How to Tell if Garage Door Spring is Broken
Your garage door gets plenty of use. For most people, it’s the main way they enter and leave their homes. Like anything else you probably use daily, your garage door is exposed to ordinary wear and tear. One of the main problems you may experience with your garage door is a broken spring, which can be a major safety hazard. It’s important, therefore, to know how to tell if garage door spring is broken.
How to Tell if Garage Door Spring is Broken
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the typical signs of broken garage door springs. We’ll look into everything from loose garage door cables to a jerky door.
Loose Garage Door Cables
It’s easy to assume that your cables are broken when it’s actually the springs that have an issue. If your cables are slack or loose, it’s likely that the spring isn’t functioning correctly. A tightly-wound garage door spring will keep the cables in place so when the spring breaks, the cable unwinds and slips out of place.
The Garage Door Is Heavy
If your garage door feels heavy and won’t open, chances are the spring is broken. Torsion springs are responsible for supporting the weight of the garage door so when it breaks the door can be difficult to open. If you plan on fixing this issue by yourself, be sure to precaution yourself with garage door safety tips to avoid any serious injuries.
The Door Only Opens A Few Inches
Since the springs support the door’s heavy weight, the door can prove difficult to open when the springs are broken. As such, the door may fail to open entirely or open only a few inches. Another possible reason for the door opening only a few inches is that the safety system may have been triggered. If that’s the case, check the sensors.
A Visible Gap In Your Garage Door Spring
A torsion system usually comprises one or two tightly-wound springs over the garage door. If you see a visible gap in the spring, that means it’s broken. Be sure to contact a garage door repair company as soon as possible.
The Door Is Crooked
A damaged extension spring will often result in a crooked garage door. Extension springs are affixed to either side of the garage door and they each pull the door independently. If one of the springs breaks, the door will not move on one side and the door will be crooked. Make sure the door is fixed promptly as it may get stuck on the tracks.
The Garage Door Is Jerky When It Opens and Closes
A broken spring will likely cause your garage door to jerk when it opens and closes. This is especially common if your garage door has extension springs.
Bottom Line
Now that you know how to tell if garage door spring is broken, you should be able to contact a garage door specialist as soon as you can. Other signs to consider is when you hear a loud bang coming from your garage or the garage door falls quickly while it’s going down. Garage door repairs are best left to professionals so don’t attempt any repairs on your own.
