What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?

If you have ever heard a loud bang in your garage and then discovered your door would not open, there is a strong chance that a garage door spring broke.

After years of handling garage door repair in Sacramento, CA, we can confidently say this is one of the most common emergency service calls homeowners face. And it usually happens at the most inconvenient time, early in the morning when you are heading to work, or late at night when you are trying to park safely. In many cases, a broken spring quickly turns into a larger garage door repair issue if it is not addressed promptly.

Garage door springs do most of the heavy lifting in your garage door system. When one fails, the entire system is affected. Below, we explain exactly what happens, what to check, what to avoid, and how Sacramento homeowners can reduce the chances of it happening again.

The Garage Door Suddenly Becomes Extremely Heavy

Garage door springs are designed to counterbalance the full weight of your garage door. Most residential doors weigh between 150 and 300 pounds.

When a torsion spring or extension spring breaks:

• The door may only open a few inches
• The opener may strain but fail to lift
• The door feels nearly impossible to lift manually

Without spring tension, you are attempting to lift the full weight of the door yourself.

Why This Matters

Many homeowners assume the garage door opener is the problem. In reality, the opener is not designed to lift the entire door by itself. It simply guides and controls movement.

In Sacramento homes, especially during peak summer heat, metal components expand and contract daily. Over time, that repeated stress weakens springs and eventually leads to failure.

For a deeper look at early warning signs and what you should avoid doing, we recommend reading our guide, “Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring (And What Not to Do)”.

You Hear a Loud Bang That Sounds Like Something Exploded

One of the clearest signs of a broken garage door spring is a loud snapping sound.

Homeowners often describe it as:

• A gunshot
• A firecracker
• Something heavy is hitting the floor

That noise is the stored tension inside the spring releasing instantly.

What To Check Safely

Stand inside your garage and visually inspect above the door:

• If you have a torsion spring, look for a visible gap in the coil.
• If you have extension springs, check along the side tracks.

Do not touch the spring. Even when broken, it can still hold dangerous tension.

If you are unsure what you are seeing, our detailed guide “How Do You Know If a Garage Door Spring Is Broken?” walks you through the most common signs homeowners should look for.

The Garage Door Opens Crooked or Shakes

If your garage door system uses two springs and only one breaks, the door may lift unevenly.

You might notice:

• One side rises higher than the other
• Jerking or shaking during operation
• Loose or slack cables

This imbalance places strain on the entire garage door system, including:

• Garage door cables
• Rollers
• Tracks
• The garage door opener motor

Continuing to operate the door in this condition can quickly turn a simple spring replacement into a more complex garage door repair.

If you are wondering whether it is safe to keep using the door, read our guide “Can You Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring?” before attempting anything further.

The Garage Door Opener Starts Straining

When a spring breaks, the opener attempts to compensate for the lost tension.

Common signs of strain include:

• Loud humming noises
• Slow door movement
• The door is stopping halfway
• A burning smell from the motor

Most residential openers are not built to lift the full weight of a garage door without spring support. Continuing to force it can damage internal gears or the motor assembly.

Professional Insight

In Sacramento, we frequently see situations where a simple spring issue becomes more expensive because the opener was repeatedly used after failure. If the door feels unusually heavy, stop using the automatic system immediately.

The Door May Slam Shut Unexpectedly

A broken spring removes controlled tension from the system.

This can cause the garage door to:

• Close much faster than normal
• Drop suddenly
• Feel unstable during lowering

This is a serious safety concern for children, pets, and vehicles.

If your garage door is closing harder or faster than usual, discontinue use right away and schedule a professional inspection.

Garage Door Cables Can Come Loose

Springs and cables work together to maintain balance. When spring tension disappears, cable tension becomes uneven.

This may lead to:

• Cables slipping off the drums
• Slack cables hanging along the sides
• Track misalignment

At this point, the problem is no longer limited to the spring. The entire garage door system can become unstable and unsafe.

DIY Repairs Can Lead to Serious Injury

Garage door springs operate under extreme tension. Torsion springs in particular store a significant amount of mechanical energy.

