Garage door springs are one of the most important components of any garage door system. They are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door, making it possible to open and close smoothly and safely. Despite their importance, springs are often overlooked until they fail completely.
A broken garage door spring can leave your door stuck, create safety hazards, and potentially cause damage to other parts of the system. Understanding the early warning signs can help Melbourne homeowners arrange repairs before a minor issue becomes a major problem.
Most garage doors weigh between 70 and 200 kilograms depending on their size and construction. Without springs, lifting the door manually or automatically would be extremely difficult.
Garage door springs absorb and distribute the weight of the door during operation. Every time the door opens and closes, the springs complete a cycle. Over time, repeated use causes wear and eventually leads to failure.
Like any mechanical component, springs have a limited lifespan and will require replacement at some stage.
One of the first signs of spring failure is a garage door that suddenly feels heavier than usual.
If you disconnect the automatic opener and attempt to lift the door manually, it should move relatively smoothly and remain balanced. A door that feels unusually heavy often indicates that one or more springs are losing tension or have failed entirely.
Ignoring this issue can place additional strain on your garage door motor and increase the likelihood of further damage.
Garage doors should move smoothly and evenly along their tracks.
If one side appears higher than the other, or the door seems twisted during operation, a damaged spring may be the cause. Uneven movement often places stress on cables, rollers, hinges, and tracks, increasing the risk of additional repairs.
Professional inspection should be arranged as soon as uneven operation is noticed.
Many homeowners are surprised by the sound a spring makes when it breaks.
A broken torsion spring often produces a loud snapping or banging noise that can sound similar to a firecracker or object striking the wall. This occurs because the spring releases a significant amount of stored tension when it fails.
If you hear a sudden loud bang from the garage and notice operational issues afterwards, a broken spring should be considered a likely cause.
Automatic garage door systems are designed to work with properly functioning springs.
When a spring fails, the motor may struggle to lift the weight of the door. In some cases, the opener may move only a few centimetres before stopping. In other situations, the door may not open at all.
Continuing to operate the system can damage the motor and create additional repair costs.
A visual inspection can often reveal spring problems.
Torsion springs are typically mounted above the garage door opening. If the spring has broken, there may be a noticeable gap between the coils. Extension springs located alongside the tracks may also show visible separation or deformation.
Homeowners should avoid touching damaged springs, as they remain under significant tension and can be dangerous to handle.
Springs help control the speed at which a garage door moves.
When spring tension is lost, the door may begin closing faster than normal. This creates a serious safety risk, particularly in homes with children, pets, or frequent vehicle access.
Any unusual increase in closing speed should be inspected immediately.
Garage doors naturally produce some noise during operation, but sudden changes should not be ignored.
Squeaking, grinding, popping, or creaking sounds may indicate worn springs or related hardware. While lubrication can help reduce minor noise, persistent sounds often suggest a deeper mechanical issue.
Routine servicing helps identify these problems before complete spring failure occurs.
Most garage door springs are rated for a specific number of cycles.
Standard springs typically last between 10,000 and 15,000 cycles, while premium options may exceed 25,000 cycles. For many Melbourne households, this equates to approximately seven to fifteen years of normal use.
Factors such as climate exposure, maintenance frequency, and daily usage can influence lifespan.
Garage door spring replacement is not considered a DIY project.
Springs operate under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly. Professional technicians have specialised tools, safety equipment, and experience to safely remove and install new springs while ensuring the entire system remains correctly balanced.
Attempting repairs without proper training can result in personal injury and costly damage to the garage door system.
If you notice any of the warning signs discussed above, arranging a professional inspection is the safest approach.
Early replacement of worn springs helps prevent emergency breakdowns, protects other garage door components, and ensures reliable operation. Regular servicing can also identify spring wear before complete failure occurs.
For Melbourne homeowners, proactive maintenance and timely spring replacement are among the most effective ways to extend the lifespan of a garage door and maintain safe daily operation.
