A broken garage door spring is one of the most common reasons a garage door suddenly stops working, becomes heavy, or refuses to open. Springs carry the entire weight of the door, and when they snap, the entire system becomes unsafe to operate. In this guide, you’ll learn the main causes of spring failure, repair costs, and the fastest solutions to get your garage door working again.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
When a spring breaks, the door can:
- Become extremely heavy
- Slam shut unexpectedly
- Stop opening even with the opener
- Lift only a few inches before dropping again
- Make loud “bang” noises when it snaps
If you notice any of these signs, avoid using the door until it’s repaired.
Types of Garage Door Springs That Can Break
1. Torsion Springs
Located above the door and designed for smoother operation. They typically last 8–12 years but may break sooner due to wear, rust, or heavy use.
2. Extension Springs
Found on the sides of the tracks. These stretch and contract every time the door moves and generally last 5–7 years.
What Causes a Garage Door Spring to Break?
Common reasons include:
- Natural wear and tear
- Rust or corrosion
- Extreme temperature changes
- Improper maintenance
- Unbalanced door
- Low-quality springs
Even high-quality springs eventually reach their cycle limit.
Broken Garage Door Spring Repair Cost
The cost depends on spring type, door size, and service level. On average:
- Torsion spring replacement: $150 – $350
- Extension spring replacement: $120 – $250
- Emergency same-day service: +$50 – $100
- Dual spring replacement: $200 – $450
Replacing both springs is recommended to avoid uneven tension and future breakdowns.
For more details on service timelines, you can check how long it takes to fix a broken garage door spring here:
Can You Fix a Garage Door Spring Yourself?
No — it’s not safe.
Garage door springs are tightly wound and under extreme tension. DIY repair risks include:
- Severe injury
- Damaged door
- Opener motor burn-out
- Incorrect spring calibration
Always call a trained technician. If you’re located in Queens, you can get expert help here for broken garage door spring repair in Queens NY:
Quick Solutions When Facing a Broken Garage Door Spring
1. Stop using the garage door opener
Running the opener with a broken spring can strip gears and damage the motor.
2. If the door is stuck open, secure it
Disconnect the opener and lower the door manually with support.
3. Schedule same-day spring replacement
Most technicians can restore full function within an hour.
4. Ask for high-cycle springs
These last 3–4× longer and reduce unexpected failures.
How to Prevent Garage Door Spring Breakage
- Lubricate springs every 3 months
- Get annual professional tune-ups
- Balance the door regularly
- Use high-quality, high-cycle springs
- Keep springs rust-free
Proper maintenance dramatically extends spring lifespan.
Final Thoughts
A broken garage door spring can be stressful and dangerous, but knowing the warning signs, repair costs, and the right steps to take helps you stay prepared. For homeowners in Queens, professional spring replacement ensures safe, smooth, and long-lasting garage door operation.
Read More – My Garage Door Spring Broke — Now What?
Broken Spring or O..
