I still remember the first time a homeowner called me in a panic after hearing a loud bang in their garage.T hey thought something had exploded. In reality, it was a garage door spring snapping, and suddenly their door wouldn’t open at all.
If you are dealing with that right now, your garage door feels impossibly heavy won’t budge, or your car is stuck inside, you’re not alone. Broken garage door springs are one of the most urgent and disruptive problems I respond to, and they almost always require same-day replacement.
Let me explain what’s happening, why this isn’t something to wait on, and how we usually fix it fast.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks
Your garage door springs do most of the heavy lifting. When one breaks, the door instantly loses its counterbalance. That’s why:
- The door won’t open
- The opener strains or stops
- The door may slam shut if forced
I have seen homeowners think the opener failed when the real issue was a broken spring putting hundreds of pounds of dead weight on the system.
Signs You Need Immediate Garage Door Spring Replacement
You Heard a Loud Bang
This is the most common sign. Torsion springs often snap with a sound that feels like a firecracker or gunshot inside the garage.
The Door Won’t Open or Only Lifts a Few Inches
When springs fail, the opener can’t lift the door safely. Continuing to try can burn out the motor.
The Door Looks Crooked or Slams Shut
Uneven tension from a broken spring can pull the door off balance, which is extremely dangerous.
You See a Gap in the Spring
A visible separation in the spring coil is a clear sign that the spring is broken and needs replacement.
Is It Safe to Use a Garage Door With a Broken Spring?
I am always very clear about this: no, it’s not safe.
I have seen injuries, damaged doors, and destroyed openers from homeowners trying to force a door with a broken spring. Without proper tension:
- The door can crash down unexpectedly
- The opener can fail
- Tracks and panels can bend or break
This is one situation where stopping immediately actually saves money.
Why Same-Day Garage Door Spring Replacement Matters
When a spring breaks, everything stops. Cars are trapped, businesses can’t operate, and homes are left unsecured.
That’s why I recommend same-day garage door spring replacement whenever possible. Fast replacement:
- Restores safe operation
- Prevents secondary damage
- Gets your routine back to normal
- Eliminates security concerns
Waiting rarely improves the situation it usually makes it worse.
Torsion vs Extension Springs: What Most Homes Use
Most homes I service use torsion springs, which are mounted above the door and provide smoother, more controlled lifting. Older systems may use extension springs along the tracks.
Proper replacement isn’t just about swapping part,s it’s about:
- Matching the door’s weight
- Settingthe correct tension
- Ensuring balanced movement
That precision is what keeps the door safe long-term.
Should You Replace One Spring or Both?
This is a question I get on nearly every spring job.
In most cases, I recommend replacing both springs at the same time. Springs wear evenly, and when one breaks, the other is usually not far behind. Replacing both:
- Improves reliability
- Prevents a second breakdown
- Saves money on future labor
There are exceptions, but a professional inspection makes that decision clear.
What Garage Door Spring Replacement Usually Costs
Spring replacement cost depends on:
- Spring type (torsion or extension)
- Door size and weight
- Quality of replacement springs
- Same-day service needs
In my experience, using high-cycle springs costs slightly more upfront but saves homeowners money over time by lasting significantly longer.
Why Garage Door Spring Replacement Is Not a DIY Job
I respect homeowners who like to fix things themselves, but this is one repair I strongly advise against.
Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Without the right tools and training, DIY attempts can lead to serious injury. I’ve been called out to fix situations where a DIY repair caused far more damage than the original problem.
This is one job where professional service is truly the safest option.
Same-Day Garage Door Spring Replacement Near You
At Benjamin Garage Door Repair, spring replacement is something we handle daily. We provide fast, professional service throughout Hendersonville and nearby areas, including Antioch, Ashland City, Belle Meade, Brentwood, Donelson, Forest Hills, Goodlettsville, Hermitage, Lakewood, Madison, Millersville, Mount Juliet, Oak Hill, Pegram, Spring Hill, and Whites Creek.
Homeowners call Benjamin Garage Door Repair because we show up prepared, replace springs safely, and make sure the door is properly balanced before we leave. When you contact Benjamin Garage Door Repair, you’re getting experienced technicians who focus on safety, durability, and long-term performance.
FAQs
How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?
The most common signs I see are a loud bang from the garage, a door that won’t open, a door that feels extremely heavy, or a visible gap in the spring. Any of these usually means the spring has snapped.
Is it dangerous to use a garage door with a broken spring?
Yes, very dangerous. I’ve seen doors crash down, openers burn out, and people get injured trying to force a door with a broken spring. Once a spring breaks, the door should not be used until it’s repaired.
Can I open my garage door manually if the spring is broken?
I do not recommend it. Without spring tension, the door can weigh hundreds of pounds and is extremely difficult to control. Attempting this without training can lead to serious injury or damage.
Should I replace both garage door springs if only one breaks?
In most cases, yes. Springs wear evenly, so when one breaks, the other is usually close behind. Replacing both at the same time improves reliability and prevents another sudden breakdown.
How long does same-day garage door spring replacement take?
Once on site, spring replacement typically takes about 45–60 minutes. The key is using the correct springs and setting proper tension so the door is balanced and safe before leaving.
Is garage door spring replacement a DIY project?
No, and this is one repair I strongly advise against. Garage door springs are under extreme tension, and improper handling can cause serious injury. This job requires professional tools and experience.
Final Thoughts From the Field
A broken garage door spring isn’t something to ignore or push through. In my experience, quick action makes all the difference. It keeps your door safe, prevents extra damage, and gets life back to normal faster.
If your garage door spring has broken and you need same-day replacement, this is exactly the kind of problem we’re equipped to handle.
