Garage Door Spring Repair: Signs Something Is Wrong

Is your garage door suddenly refusing to open, or does it feel unusually heavy when you try to lift it by hand? If so, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a broken garage door spring.

Most homeowners don’t give their door spring a second thought until it fails. And that’s understandable, because these parts work in the background. But your springs carry the full weight of the door every time it opens and closes.

When all that built-up tension releases at once, it places intense strain on the rest of your garage door system. Without warning, this kind of failure can seriously injure anyone nearby.

At Doors Direct, we’ve handled garage door repairs across Brisbane since 2008, and spring issues are one of our most common callouts. And in this article, we’ll walk you through the warning signs of a failing spring, explain the risks of ignoring it, and help you decide on the right repair approach. 

First, you should understand what a broken spring does to your garage door.

What Does a Broken Garage Door Spring Mean and How Does It Affect Your Garage Door?

A broken garage door spring means your door has lost the spring that does most of the heavy lifting. Without this working spring, the full weight of the door rests on your opener and other parts that aren’t designed to handle it.

Here’s what you need to know about the risks and warning signs.

The Muscle of Your Garage Door

Think of your garage door springs the way you view your muscles, holding and releasing tension when you lift something heavy. These springs tighten as the door lowers and then use that stored tension to help raise the door again. 

Now, a sectional or roller door can weigh 70 to 150 kilograms, and the springs handle most of that weight every time it moves. So when a spring “gives out” (just like a muscle would under too much strain), the rest of the system is forced to take over. And that’s when problems start.

Dangers of a Spring Failure

Once a spring breaks, your automatic garage door opener will suddenly take on weight it was ever built to handle on its own. This extra strain will wear out the motor faster and put pressure on your cables and tracks. 

But your biggest concern is safety. Springs hold a lot of stored tension, and if one snaps suddenly, the force released can be extremely dangerous for anyone standing nearby. 

This is why we always recommend addressing spring issues as soon as you notice signs of wear or damage.

How to Tell if the Spring Is Broken

You can tell your garage door spring broke if you hear a loud bang from your garage. It’s most likely the sound of the spring snapping under pressure. If you heard something like that recently, we recommend getting it checked. 

After the spring break, the door may feel much heavier when you try to lift it by hand. It might even move unevenly on the tracks or refuse to stay open on its own. And, on closer inspection, you’ll see a visible gap in the spring coil where it was separated.

Can You Fix It Yourself?

Honestly, we wouldn’t recommend trying to repair your garage door spring at home. A garage door spring repair involves working with high tension, and without the right tools and training, the job will be extremely dangerous. 

If you make one small mistake (like releasing tension a second too quickly), it can cause serious injury or further damage to your door and opener. 

So take the safer option and get a free quote from experienced technicians who handle spring repairs every day. You’ll save money by avoiding costly mistakes, and more importantly, you won’t be putting yourself at risk.

Garage Door Spring Replacement: What to Expect and Why You Shouldn’t Wait

A proper garage door spring repair takes care of the broken component and checks everything connected to it. The job usually takes one to two hours, and a qualified technician will make sure your door is balanced and safe before leaving. Let’s look at what the process usually includes and why acting quickly can save you money.

What a Proper Repair Includes

A proper garage door spring repair includes replacing broken springs, checking the remaining springs, and making sure the door and opener are balanced and work safely.

Most professionals will replace both springs, even if only one breaks, since a worn spring often means the other is weakened and could fail soon.

After fitting the new springs, the technician will adjust the tension so each side carries an equal load. They’ll also run a balance test by lifting the door manually to check that it stays in place and moves smoothly without the opener.

How Much Does It Cost in Brisbane?

In Australia, garage door spring repair usually costs between $150 and $350, or $250 on average. The final price will depend on the type of spring you need, the style of door you have, and whether you need an urgent same-day callout. 

Plus, torsion springs tend to cost more than extension springs because they’re designed for heavier doors. Delaying repair will also risk extra costs if the broken spring harms your motor or cables.

Why You Should Call a Professional

Apart from the safety concerns we mentioned, you should call a professional because of the parts-and-labour warranty. 

Most reputable companies will offer this warranty, which will cover the cost of replacing faulty springs, cables, or other components and the work to install them. This way, if something goes wrong with your springs or door mechanism later (or sooner), the company will fix it without extra charges.

And if your home insurance requires licensed tradespeople for repairs, going the professional route will keep you covered.

Need Garage Door Spring Repair? Get a Free Quote Today

So, now that you know what to look for, does your garage door spring need attention? Spotting the warning signs early will protect your property, prevent costly breakdowns, and keep your family safe from a sudden failure.

We recommend checking your springs every few months for visible wear or rust. And if your door starts feeling heavier than usual or makes odd noises, don’t wait to see what happens next. 

When you’re ready to get things sorted, our team at Doors Direct is here to help. We handle garage door springs, new garage doors, and everything in between for Brisbane homeowners. Give us a call today or request a free quote, and we’ll get your door back in motion safely and affordably.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as professional or technical advice. Garage door spring systems operate under high tension and can be extremely dangerous if handled incorrectly. Attempting to inspect, adjust, or repair garage door springs without proper training, tools, and experience may result in serious injury, property damage, or further mechanical failure.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication, garage door systems can vary by model, age, and installation method. Always consult a qualified and licensed garage door technician for diagnosis, repairs, or replacements specific to your situation.

Doors Direct and the authors of this article accept no responsibility for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the use or misuse of the information contained herein. For safe and reliable results, professional assessment and repair are strongly recommended.