Request Spring Repair
24/7 emergency service is available for garage doors that are stuck, unsafe or preventing access to your vehicle.
Signs You May Have a Broken Garage Door Spring
Garage door springs carry much of the door’s weight. When a spring breaks or begins to fail, the door may become difficult to lift, move unevenly or stop working altogether.
Loud Bang From the Garage
A torsion spring can release suddenly when it breaks, sometimes creating a loud bang even when the garage door is not moving.
Visible Gap in the Spring
A broken torsion spring will often have a visible separation or gap in the coil above the garage door.
Garage Door Feels Very Heavy
Without the spring properly counterbalancing the door, lifting it manually can become extremely difficult.
Opener Only Lifts the Door a Few Inches
The garage door opener is not designed to lift the full weight of the door without assistance from the spring system.
Door Moves Unevenly
A failed spring or related cable problem can cause one side of the door to rise faster than the other or leave the door sitting crooked.
Garage Door Will Not Open
A completely broken spring can leave the door too heavy for the opener or homeowner to lift safely.
Think you may have a broken garage door spring?
Send us your information and Allied Door can help determine the next step.
What Causes Garage Door Springs to Break?
Garage door springs are designed to handle repeated opening and closing cycles, but normal wear and changing operating conditions can eventually cause them to fail.
Normal Wear and Cycle Fatigue
Every time the garage door opens and closes, the spring goes through another operating cycle. Over time, repeated use can weaken the metal and eventually cause the spring to break.
Corrosion and Rust
Moisture and corrosion can weaken the surface of the spring and increase friction as it moves, shortening its service life.
Incorrect Spring Size
Springs must be properly matched to the weight and configuration of the garage door. An incorrectly sized spring may be forced to work harder than intended.
Door Balance Problems
Worn rollers, damaged cables, binding tracks or other door problems can place additional strain on the spring system.
Temperature Changes
Seasonal temperature swings can contribute to metal fatigue, particularly in older springs that have already gone through many operating cycles.
Age of the Spring System
Older springs may fail even when the rest of the garage door appears to be in good condition. A technician can evaluate the spring system and related hardware for signs of wear.
When a spring breaks, it is important to inspect the complete counterbalance system. Allied Door can check the springs, cables, drums, rollers and related hardware to determine whether additional repairs are needed.
Types of Garage Door Springs
Residential garage doors typically use either torsion springs or extension springs to counterbalance the weight of the door. The correct spring system depends on the door’s size, weight, hardware and configuration.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are mounted on a shaft above the garage door opening. As the door closes, the springs wind and store energy that helps lift the door when it opens.
- Mounted above the garage door
- Common on many modern residential doors
- Can be used in single- or multi-spring systems
- Must be properly matched to the weight of the door
Extension Springs
Extension springs are typically installed along the horizontal tracks on either side of the garage door. They stretch as the door closes and contract to help lift the door.
- Usually mounted beside the horizontal tracks
- Common on some older residential garage doors
- Operate as a paired spring system
- Should be inspected along with cables and safety components
Allied Door can identify the spring system installed on your garage door, inspect its condition and determine the appropriate spring size and repair for the door.
Should You Replace One Garage Door Spring or Both?
Some garage doors use a single spring, while others use two or more springs that work together to balance the weight of the door. The right repair depends on the type of system, the age of the springs and their overall condition.
Single-Spring Systems
If your garage door is designed with one spring, the failed spring can typically be replaced with the correct spring for the door’s weight, size and hardware configuration.
Two-Spring Systems
When one spring breaks in a paired system, the other spring may have experienced a similar number of operating cycles. A technician can inspect both springs and recommend whether replacing the pair makes sense.
The spring should match the door — not just the old spring.
Proper spring selection depends on factors such as the weight and height of the garage door, drum size, track configuration and spring system. Allied Door can evaluate the complete door and determine the correct spring specifications before completing the repair.
Our Garage Door Spring Repair Process
A spring repair should address more than the broken component alone. Allied Door evaluates the complete spring and counterbalance system so the repair is matched to the door and related hardware.
Inspect the Door
We inspect the door, spring system, cables, drums, rollers and related hardware to identify the source of the problem and any additional wear.
Confirm the Spring System
We determine whether the door uses torsion or extension springs and review the existing spring configuration.
