A broken garage door spring is one of the most serious garage door problems homeowners in Norman, OK can experience. When a spring breaks, the entire balance of the door is lost. The door may suddenly feel extremely heavy, refuse to open, or slam shut without warning.
Many homeowners don’t realize how dangerous a broken spring can be until the garage door stops working completely. This guide explains how to recognize a broken garage door spring, why it happens, what not to do, and when professional repair is the safest option.
What Does a Garage Door Spring Do?
Garage door springs are designed to counterbalance the weight of the door. Without springs, most garage doors would be far too heavy to lift manually or with an opener. The springs store mechanical tension and release it gradually as the door opens and closes.
When a spring breaks, that balance disappears instantly. The door becomes unstable and unsafe to operate.
Common Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
Spring failure is sometimes obvious and sometimes subtle. Norman homeowners should watch for these warning signs.
- The garage door won’t open or only lifts a few inches
- The door feels extremely heavy when lifted manually
- A loud bang or snapping sound came from the garage
- The door closes too fast or slams shut
- The opener runs but the door doesn’t move
In many cases, a broken spring can also cause the garage door to pull unevenly or go off track.
If your door looks crooked or unstable, this related guide may help: Garage Door Off Track: What To Do.
Why Garage Door Springs Break in Norman, OK
Garage door springs do not usually fail without warning. Most break due to wear, stress, and environmental factors common in Norman.
Normal wear from daily use
Every time your garage door opens and closes, the springs complete one cycle. Over thousands of cycles, the metal weakens until it eventually breaks.
Temperature changes
Norman experiences temperature swings throughout the year. Cold weather can make springs more brittle, increasing the chance of sudden failure.
Lack of maintenance
Springs that are dry, rusted, or out of balance wear out faster. Small issues that go unchecked often lead to complete failure.
Improper door balance
If the garage door is not balanced correctly, one spring may carry more load than the other, causing uneven wear and early failure.
Is It Safe to Use a Garage Door With a Broken Spring?
No. Using a garage door with a broken spring is unsafe.
The garage door opener is not designed to lift the full weight of the door. Continuing to run the opener can damage the motor, bend the rail, or cause cables to snap. Manual lifting is also dangerous, as the door can fall suddenly.
- Do not force the door open
- Do not attempt to lift the door alone
- Do not disconnect cables or springs
How a Broken Spring Can Lead to Bigger Problems
Ignoring a broken spring often causes additional damage, including:
- Garage door cables snapping
- Rollers coming off track
- Track bending or pulling away from the wall
- Garage door opener failure
What starts as a spring replacement can quickly turn into a larger repair if the door continues to be used.
Professional Garage Door Spring Replacement in Norman, OK
Replacing a garage door spring is not a simple swap. The correct spring type, size, and tension must be matched to the door. Improper installation can cause serious injury or additional damage.
Professional spring replacement typically includes:
- Identifying the correct spring for the door
- Safely removing damaged springs
- Installing and tensioning new springs
- Checking door balance
- Inspecting cables, rollers, and tracks
Learn more about this service here: Garage Door Spring Replacement.
What You Should Do If You Suspect a Broken Spring
If your garage door is not operating normally, the safest approach is to stop using it and schedule an inspection.
- Leave the door in its current position
- Disconnect the opener if possible
- Keep children and pets away from the door
- Schedule professional service
If you are located in Norman, this is the correct service area page: Garage Door Service in Norman, OK.
For general repair options, visit: Garage Door Repair Services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Garage Door Springs
Can I replace a garage door spring myself?
No. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and require proper tools and training. DIY attempts often result in serious injury.
How long do garage door springs usually last?
Spring lifespan depends on usage and maintenance. Daily use and temperature changes can shorten lifespan over time.
Will my garage door opener still work with a broken spring?
The opener may try to run, but it should not be used. Continued operation can damage the opener and other components.
Can one broken spring damage other parts?
Yes. Broken springs often lead to cable failure, off-track doors, and track damage if not addressed quickly.
Is a broken garage door spring an emergency?
Yes. A broken spring creates an unsafe and unstable door and should be repaired promptly.
When to Call a Garage Door Professional in Norman
Call a professional if your garage door:
- Feels unusually heavy
- Won’t open or close properly
- Made a loud bang before failing
- Is pulling unevenly
To request service or ask questions, visit: Contact 405 Garage Pros.
Final Thoughts
A broken garage door spring in Norman is not a problem to ignore or work around. Treat it as a safety issue first. Addressing the issue promptly protects your door, your opener, and everyone in your home.
If your garage door suddenly feels heavy or stops working, stop using it and schedule a professional inspection.