Improper handling can cause:

• Severe hand injuries
• Deep cuts
• Eye injuries
• Broken fingers

Even trained technicians use specialized winding bars and follow strict safety procedures. Spring replacement is not a beginner-level repair.

Why Garage Door Springs Break More Often in Sacramento, CA

Sacramento’s climate and lifestyle patterns directly impact garage door components.

Extreme Summer Heat

Triple-digit temperatures are common in Sacramento. Prolonged exposure to heat weakens metal and accelerates fatigue in torsion and extension springs.

High Daily Usage

Many Sacramento homeowners use their garage as the primary entry point. More daily cycles shorten the lifespan of garage door springs.

A standard torsion spring is typically rated for around 10,000 cycles. Frequent usage reduces that lifespan significantly.

Lack of Preventive Maintenance

Garage doors are often overlooked until something fails. Without regular inspection and lubrication, small signs of wear go unnoticed.

What To Do Immediately After Spring Breaks

If you suspect a broken garage door spring:

• Stop using the automatic opener.
• Do not attempt to lift the door alone.
• Keep children and pets away from the area.
• Schedule professional garage door repair in Sacramento.

If your vehicle is trapped inside, a trained technician can safely secure and lift the door using proper tools and procedures.

How to Reduce the Risk of Spring Failure

While garage door springs eventually wear out, their lifespan can be extended with proper care.

Schedule Annual Garage Door Maintenance

A professional service appointment typically includes:

• Checking spring tension
• Inspecting cables and rollers
• Lubricating moving components
• Testing door balance

In Sacramento’s high-heat environment, yearly maintenance is strongly recommended.

Listen for Changes in Operation

Pay attention to your garage door:

• Becomes louder than usual
• Vibrates during movement
• Moves more slowly than normal

These subtle changes often indicate developing problems.

Perform a Safe Balance Test

Here is a simple check homeowners can perform:

1. Disconnect the garage door opener.
2. Lift the door halfway manually.
3. Carefully release it.

If the door drops quickly or rises on its own, there may be a spring imbalance.

If an imbalance is detected, discontinue use and schedule an inspection.

Consider High-Cycle Springs

For households with frequent garage use, high-cycle torsion springs are a smart upgrade. These springs are designed to last longer than standard 10,000-cycle options.

The average cost of spring replacement varies depending on door size, spring type, and overall system condition. Investing in higher-quality components can reduce long-term repair frequency and help homeowners avoid unexpected emergency garage door repair situations.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Typically Last?

On average, garage door springs last between 7 and 12 years.

In Sacramento, due to heat exposure and high usage, we often see springs fail closer to the lower end of that range.

Replacement usually takes 1 to 2 hours when performed by a trained professional. Proper calibration is critical to ensure correct balance, safe operation, and to prevent unnecessary strain on garage door openers.

When Should You Call a Sacramento Garage Door Professional?

Contact a professional if:

• The door will not open
• You heard a loud snap
• The door is crooked
• The opener is straining
• The door feels unusually heavy

Delaying service can cause additional damage to your garage door system and increase overall repair needs, especially for modern garage doors that rely on properly balanced spring systems.

Local Sacramento professionals understand regional climate challenges and can recommend the right spring type for long-term reliability.

Why Taking Spring Problems Seriously Protects Your Entire Garage Door System

When a garage door spring breaks, it affects more than convenience. It impacts safety, balance, and the performance of your entire garage door system.

The good news is that most spring failures show warning signs before complete breakage. By staying attentive, scheduling regular maintenance, and responding quickly when something feels off, Sacramento homeowners can avoid larger issues.

Your garage door is the largest moving part of your home. Proper care and timely service help ensure it remains safe, reliable, and functional for years to come.

Trusted Garage Door Spring Repair in Sacramento

For homeowners who want trusted, professional support, R&S Overhead Doors and Gates of Sacramento, Inc has built a strong reputation for reliable garage door repair, precise spring replacement, and long-term system solutions throughout the Sacramento area. Our experienced technicians understand how local heat and usage patterns affect garage door components and prioritize safety, balance, and durability in every service call. If you suspect a broken spring or notice early warning signs, contact us today or give us a call to schedule a professional inspection and keep your garage door operating safely and smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Garage Door Springs