Determine the Correct Spring
The replacement spring is selected based on the door’s size, weight, hardware and operating requirements.
Complete the Repair
The failed spring is replaced and related components are adjusted as needed for proper operation.
Balance and Test the Door
We test the door’s movement and balance to confirm that it opens and closes smoothly and that the spring system is operating properly.
Review Any Additional Concerns
If we identify worn cables, rollers or other components, we can explain the issue and recommend the appropriate next step.
24/7 Emergency Garage Door Spring Repair
A broken garage door spring can leave the door stuck open, stuck closed or too heavy to operate safely. Allied Door provides 24/7 emergency garage door repair throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Your Vehicle Is Trapped Inside
If the door will not open because of a broken spring, the garage may become inaccessible and prevent you from using your vehicle.
The Door Is Stuck Open
A garage door that cannot close can leave your home, belongings and garage exposed until the spring system is repaired.
The Door Is Hanging Unevenly
An uneven or crooked door may indicate a spring or cable problem and should not be repeatedly operated until the system is inspected.
The Door Feels Extremely Heavy
When a spring fails, the door can become much heavier than expected. Avoid forcing the door or relying on the opener to lift the full weight.
Need spring repair now?
Submit a service request and let us know that your garage door is stuck or unsafe so we can understand the urgency.
Why Choose Allied Door for Garage Door Spring Repair?
A broken spring can affect the entire garage door system. Allied Door looks beyond the failed spring to evaluate the door, counterbalance system and related hardware before recommending the repair.
More Than 40 Years of Experience
Allied Door has served homeowners throughout the Chicago area for more than 40 years with garage door repair, installation and service.
Complete Spring System Inspection
We inspect the spring system along with cables, drums, rollers and related hardware so the repair addresses the overall condition of the door.
Proper Spring Selection
Replacement springs are selected based on the door’s size, weight and configuration rather than simply matching a worn or incorrect spring.
24/7 Emergency Service
Emergency garage door service is available when a broken spring leaves the door stuck, unsafe or prevents access to your vehicle.
Residential Garage Door Expertise
Our technicians work with residential garage doors, openers, spring systems and related components from a range of manufacturers.
Chicago & Surrounding Suburbs
Allied Door provides garage door spring repair throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Garage Door Spring Repair FAQs
These are some of the most common questions homeowners have when a garage door spring breaks or begins to show signs of wear.
Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?
A broken spring can make the garage door much heavier than normal. Trying to force the door open or relying on the opener to lift the full weight can damage other components or create a safety risk. It is best to have the spring system inspected before operating the door again.
How can I tell if my garage door spring is broken?
Common signs include a visible gap in a torsion spring, a loud bang from the garage, a door that feels unusually heavy, uneven movement or an opener that only lifts the door a few inches.
Should both garage door springs be replaced at the same time?
It depends on the spring system and the condition of the remaining spring. On paired systems, both springs may have experienced a similar number of operating cycles. A technician can inspect the system and recommend whether replacing both makes sense.
Can a garage door opener lift a door with a broken spring?
Garage door openers are designed to move a properly balanced door, not lift the full weight of the door by themselves. Operating the opener with a failed spring can place unnecessary strain on the opener and other components.
How long do garage door springs last?
Spring life varies based on the spring design, how often the door is used, the weight of the door, environmental conditions and the overall condition of the garage door system.
Do you repair torsion and extension springs?
Allied Door can inspect both torsion and extension spring systems and determine the appropriate repair based on the garage door and existing hardware.
Do you offer emergency garage door spring repair?
Yes. Allied Door provides 24/7 emergency garage door service when a broken spring leaves the door stuck, unsafe or prevents access to your vehicle.
Get Help With a Broken or Worn Garage Door Spring
If your garage door is heavy, uneven, stuck or showing signs of a broken spring, Allied Door can inspect the spring system and recommend the appropriate repair.
- Torsion and extension spring systems
- Broken or worn garage door springs
- Uneven or difficult-to-open garage doors
- Spring, cable and counterbalance system inspection
- 24/7 emergency garage door service
- Service throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs
Request Spring Repair
Tell us what is happening with your garage door and provide your contact information. Our team can review the request and help determine the next step.
Complete the Service Request Form