Garage door springs do the heavy lifting. When a spring breaks (or is close to breaking), the door can feel “impossible” to lift, the opener may struggle, and the entire system becomes a safety risk. Here’s what homeowners should know—without the fluff.
Quick takeaways
- A door that suddenly feels very heavy is often a spring/balance problem—not an opener problem.
- Springs are high-tension components. DIY spring work is one of the most common causes of garage door injuries.
- Correct sizing and balance protect your opener and help the door operate smoothly.
Signs of a broken (or failing) spring
You may notice one or more of these:
- A loud “bang” in the garage (torsion springs can break suddenly)
- The door won’t open, opens a few inches, then stops
- The opener hums or strains, or the door reverses
- The door feels extremely heavy when lifted manually
- You see a gap in a torsion spring above the door
If you suspect a spring issue, stop operating the door and keep people away from the moving path until it’s serviced.
What to do right now (safe steps)
- Don’t keep cycling the opener. It’s designed to move a balanced door; forcing it can burn out the motor or strip gears.
- If you must open the door for an emergency, do so only if it can be lifted safely with help and kept stable—otherwise, wait for service.
- If the door is stuck halfway or appears crooked, treat it as an urgent repair: Garage Door Repair.
Why spring sizing and balance matter
Springs are selected to match the door’s weight, height, and track setup. When springs are correctly sized and the door is balanced:
- The door lifts smoothly with less effort
- The opener experiences less strain
- Rollers and hinges wear more evenly
- Safety systems (like auto-reverse) behave more predictably
When springs are under-sized or over-sized (or installed incorrectly), the door may:
- Feel heavy or “float” upward
- Slam shut or drift open
- Bind in the tracks
- Cause the opener to behave erratically
Torsion vs. extension springs (homeowner-level overview)
- Torsion springs sit above the door opening on a metal shaft and lift the door by winding/unwinding.
- Extension springs typically run along the tracks and stretch to lift the door.
Both styles can be dangerous when handled without training and the proper tools.
“Should I replace one spring or both?”
Many systems use a pair of springs. When one breaks, the other may be near the end of its lifecycle as well. A technician can inspect your setup and recommend what makes sense for safety and long-term reliability.
How long does spring replacement take?
Every job is different (door size, hardware condition, access), but the actual replacement is usually a focused service visit that also includes balancing and a basic system check.
Plan to keep vehicles out of the garage and give the tech a clear work area. A smooth visit often depends on easy access to the door and opener.
After springs are replaced: what else should be checked?
Spring service is a great time to inspect common wear items:
- Rollers and hinges (noise, wobble, wear)
- Cables (fraying/rust)
- Track alignment (binding)
- Opener settings and safety sensors
If you’re also dealing with an opener issue, see Opener Repair & Install.
When to call NK Garage Doors
If your door is stuck, heavy, or you suspect a spring broke, schedule service and avoid DIY tension work. We handle spring replacement and balancing for homeowners across our service area, including Cleveland and Chattanooga. Start here: Spring Replacement or contact us.
If you’re unsure what you’re seeing, take a few photos of the spring area and the door position—those images usually help us triage the issue quickly.
