A broken garage door spring is one of the most common—and frustrating—issues homeowners face. If your door suddenly won’t open or feels unusually heavy, chances are one of your springs gave out.
At New Milford Overhead Doors, we’ve seen it all. Here’s what causes garage door springs to break, what warning signs to look for, and why professional repair is your safest bet.
Common Reasons Garage Door Springs Break
1. Normal Wear and Tear
Springs are under constant tension, especially torsion springs. Most are rated for 10,000 cycles (1 open and 1 close = 1 cycle), which adds up quicker than you think—especially in busy households.
2. Rust and Corrosion
Rust can weaken the metal, causing it to snap sooner than expected. In Connecticut’s varied climate, seasonal moisture plays a major role in this type of damage.
3. Improper Maintenance
Lack of regular lubrication and inspections will shorten your spring’s life. A well-maintained spring can last several years longer.
4. Incorrect Spring for the Door
If the wrong size or strength spring was installed, it may overcompensate, wearing out faster or even failing prematurely.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring May Be Broken
The door opens a few inches then stops.
You hear a loud “bang” coming from the garage.
The door feels extremely heavy to lift manually.
You see a visible gap in the torsion spring.
The door is crooked or uneven when it moves.
If you notice any of these, stop using the door immediately—forcing it open can cause further damage or serious injury.
Don’t DIY a Spring Repair — Here’s Why
Garage door springs are tightly wound and can be extremely dangerous if handled incorrectly. A spring under tension can cause severe injury if it snaps or slips during a repair attempt.
We strongly recommend leaving spring repairs to trained professionals. Our team at New Milford Overhead Doors is fully equipped to safely diagnose and replace your broken springs with the correct parts for your system.
Get Professional Spring Repair in New Milford, CT
We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Litchfield County with fast, reliable garage door repairs. If your garage door won’t open or you’re hearing loud noises from your system, it may be time for a spring replacement.
Don’t wait—contact New Milford Overhead Doors today to schedule your service.