Safety First: Warning Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is About to Break (And Why You Should Never DIY the Fix)
Your garage door is the heaviest moving object in your home—and likely one you use several times a day without a second thought. But beneath that smooth operation lies a critical component under extreme tension: your garage door spring. When springs wear out, the consequences can be devastating. At McKinney Overhead Door, we’ve spent years helping homeowners understand why professional spring repair isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for your family’s safety.
Garage door springs handle approximately 10,000 cycles, or about seven to ten years of regular use. Over time, they weaken from repeated stress and environmental factors. Here’s what many homeowners don’t realize: attempting a DIY spring repair puts you at serious risk. Between 20,000 and 30,000 people suffer garage door-related injuries annually, and a significant portion involve spring failures. Our commitment is simple—we help you recognize when springs are failing and handle the repair safely.
Five Warning Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Failing
Unusual Noises During Operation
If your garage door suddenly sounds like a creaky swing set—with grinding, squeaking, or loud banging—your springs are struggling. A loud bang or snap could mean a spring has just broken. Stop using the door immediately and call a professional.
Visible Gaps or Damage in the Coils
A properly functioning torsion spring should appear as a tightly wound, continuous coil above your door. If you notice visible gaps, separation between windings, rust spots, or frayed areas, the spring has snapped or is failing.
Your Door Moves Slowly, Unevenly, or Gets Stuck
Springs counterbalance your garage door’s weight (150-400 pounds). When they weaken, you’ll notice the door struggling to lift, moving slowly, or jerking as it operates. The door may only rise a few inches before stopping and sliding back down.
The Door Feels Heavy or Suddenly Falls
If your garage door feels unusually heavy when closing manually, or if it slams shut rapidly, a broken spring is the culprit. Without proper spring support, the opener alone cannot safely control the weight.
Loose or Sagging Cables
When springs fail, they lose tension and cause cables to hang loose or slack. While it might seem like a cable problem, the underlying issue is almost always a failed spring.
Why DIY Garage Door Spring Repair Is Dangerous
The temptation to save money by handling the repair yourself is understandable. But the risks far outweigh any savings. Here’s why professionals strongly advise against DIY spring repair:
Extreme Tension and Stored Energy
Garage door springs store massive amounts of potential energy. A single torsion spring can support hundreds of pounds of force. If released improperly, it can launch hardware or debris at high velocity. Medical literature documents cases of severe eye injuries, permanent blindness, deep lacerations, and fractures resulting from DIY attempts.
Lack of Proper Tools and Knowledge
Spring replacement requires specialized equipment, including winding bars and proper jacks. Using incorrect tools causes springs to snap unexpectedly or fail shortly after installation. Misdiagnosis is also common—fixing the wrong issue leaves the real danger unresolved.
Hidden Complications
If your garage door has two springs and one breaks, the other remains under significant tension, making repair exponentially more dangerous. Professional technicians know to replace both springs simultaneously to ensure balanced operation and prevent one good spring from overcompensating and breaking prematurely.
What Professional Spring Repair Looks Like
At McKinney Overhead Door, our technicians follow a comprehensive process:
Thorough Inspection and Diagnosis
We examine your entire garage door system—springs, cables, tracks, rollers, and hardware—to identify not just the broken spring, but any other wear that contributed to the failure.
Proper Installation and Testing
Our team uses specialized tools to safely install new springs with the correct tension. We always replace both springs in a two-spring system to maintain balance. After installation, we test the door’s operation to ensure smooth, safe performance.
Extended Warranties and Support
Professional repairs come with installation warranties and guarantees. DIY repairs offer no such protection.
Prevention: Extend Your Spring’s Life
Schedule Annual Professional Inspections
Have a trained technician inspect your garage door system at least once a year. This catches wear before it becomes dangerous.
Lubricate Your Springs Regularly
Apply garage door lubricant to springs and moving parts at least twice a year. In humid climates, monthly lubrication is ideal to prevent rust and corrosion.
Monitor Your Door’s Behavior
If your door starts moving slowly, making new sounds, or feeling heavy, call a professional for inspection before the spring breaks.
Why McKinney Overhead Door Is Your Trusted Partner
Serving our community with integrity, McKinney Overhead Door understands that a broken garage door is more than an inconvenience—it’s a safety concern demanding immediate, expert attention. Our technicians are trained, insured, and committed to keeping your family safe. We provide upfront quotes, same-day service options, and warranties on all our work.
Ready for Professional Spring Repair? Contact McKinney Overhead Door Today!
If you’ve noticed warning signs that your garage door spring may be failing, don’t attempt a DIY repair. Contact us now for a professional inspection and safe, reliable repair. Your peace of mind is worth it.