A broken garage door spring is startling — you may hear a loud bang from your garage, and then discover that your door won't open. Here's what to do (and what NOT to do) when a garage door spring breaks.
Step 1: Don't Panic — But Don't Operate the Door
When a spring breaks, your garage door becomes extremely heavy. The springs counterbalance the door's weight (typically 150-400 pounds). Without a working spring, the opener motor can't safely lift the door, and attempting to open it manually could result in serious injury.
Step 2: Don't Attempt DIY Repair
This cannot be stressed enough: garage door spring repair is dangerous. The springs are under extreme tension, and improper handling can cause severe injury or death. Even if you're handy with tools, this is not a DIY project. Professional technicians have the specialized tools, training, and safety equipment needed for spring replacement.
Step 3: Disconnect the Opener
If the door is closed, pull the emergency release cord (usually a red handle hanging from the track) to disconnect the opener. This prevents the motor from trying to lift a door without spring assistance, which can burn out the motor.
Step 4: Call a Professional
Contact Mobile Garage Door Service at (470) 665-3514 for same-day spring replacement in the Atlanta Metro area. Our mobile technicians carry the most common spring sizes and can typically complete the replacement in about an hour.
How to Tell If Your Spring Is Broken:
- You heard a loud bang from the garage - The door won't open or is extremely heavy - You can see a visible gap in the spring above the door - The opener motor runs but the door barely moves - The door opens a few inches then stops
Don't wait to address a broken spring. A garage door without a working spring is a safety hazard and leaves your home vulnerable.