Why Ignoring a Broken Spring Is a Fast Track to Getting Trapped in the Garage

A broken spring may seem like a minor issue, like something you can fix later.

Picture the scene: You’ve just gotten home after a long day of work. You’re ready to relax, unwind, and spend some quality time with your family. As you make your way into the driveway, you press the button for the garage door to open. The door starts to rise, but suddenly, it makes a strange noise and stops halfway. You try again, but the door refuses to budge any further. Congratulations—your broken spring just trapped you in the garage.

A broken spring may seem like a minor issue, like something you can fix later. But ignoring it can lead to all sorts of problems, and in some cases, you could be stuck waiting for a professional to help you escape. Understanding the role of the spring and why fixing it quickly is crucial to help you avoid being stuck in your garage—literally.

The Role of the Garage Door Spring

Garage doors are heavy, weighing anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds. To lift such a massive door, the springs play a crucial role in making the process easier. They’re designed to carry the load, making it possible for the motor to open and close the door smoothly. When you press the remote or hit the button inside the garage, the springs help lift the door, balancing the weight and reducing the strain on the motor.

There are two types of springs that typically work together: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are stationed above the door and twist to lift the door, while extension springs are located along the tracks and stretch to support the door’s movement. Both types are designed to make the door’s operation effortless and safe. But when one or both springs break, the whole system can come to a screeching halt.

How Ignoring a Broken Spring Can Leave You Stuck

When a spring breaks, the door is no longer balanced. The motor may still try to operate, but without the spring to assist in lifting or lowering the door, it may struggle. This issue can lead to the door sticking midway, leaving you unable to open it, or worse, unable to close it once you’ve parked inside.

If you’re inside the garage when the spring breaks, the door may not move at all. You’ll be trapped, whether you like it or not. You’ll have no way of opening the door, leaving you in an inconvenient (and frustrating) situation. You could end up having to call a professional to come out, fix the spring, and rescue you.

A broken spring can also cause serious damage to the motor and other components of the door. When the springs aren’t doing their job, the opener has to work overtime, putting undue strain on its gears and electrical parts. This issue can lead to expensive repairs down the road. The longer you wait to fix the spring, the higher the chances of damaging the system further.

Safety Concerns with a Broken Spring

A broken spring isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a safety hazard. If the door isn’t functioning properly, it could fall unexpectedly. Garage doors are heavy, and if they were to come crashing down, they could cause serious damage or injury. Springs help to prevent this from happening by holding the door in place and making sure it operates smoothly. Without them, the door can easily become unpredictable.

For example, if the door is stuck halfway, you might attempt to force it open or closed, risking injury in the process. When the springs aren’t working, the door doesn’t stop where it should, and you could end up in a dangerous situation. It’s always better to address a broken spring immediately to avoid these types of risks.

The Cost of Procrastination

Like any home repair, putting off fixing a broken spring may seem like a way to save money in the short term, but it can actually cost you more in the long run. When a spring breaks, the system becomes unbalanced, and every attempt to open or close the door puts additional stress on the remaining components. The opener motor, tracks, and cables can suffer from the strain, leading to more complex and costly repairs.

Moreover, a broken spring means the door is unreliable. You might be able to open it manually, but the system can no longer operate with the same efficiency. Not to mention, every time you open the door, there’s a risk of causing more damage. In some cases, you might even need to replace the entire garage door opener or other parts if the damage continues to accumulate. A small issue like a broken spring could snowball into a much larger—and more expensive—problem.

How to Avoid Becoming Trapped in the Garage

If you suspect a broken spring or notice signs that the springs are struggling—like strange noises when operating the door or a door that moves unevenly—it’s time to call a professional. While it may be tempting to try and fix the spring yourself, this is not a DIY job. Springs are under immense tension, and handling them incorrectly can result in injury. Leave it to the experts to replace the spring safely and quickly.

Routine maintenance can also help prevent broken springs from catching you by surprise. A professional can inspect the springs, tracks, and other components to identify any potential issues before they become major problems. Regular checks can extend the life of the springs and keep the door running smoothly, reducing the chances of a surprise breakdown.

Professional Garage Door Repair Saves the Day

If you’re stuck in the garage because of a broken spring, it’s time to call in the experts. Garage door technicians are equipped with the right tools and expertise to safely replace broken springs and restore the system to full working order. They’ll also inspect the entire garage door system, including the opener, cables, and tracks, to make sure everything is in good condition and working properly.

By addressing a broken spring quickly, you’ll avoid being trapped in the garage and prevent further damage to your door system. Don’t wait until it’s too late. A properly functioning garage door keeps your home secure, your car safely parked, and your daily routine running smoothly.

Conclusion

A broken spring might seem like a small issue, but it can quickly turn into a major inconvenience—and even a safety risk. Ignoring it can leave you stuck inside your garage, waiting for a professional to come to your rescue. Don’t let a broken spring become your ticket to being trapped in the garage. Stay on top of maintenance, replace springs promptly, and call a professional when necessary.