Garage doors are an essential part of our homes. They keep our vehicles safe, offer storage solutions and often act as a secondary entrance. At the heart of a garage door’s smooth operation are the springs. These springs do the heavy lifting, literally, by balancing the door’s weight as it opens and closes. But, like all things, they don’t last forever.
When they wear out or break, it can cause a lot of issues, leading us to an important question: what happens when a garage door spring breaks? Understanding this can help us prevent potential problems and ensure our garage doors keep working just as they should.
How Does a Garage Door Spring Break?
Garage door springs are the muscle behind the operation of your garage door, helping it to open and close with ease. They handle a lot of weight and tension every time you use your garage. So, it’s no surprise that they can wear out over time. But how exactly does a garage door spring break?
Several factors contribute to the wear and tear of these springs. Rust is a common culprit; it can eat away at the metal, weakening the spring’s integrity. Overuse is another factor; the more you use your garage door, the more stress you put on the springs. Finally, lack of maintenance can lead to a spring’s early demise. Regular checks and lubrication can prevent many issues, but without them, springs can fail unexpectedly.
If your garage door spring has become useless and you want to change it, then we have a detailed guide on garage door spring replacement. It tells you how to replace your spring yourself, and with the help of a professional, I hope you will benefit from reading it.
When a spring breaks, it often happens suddenly, leaving you wondering what happens when a garage door spring breaks. Essentially, your garage door becomes much harder, if not impossible, to lift manually or with your garage door opener, due to the loss of support and balance that the spring provides.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
When a garage door spring snaps, it’s often due to specific reasons beyond just wear and tear. Environmental factors play a big role. For example, extreme temperatures can cause the metal in the springs to expand and contract, leading to weakness over time. Poor quality materials are another culprit.
Springs made from substandard metal may not withstand the constant stress of opening and closing, leading to early failure. Additionally, improper installation can set up springs for failure from the start. If springs aren’t correctly adjusted to the weight and size of the door, they can break long before their time.
To prevent such issues, it’s important to choose high-quality springs and ensure they’re installed by a professional. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating the springs and checking their tension, can also extend their lifespan. Understanding these factors helps us grasp what happens when a garage door spring breaks and how to minimize the risk.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks and Is It Safe to Operate a Broken Spring Garage Door?
Operating a broken spring garage door is definitely not safe. When a spring breaks, it throws off the balance of the entire door. This imbalance can cause the door to move unpredictably or even prevent it from opening or closing properly. Imagine trying to lift or lower a heavy object without the proper support—there’s a high risk it could fall unexpectedly. The same goes for your garage door.
The risks include potential injury to yourself or others, damage to your vehicle, and further harm to the garage door mechanism itself. Therefore, it’s crucial to stop using the door immediately if you suspect a spring has broken. Continuing to operate it can lead to accidents or more extensive damage.
The best course of action is to call a professional for repair. They can safely assess and fix the problem, ensuring your garage door is back in working order and safe to use.
Dangers of Broken Garage Door Springs
Are garage door springs dangerous when they break? Yes, the danger is real and immediate when a garage door spring breaks.
Firstly, there’s the risk of injury. A garage door without the proper support of its springs can close suddenly and with great force. If someone were to be under or near the door at that moment, the consequences could be severe. Damage to property is another concern. Cars, bikes, or anything else stored in your garage could be crushed under the weight of a falling door.
The balance of your garage door is also compromised when a spring breaks. A door that’s not properly balanced is harder to open and can strain the garage door opener, leading to further mechanical failures. Over time, this imbalance can warp the door or damage the tracks, making the door operation noisy, erratic, or completely stuck.
Given these risks, it’s clear why a broken spring is a serious issue. It’s not just about the inconvenience of not being able to use your garage door; it’s about ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones. So, what happens when a garage door spring breaks? The answer is: a lot of potential danger, making swift action essential.
Similarly, if your garage door cable is damaged, it is also very important to repair it. This can save your family and your garage door from possible damage. You can check out our guide on how to repair garage door cables.
What to Do if Your Garage Door Spring Breaks
If your garage door spring breaks, here’s what you need to do step-by-step, keeping safety as the top priority:
- Stop Using the Door: Immediately stop using your garage door. Trying to operate it can lead to further damage or injury.
- Stay Safe: Keep yourself, your family, and pets away from the door. A broken spring can cause the door to fall unexpectedly.
- Do Not Attempt DIY Repairs: Garage door springs are under high tension and require special tools and knowledge to handle safely. Attempting to repair them yourself could result in serious injury.
- Contact Professionals: Look for a reputable garage door repair service. They have the experience and tools necessary to safely repair or replace the broken springs.
- Inspect and Repair: Allow the professionals to inspect the door, identify all issues, and perform the necessary repairs. They can ensure that your door is safe and functional again.
Cost of Replacing a Broken Garage Door Spring
The cost for professional replacement typically ranges from $150 to $350, including parts and labor. The final price depends on the type of spring system your door uses.
- Torsion Springs: These are mounted on a bar above the garage door opening. They are generally more durable and safer but can be more expensive to replace, often costing between $200 and $350. It’s recommended to replace both springs at the same time, even if only one is broken.
- Extension Springs: These are found on either side of the door, running parallel to the tracks. They are slightly cheaper to replace, usually in the $150 to $250 range.
While DIY might seem cheaper, the cost of a professional repair is well worth it. It covers the technician’s expertise, specialized tools, and ensures the job is done safely, preventing potential injury and further damage to your garage door system.
What Can I Do to Make My Garage Door Springs Last Longer?
Keeping your garage door springs in top shape means less hassle and longer life for your garage door. But how long do garage door springs last? Typically, high-quality garage door springs last around 3-7 years with proper maintenance. Start with regular lubrication; a silicone-based lubricant applied a few times a year keeps the springs moving smoothly and reduces wear. An annual check-up from a professional can catch issues like rust or wear before they lead to bigger problems.
Remember, constantly opening and closing your garage door puts a lot of stress on the springs. Try to open and close it only when necessary to extend their lifespan. Investing in high-quality, durable springs might cost a bit more at first, but they last longer, saving you money and trouble over time. Also, ensure that your springs are installed by certified technicians to guarantee they’re set up correctly from the start.
FAQs About Broken Garage Door Springs
How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?
You’ll hear a loud bang when it breaks. The door may feel very heavy, won’t open properly, or looks uneven. Sometimes you’ll also see a gap in the spring.
Can I open my garage door if the spring is broken?
It’s not safe. The door is too heavy without the spring, and forcing it could damage the opener or cause the door to fall. Always call a professional.
How much does it cost to replace a broken garage door spring?
On average, replacing a spring costs $150 to $350, depending on the type of spring and labor in your area.
Why are garage door springs so dangerous?
They’re under a lot of tension. If one snaps or is handled wrong, it can cause serious injury or damage to your property.
How long do garage door springs usually last?
Most springs last about 7 to 10 years or around 10,000 open-and-close cycles. Heavy use can wear them out faster.
Is it bad to force open a garage door with a broken spring?
Yes. Forcing it can bend the door, break the opener, or even make the door slam shut, which is very dangerous.
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
It’s not recommended. Spring replacement is dangerous and requires special tools. A trained technician can do it safely and correctly.
The Bottom Line on Broken Garage Door Springs and How to Handle Them
Understanding what happens when a garage door spring breaks is crucial for maintaining the safety and functionality of your garage door. Broken springs pose serious risks, including potential injury and damage to property. We’ve discussed the importance of recognizing the signs of wear, why springs break, and the dangers they present. Remember, operating a garage door with a broken spring is very unsafe.
Taking proactive steps, such as regular maintenance and opting for professional inspections, can significantly extend the life of your garage door springs. Should you encounter a broken spring, refrain from DIY repairs and instead consult a professional immediately.
Let’s keep our homes safe and efficient: inspect your garage door regularly and don’t hesitate to call in the experts for any maintenance or repair needs.
