7 Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

Garage door springs are under enormous tension — a single torsion spring can hold hundreds of pounds of force. When they fail, your door won't budge. Here's how to spot trouble early.

The Two Types of Garage Door Springs

• Torsion springs: Mounted horizontally above the door opening. More common in modern homes.
• Extension springs: Run along the horizontal tracks on each side. Common in older homes.

7 Warning Signs

1. The Door Won't Open

This is the most obvious sign. If you hear the opener motor running but the door doesn't move, a spring has likely snapped.

2. The Door Opens 6 Inches Then Stops

Garage door openers have a built-in safety that stops operation when it detects unusual resistance — broken springs cause exactly this.

3. A Loud Bang from the Garage

A snapping torsion spring sounds like a gunshot. If you heard a bang and now the door won't work, you have a broken spring.

4. The Door Looks Crooked

If only one extension spring breaks, the door will open unevenly and appear tilted.

5. Visible Gap in the Spring

Torsion springs break in the middle. If you can see a gap or separation in the coil, the spring is broken.

6. The Top of the Door Is Bent

When a door is forced open with a broken spring, the top panel often bends. This is a sign the springs were already failing.

7. The Door Is Very Heavy

Try disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door. A properly balanced door should lift with one hand. If it feels extremely heavy, the springs are losing tension.

Do NOT Try to Replace Springs Yourself

Garage door springs are one of the most dangerous DIY repairs. The stored tension can cause serious injury. Always call a licensed professional.

Average Spring Replacement Cost in Walnut Creek

Most spring replacements in the Walnut Creek area cost $150–$350 depending on the spring type and whether you replace one or both.