Is your garage door stuck halfway or refusing to open? A broken garage door spring might be to blame. These springs are the muscle behind your garage door, lifting and lowering it with ease. When they fail, your door can disrupt your daily routine or, worse, become a safety hazard.

This issue is all too common for Houston families, where garages often double as storage and entryways. Did you know garage door springs normally last about 10,000 cycles? If your door gets heavy use, you could face this problem sooner than expected.

In this guide, BBM Garage Door experts will cover the key things you need to know about broken garage door springs. From spotting the signs to understanding why expert repairs matter, we have got you covered. Let us start so you can get your garage door back on track.

How to Identify a Broken Garage Door Spring

Wondering if your garage door troubles are due to a broken spring? If you can spot the early signs, it can save you from severe headaches later on. As most of you already know, springs play a crucial role in balancing the weight of your garage door. If one of the springs fails, you will immediately notice it.

Look out for the following signs:

1. Your Garage Door Won’t Open

Does your garage door feel stuck or refuse to budge? A broken spring could be causing the problem. Springs handle most of the lifting, so without them, your garage door opener cannot do the job on its own.

2. The Door Feels Heavy

When you try to lift the door manually, does it feel unusually heavy? That is a clear sign of a broken spring. The garage springs are responsible for counterbalancing the door’s weight. What could happen if one spring snapped on the garage door? That weight shifts entirely to you.

3. You Hear a Loud Bang

Did you hear a loud noise coming from your garage? That is often the sound of a spring breaking under tension. If you heard this sound and your door is now not working, it is likely due to a spring issue.

4. The Springs Look Damaged

Take a visual inspection of the springs above your door. Do you see a gap or visible break? If you do, that is a surefire sign of a snapped spring that needs immediate attention.

Therefore, early detection of a broken garage door spring helps prevent further damage to your system and ensures the safety of your family. If you notice any of these signs, it is time to call a garage door technician for safe and effective repairs.

Common Cause of Garage Door Spring Failures

But why do garage door springs break? It might seem sudden, but several factors contribute to this issue as time goes by. For homeowners in Houston, TX, understanding the common causes of spring failures can help you take preventive steps and extend the life of your garage door parts. 

Here are the most frequent culprits behind a broken garage door spring:

1. Wear and Tear

Did you know that garage door springs measure their lifespan in cycles? One cycle equals the door opening and closing once. Most springs last about 10,000 cycles, which translates to 7–10 years in a typical household.  Daily use will eventually cause them to wear out.

2. Lack of Maintenance

Springs work hard and need some TLC to stay functional. However, without regular checks and lubrication, the spring coil can weaken and break. Preventive maintenance is a simple way to make them last longer.

3. Rust and Corrosion

Houston’s humid climate can lead to rust, which weakens the metal coils. When springs rust, they lose their flexibility and are more likely to snap under tension.

4. Improper Installation or Usage

Using the wrong type of spring or overloading your garage door can also lead to early breakage. So, keep your system balanced and properly installed to avoid those pesky issues.

Knowing what causes garage door spring failures, you can take steps to protect your system and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Regular checks and timely maintenance go a long way toward keeping your garage door reliable.

Steps to Take When Your Garage Spring Breaks

A broken garage door spring can be a major inconvenience, especially when you are in a hurry. But do not panic—there are steps you can take to manage the situation safely. 

In the event that your garage door spring breaks, follow these steps:

1. Stop Using the Garage Door Immediately

If you discover a broken spring in your garage door, refrain from opening or closing the door. If you use a door with a broken spring, it could injure you or damage your door even more. Leave the door as it is to prevent additional strain on other parts.

2. Check for Visible Damage

Look closer at your garage door to see if you can spot any clear signs of damage. Is the spring broken all the way through or just out of place? While it is important to avoid using the door, this simple check can help you figure out how bad the damage is.

3. Call a Professional Garage Door Repair Technician

Have a broken garage door spring? Do not attempt fixing it yourself. When it comes to garage spring replacement, you definitely need the right tools and some skills to get the job done. A qualified technician can assess the damage, replace the broken spring safely, and make sure everything works in sync.

4. Avoid DIY Garage Door Repairs

Garage door springs are under high tension, which makes them even more dangerous to handle without the right training. While DIY repairs might seem tempting, this choice could lead to injuries or even bigger bills down the line. So leave that broken garage door spring to the pros. Safety first, always!

By saving and following these steps, you can prevent further damage and ensure your garage door spring works with safety and efficiency all the time. For Houston homeowners, BBM Garage Door offers expert service, so you would not have to worry about a broken spring again.

Garage Door Repair Near Me

Does your garage door refuse to open? A broken spring could be the culprit. When a spring snaps on your garage door, it is best to call in the pros. BBM Garage Door offers quick and reliable service for Houston homeowners. Let our experienced technicians handle the tough work so you can enjoy a fully functioning, safe garage door without the hassle. Contact us now for top-notch Houston garage door repair and peace of mind.