Repair
Why Garage Door Springs Break (And What to Do About It)
Garage door springs break more often than any other component — and when they do, the door becomes extremely heavy and dangerous to operate. Here's why it happens and what to do next.
Written by garage door repair professionals with hands-on experience serving Portland and Salem Metro.
6 min read · 2025-01-15 · Supreme Garage Doors
Why Springs Break
Every time your garage door opens and closes, the springs absorb and release energy. Most residential springs are rated for 10,000 cycles — roughly 7–10 years of normal use. In Portland's climate, that timeline is often shorter because temperature swings and moisture accelerate metal fatigue.
What You May Notice
- A loud bang from the garage — often described as sounding like a gunshot
- The door feels extremely heavy when lifted manually
- A visible gap in the torsion spring above the door
- The door opens a few inches then stops, or opens crooked
- The opener motor runs but the door barely moves
Common Causes
- Normal cycle fatigue — springs simply reach their rated lifespan
- Rust and corrosion from Pacific Northwest moisture weakening the steel
- Cold overnight temperatures making metal brittle, then warm afternoons expanding it
- One spring breaking and the remaining spring carrying double the load until it fails too
- Opener strain from weakened springs forcing the motor to lift more weight than designed
Torsion vs Extension Springs
Your door has one of two spring systems. Knowing which you have helps you describe the problem to a technician.
Torsion Springs
Mounted horizontally above the door on a steel shaft. Most common on modern double-wide doors.
Store more energy in a compact space. When they break, the gap is visible above the door. Never attempt to wind or replace these yourself.
Extension Springs
Run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. Common on older single-car garages.
Stretch and contract to counterbalance the door. Should always have safety cables running through them — if a spring breaks without a safety cable, it can fly across the garage.
Cycle Rating
Springs are rated by cycle count — one cycle equals one open and one close.
10,000-cycle springs are standard. High-cycle springs (25,000+) cost more upfront but last significantly longer on busy family garages.
Solution Options
What to Do When a Spring Breaks
If you suspect a broken spring, follow these steps immediately:
- Do not attempt to open the door with the opener — you'll burn out the motor
- Do not try to lift the door unless it's an emergency — the full door weight is 150–250 lbs
- Disconnect the opener only if you need emergency access and understand the door will be very heavy
- Call a professional for same-day spring replacement
Why Both Springs Should Be Replaced
If you have a two-spring system and only one broke:
- The remaining spring has been carrying uneven load and is likely near failure too
- Replacing both ensures balanced operation and prevents a return visit within weeks
- Pair replacement costs only marginally more than single spring replacement
Professional Spring Replacement
A qualified technician will match spring size to your door's actual weight — not guess.
- Measure door weight and size before selecting spring wire gauge and length
- Replace both springs, cables if worn, and bottom brackets if corroded
- Balance test and opener force recalibration after installation
- Same-day service available: (971) 400-6226
Spring Safety Warning
Garage door spring replacement is the most dangerous routine repair in residential service. The stored energy in a torsion spring can cause fatal injuries.
Potential Risks
- Winding bars that slip cause severe hand and face trauma
- A door without spring support can free-fall without warning
- Extension springs without safety cables become projectiles when they break
⚠️ Never Attempt DIY On The Following:
- ✕Never purchase springs online and attempt self-installation
- ✕Never use screwdrivers, pliers, or non-winding bars on torsion springs
- ✕Never stand directly in the path of a spring being wound or unwound
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about this topic
Related Resources
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Garage Door Help Near You
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