Your garage door springs play one of the most important roles in the overall function of your system. They carry the weight of the door, help it open and close smoothly, and reduce stress on your opener. When a spring breaks, it can bring everything to a stop — literally.
For homeowners in Cornelius, NC, recognizing the signs of a broken or failing spring early can help you avoid emergency repairs and costly downtime. Here’s how to tell when a garage door spring is on its way out — and what you can do about it.
What Garage Door Springs Do
There are two main types of springs found in residential garage doors: torsion springs and extension springs. Both are designed to counterbalance the weight of your door. This makes it possible for the opener — or your own strength — to lift it with ease.
Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door and twist to generate force. Extension springs are mounted on either side of the door and stretch as the door opens and closes.
Both types are under high tension. When they fail, they can do so suddenly and dangerously. That’s why early detection is key.
1. Your Garage Door Slams Shut
One of the most common signs of a broken spring is a garage door that suddenly slams shut instead of lowering smoothly. Springs are designed to control the door’s weight during operation. Without that support, gravity takes over and the door can come crashing down with full force.
This is not only dangerous for anyone or anything beneath the door, but it can also cause damage to the door itself and the opener system. If your garage door doesn’t glide down the way it used to, it’s time to stop using it and call for service.
2. The Door Feels Extremely Heavy
If you try to open the garage door manually and it feels much heavier than normal, you’re probably dealing with a broken or worn-out spring. Springs do most of the lifting. When one breaks, all that weight shifts back to you or the opener.
We’ve worked with many homeowners in Cornelius who notice this problem when the power goes out or when their opener malfunctions. If the door feels like it weighs hundreds of pounds, don’t try to force it. A broken spring is the likely cause.
3. You Hear a Loud Bang from the Garage
Springs are under a lot of tension. When they break, they often make a loud, sudden noise — similar to a gunshot or a firecracker. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to think something exploded in their garage.
If you hear a bang and your garage door stops working, a broken spring is the most likely reason. Check the area above the door for any visible separation in the spring or gaps in the coil. It’s usually very obvious when a spring has snapped.
4. The Door Only Opens a Few Inches
If your garage door tries to open but only lifts a few inches before stopping or reversing, that’s a common safety feature kicking in. Most openers are designed not to lift the full weight of the door without the help of the springs.
This is a common call we get in Cornelius. Homeowners think their opener is broken, but it turns out the spring is the real issue. The system recognizes the imbalance and shuts down to avoid further damage or overheating.
5. Gaps or Separation in the Spring
Torsion springs are typically installed just above the garage door. If you see a visible gap of about two inches in the spring, that’s a clear sign it’s broken. You might also notice sagging or uneven tension across the spring shaft.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, it’s better to leave the door alone and call a professional. Springs are dangerous to handle without the right tools and training.
6. Cables Are Loose or Hanging
In some cases, a broken spring can cause the garage door cables to become loose or hang off the side. While this can also happen from other issues, it often happens when one of the springs fails, shifting the door’s tension.
If you notice a loose cable or a tangled mess near the rollers, stop using the door and schedule a repair. Continuing to operate it this way can lead to further damage and safety hazards.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY a Spring Repair
Garage door springs are under enormous tension. Attempting to adjust, remove, or replace them without the right tools can result in serious injury. Even experienced DIYers should leave spring work to trained professionals.
At Nabors Garage Doors, we carry the proper tools and replacement springs for all types of residential garage doors. Our team is trained to safely release tension, replace damaged parts, and restore your door to smooth operation.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
The average spring lasts about 10,000 cycles. A cycle is one full open and close. For most Cornelius homeowners, that works out to around 7 to 10 years, depending on how often you use your garage.
If your garage door gets heavy daily use — especially if it’s the main way your family enters and exits your home — it might wear out even faster. Regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your springs and give you early warning signs when they start to weaken.
Regular Inspections Can Prevent Surprise Failures
One of the best ways to prevent spring issues is to schedule regular garage door inspections. At Nabors Garage Doors, we offer tune-up and safety check services for homeowners throughout Cornelius. During these visits, we:
- Inspect the condition and tension of the springs
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check cable alignment and roller wear
- Test opener and safety systems
A simple inspection can catch a weakening spring before it breaks, giving you time to plan for a repair instead of facing an emergency.
Call Nabors Garage Doors for Spring Repairs in Cornelius, NC
If you suspect your garage door spring is broken or about to fail, don’t wait. Operating a damaged door can lead to serious injury, property damage, or getting stuck at the worst possible time.
Our team at Nabors Garage Doors provides fast, safe, and affordable spring repairs throughout Cornelius and surrounding areas. We’ll inspect your system, confirm the issue, and install the correct spring for your specific door. Most repairs can be completed in a single visit.
Ready to schedule service? Contact us today and let our local experts restore your peace of mind.