The springs in garage doors allow them to open and close smoothly, ensuring that they are easy to control and don’t present a hazard. Problems with the springs could be very inconvenient if you can’t open the doors properly. If you’re aware of the following signs, you can spot issues early and get the springs fixed before the problem gets any worse.

How to Know If Your Garage Door Springs Are Broken

1. The Door Doesn’t Open or Close Properly 

Without springs to control how the door operates, it could come crashing to the ground when you try to close it. Springs usually take the full weight, but if they are faulty, then gravity will take over.

If there is a problem with a spring on only one side of the door, one side will rise more quickly when you open it. This will cause the door to jerk and open unevenly. 

2. You Hear Unusual Noises

Garage door springs are sturdy pieces of equipment, so if they snap, it’s likely you will hear the sound of the spring breaking. If you hear a snapping noise in your garage, be sure to open the door carefully, as springs may no longer take the weight.

You might also hear squealing or popping noises if the spring is wearing out because there will be more pressure on it when you open the door.

3. You Notice Visual Signs 

As well as hearing unusual, strange noises or noticing the door opening strangely, you may be able to directly see problems with your garage doors. One visual sign is a gap in a torsion spring, which you can see when the spring snaps and its two sides separate. You may also spot that a spring is rusty or has stretched more than usual. 

4. The Door Only Opens Six Inches

Automatic garage doors have sensors that know when the springs are not taking the weight of the door. The safety feature, known as opener force, kicks in as soon as a problem is detected and won’t let the door open more than six inches off the ground. This is to prevent further damage and to stop the door slamming to the floor. 

If your garage door springs have broken or you have any other kind of issue with your door, contact Tracey Door Co in Rochester, NY. Having served the area for more than 30 years, they have the expertise to repair any problem and get your garage working perfectly again. The family-run company is always honest about costs, and they never use subcontractors. To learn more, call (585) 426-6060 or visit their website.