Broken garage door spring

A loud bang from the garage, followed by a door that won't lift or feels far heavier than usual, usually means a broken spring.

Why springs break

Springs counterbalance the door's weight so it can be lifted by hand or by the opener. Every time the door opens and closes, the springs flex, and over years of use the metal wears out and eventually snaps. Rust can speed that up.

What to do now

• Leave the door closed if you can. With a spring broken, the door's weight isn't supported.
• Don't keep running the opener. It isn't built to lift the full weight and can be damaged.
• Don't try to adjust or replace a spring yourself. Springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury.
• If your car is stuck inside, say so when you call.

What the repair involves

A technician replaces the broken spring, and often its partner on doors that have two, then checks the cables, rollers and balance so the door and opener aren't strained.

What happens when you call

1. You call the number on this page. A short automated assistant asks two or three questions, such as what's wrong and your ZIP code, so we can find the right provider.
2. We connect your call to an independent garage door provider who serves your area.
3. You talk with the provider directly about the problem, timing and price before any work starts.

Main Street Services doesn't charge you for the referral. The provider sets their own prices and does the work. Calls are recorded for quality and billing.