warning signs!).
IMO, it’s worth every penny. A new spring lasts 7-12 years, so think of it as a long-term relationship—minus the drama.
When to Call a Pro (Hint: Always)
Look, we’re all for DIY spirit—painting walls, building birdhouses, you do you. But garage door spring adjustment? Leave it to the experts. Here’s what a pro brings:
- Safety gear: Helmets, gloves, and tools that aren’t from Dollarama.
- Experience: We’ve handled 1,000+ springs. Your odds are better with us.
- Warranties: Overhead Door Pros offers guarantees. YouTube doesn’t.
Need automatic garage door installation or garage door opener repair? We do that too. Because why hire five contractors when one crew in Edmonton can nail it all?
FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered
Q: How long do garage door springs last?
A: 7-12 years, depending on use. If yours is older than Frozen, it’s time.
Q: Can I replace just one spring?
A: If you’ve got dual springs, replace both. Otherwise, you’ll be back here in six months.
Q: Is a noisy garage door always a spring issue?
A: Not always—could be track alignment or worn rollers. But let a pro diagnose it.
Q: Why does the price vary between contractors?
A: Cheap isn’t better. We’ve seen “budget” jobs lead to garage door replacement—a way costlier fix.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Garage Door Win
A broken spring isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Whether you’re in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or somewhere nearby, Overhead Door Pros has your back. From commercial garage door repair to automatic garage door opener installation, we’re here to keep your door safe, quiet, and functional.
So, next time your door acts up, skip the heroics. Call us, save your fingers, and maybe binge a show while we handle the heavy lifting. 🙂
P.S. If you’re still reading this, your springs are probably fine… for now. But hey, why wait for disaster? Schedule a check-up today.
