Is your garage door making strange noises or refusing to open smoothly? Over time, even the most reliable garage doors can start to show signs of wear and tear. While several components could be the culprit, the problem often lies with one of the most crucial parts: the springs.
Garage door springs counterbalance the door’s weight, making it light enough to open and close manually or with an automatic opener. They are under constant tension and do the heavy lifting every time you use the door. Because they work so hard, they eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
Do you suspect the issue with your door might be the garage door springs? Let’s find out.
This guide will walk you through the common signs that indicate your garage door springs need replacing.
5 Signs of Failing Garage Door Springs
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s highly likely that your garage door springs are worn out or broken.
1. You See a Gap in the Spring
This is the most obvious sign. Garage door springs are tightly wound coils. When one breaks, the tension is released, and a noticeable gap of a few centimetres will appear in the spring.
Torsion springs are located horizontally above the door, while extension springs are on either side of the door, running parallel to the tracks.
A visual check can quickly confirm a break.
2. The Door Opens Crookedly
If your garage door has extension springs and one of them breaks, the door will lose support on that side. As a result, when you try to open it, the door will appear uneven or lopsided. It might also move in a jerky, stuttering motion.
Continuing to operate the door in this state can cause significant damage to the tracks and panels.
3. You Heard a Loud Bang from the Garage
A breaking garage door spring releases its immense tension all at once, creating an incredibly loud noise that sounds like a firecracker or even a gunshot. Many South African homeowners are startled by the sound and often don’t realise it came from their garage.
If you hear a sudden, loud bang from your garage, check your springs.
4. The Door Feels Extremely Heavy
Garage door springs are designed to make a 100+ kg door feel light enough to lift with just a few kilograms of force.
If you disengage the automatic opener and try to lift the door manually, it should feel relatively lightweight. If it feels incredibly heavy and is difficult to open, your springs are no longer counterbalancing the weight properly and are likely failing.
5. The Door Closes Too Fast
A properly functioning spring system ensures the garage door closes in a controlled manner.
If you notice your door slamming shut much faster than usual, it’s a clear red flag. This indicates the springs have lost their tension and can no longer support the door’s weight on its descent, creating a serious safety hazard for anyone or anything in its path.
How to Replace Garage Door Springs
Once you’ve identified that your springs are the problem, the next step is to replace the garage door springs.
While it might be tempting to turn this into a DIY project to save on costs, we strongly advise against it.
As garage door specialists, we have seen firsthand how dangerous this job can be for someone without the right training and tools.
The Dangers of DIY Spring Replacement
Replacing garage door springs is one of the most hazardous home repairs you can attempt.
Here’s why you should call a professional:
- Extreme Tension: The springs are under an incredible amount of tension. If they are not handled correctly during removal or installation, they can snap and release with explosive force, causing severe injury.
- Incorrect Installation: Choosing the wrong size springs or installing them improperly can cause the door to be unbalanced. This puts immense strain on the garage door opener and can cause the door to crash down unexpectedly.
- Specialised Tools: Replacing torsion springs, in particular, requires specific winding bars. Using improper tools like screwdrivers is extremely dangerous and can result in the tool being forcefully ejected, causing serious harm.
The average cost of replacing garage door springs professionally is a small price to pay for your safety and peace of mind.
Keep Your Home Safe and Functional!
To recap, visible gaps, a crooked door, loud noises, a heavy door, and rapid closing are all clear indicators that your garage door springs need attention.
While identifying the problem is the first step, attempting a garage door springs replacement by yourself is a significant risk.
For nearly three decades, Adams Doors has been providing reliable garage door repairs across Gauteng. Our experienced technicians can safely replace your springs, ensuring your door operates smoothly.
If you suspect your garage door springs are failing, don’t wait for an accident to happen.
Contact Adams Doors today for a professional inspection and expert service.
