How to Determine If You Have a Broken Garage Door Spring

If you recently heard a loud crashing sound in your garage while trying to use the garage door, you may be dealing with a garage door spring issue. It’s a good idea to inspect your garage door springs four times a year, checking for slack in the springs, rust, or brittleness. Be careful when dealing with garage door springs that are visible damaged because if they break, they can cause serious injury.

Spring Damage Is Hard Not to Notice

 Recognizing a broken garage door spring is essential for maintaining a safe and functional garage door. Here’s how to identify potential issues:

1. Unusual Sounds or Events: If you hear a loud snapping or banging noise when attempting to operate the garage door, it might indicate a spring issue. A sudden heavier weight when lifting the door could also signal a broken spring. You likely won’t be able to lift a door without the help of the springs.
2. Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect your garage door springs for any visible signs of damage. Look for slack, rust, or any visible breaks or gaps in the springs. Be cautious and avoid handling damaged springs yourself as they can cause serious injury if they snap.
3. Door Behavior: A door that doesn’t open or closes unevenly could indicate a broken spring. Also, if the door feels notably heavier than usual or becomes challenging to lift manually, it might suggest a spring problem.
4. Lifespan and Maintenance: Consider the age of your garage door springs. Typically, standard springs last about ten years. This can be reduced by extreme weather. Regularly lubricating the springs using specialized garage door lubricants can extend their lifespan and ensure smoother operation. Don’t use standard WD-40 as a lubricant. Use a silicone-based lubricant. Lithium grease also works very well. Use a brush to apply the lubricant to avoid touching the door’s springs yourself. 

Don’t Repair or Replace Garage Door Springs Yourself

Garage door springs are extremely dangerous to repair without the right knowledge and tools. These springs are under intense tension, and one wrong move during DIY repair can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. Here’s why they’re so hazardous:

1. Garage door springs store a significant amount of energy when wound tightly. If they suddenly release this energy during repair, they can strike with deadly force.
2. Repairing springs requires specialized training and experience. Without proper know-how, you risk making mistakes that can result in accidents.
3. Homeowners often lack the appropriate tools and safety equipment required for spring repairs.
4. Mishandling springs can also lead to damage to your garage door or surrounding property, costing you more in repairs. If you don’t hurt yourself, you can damage your home.

Be sure not to attempt to repair the garage door yourself. Call us here at El Dorado Hills Garage Door Repair today and we will schedule an initial quote and assessment to get your garage functioning again as soon as possible. We service the greater El Dorado Hills area for garage door repairs, including Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Plasterville and Folsom.