Garage door springs play a key role in making it easier to open and close the door by balancing its weight and supporting smooth movement. They counterbalance the door’s weight, allowing it to open with ease. But if your garage door spring snapped but door still opens, do not assume everything is fine. This can signal hidden strain on other parts and pose serious safety risks if ignored.
Many homeowners overlook the issue because the door still works for now. But continuing to use it without fixing the broken spring can lead to bigger problems such as motor failure or complete system damage. Acting quickly helps protect your home, your budget, and your family. Keep reading to learn what’s actually going on and the steps you should follow to handle the problem safely.
How Garage Door Springs Work and Why They Break Over Time
Garage doors use tightly wound springs to help lift and lower the door easily. Even if the garage door opens, a snapped spring means extra stress on the system, which can quickly lead to serious damage or safety risks.
Most garage doors have either torsion springs or extension springs. Torsion springs rotate to help raise the door, while extension springs stretch out to pull it upward. Both types are key to reducing the strain on your garage door opener and making lifting feel light.
When a spring breaks, you may hear a loud bang or see a gap in the coil. A broken garage door spring can also make the door feel heavy or cause it to move unevenly. These signs mean urgent repair is needed.
Why Your Garage Door Still Opens After the Spring Snaps
If your garage door spring snapped but the door still opens, it could be because the second spring is still working. Many systems use two springs, so when one breaks, the other picks up the slack. This adds pressure and shortens the spring’s life quickly.
Sometimes, the garage door opener is strong enough to lift the door by itself. This usually happens with newer or high-powered models. But using the opener this way is not safe. It puts too much strain on the motor and may lead to early failure or breakdown.
You might also be able to lift the door by hand, especially if it’s a lighter model. But the door can fall quickly without spring support or become too heavy to manage. Mishandling is risky and can lead to serious injury or property damage.
Risks of Operating with a Broken Spring
Using your garage door after a spring break might seem fine at first. But using the door this way can cause serious damage, create safety risks, and result in costly repairs.
Faster Wear on the Opener and Remaining Spring
The garage door opener and remaining spring take all the weight, which makes them wear out quickly. This stress can cause a full system breakdown.
Serious Safety Hazards
A broken garage door spring causes the door to become unbalanced and unsafe. It can suddenly fall or slam shut, putting your safety, family, and car at serious risk.
Damage to Other Garage Door Parts
If a spring breaks, it puts added pressure on the garage door’s cables, tracks, and rollers. Over time, these parts can break, leading to high repair costs.
Can You Manually Open a Garage Door After the Spring Snaps?
When your garage door spring snaps but the door still opens, it’s normal to wonder if you can lift it by hand. In emergencies, manual operation may work, but caution is key. Follow these steps to open your garage door by hand safely:
Step 1. Check the Door’s Weight
Before proceeding, try lifting the door slightly to check how heavy it feels. If it feels too heavy, do not continue.
Step 2. Disconnect the Opener
Pull the red emergency release cord to disconnect the garage door opener from the door. This lets you move the door manually.
Step 3. Lift the Door Slowly
Use both hands and stand in the center. Lift the door slowly. If it’s uneven or sways, stop immediately to avoid injury.
Step 4. Secure the Door
Once open, brace it with a sturdy item or have someone hold it. Never leave it unsupported, especially with a broken garage door spring.
Opening a garage door with a broken spring is risky. If the door seems too heavy or unsteady, avoid forcing it. Calling a professional garage door technician is the safest choice.
Immediate Actions to Take After a Garage Door Spring Breaks
When a spring snaps, the whole garage door system becomes unstable. Taking the proper steps quickly can help prevent injuries and avoid more damage to your garage door opener or cables.
1. Stop Using the Door
Avoid opening or closing the garage door after spring break. Doing so will add pressure to the opener, cables, and rollers, which may cause even more damage.
2. Inspect the Damage
Stand at a safe distance and check for signs like broken coils, gaps in the spring, or loose cables. Never try to adjust a broken garage door spring yourself.
3. Contact Professionals
Reach out to a licensed garage door technician as soon as possible. They have the tools and training to replace the spring safely and check for any hidden issues.
Acting fast after a spring break can prevent costly repairs and serious safety risks. Have a trained expert handle the job to ensure your garage door stays safe and works properly.
How to Prevent Garage Door Springs from Snapping
Garage door springs wear out over time, but smart upkeep can make them last longer. Avoid future problems like when the garage door spring snapped but door still opens by following these tips.
1. Regular Maintenance
Use garage door lubricant every three to four months to reduce friction. Watch for signs like rust, noise, or uneven movement. Schedule a yearly check-up with a garage door technician to keep everything running smoothly.
2 . Know the Lifespan
Most garage door springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles. If your door gets heavy daily use, it might wear out faster. Replace older springs before they fail unexpectedly.
3. Consider Upgrades
High-cycle garage door springs last longer, up to 30,000 cycles. If one spring breaks, replacing both with high-cycle versions gives better performance and lowers the risk of sudden spring failure.
Maintaining your garage door springs helps you avoid safety problems and reduce repair costs. Preventive steps now help you stay clear of expensive garage door repairs and dangerous door malfunctions later.
FAQs About Garage Door Spring Snapped, but Door Still Opens
Can I Continue Using My Garage Door if One Spring Is Broken?
No, it is not safe to use your garage door with a broken spring. This puts extra strain on the opener and cables, which can lead to injury or more damage. Stop using the door and contact a professional for spring garage door repair right away.
How Do I Know If My Garage Door Spring Has Snapped?
If your garage door spring snaps but the door still opens, look for a loud bang, uneven door movement, or a visible gap in the spring coil. The door may feel heavier or stop midway when opening. These signs mean the spring needs immediate attention.
How Long Can I Use My Garage Door with a Broken Spring?
Avoid using your new garage door when the spring is broken, as it can be unsafe and cause more damage. Even if the spring snapped, but the door still opens, continued use may damage other parts and lead to complete failure. Have the spring replaced promptly to avoid further issues.
What Causes Garage Door Springs to Break?
Garage door springs break due to regular wear and tear, rust, extreme temperatures, and poor maintenance. Lack of lubrication also increases friction and stress. Over time, these factors weaken the metal, causing the spring to snap and disrupt your garage door’s balance.
How Often Should Garage Door Springs Be Replaced?
Garage door springs should be replaced every 7 to 9 years, depending on how often you use the door. If your garage door spring snapped but the door still opens, it’s a warning sign. Routine inspections help catch spring wear before failure happens.
Conclusion
If your garage door spring snapped but door still opens, it is a clear sign something is wrong. Even if the door still works, it could put extra stress on other parts. Fixing it early helps prevent bigger issues and keeps your home and family safe.
At New Braunfels Garage Door Repair, we inspect the entire system to make sure your springs, cables, and opener are all working the way they should. We offer friendly, honest service to make your garage door smooth, reliable, and safe for everyday use without worry.
Do not wait for more damage or an unexpected breakdown. Reach out to New Braunfels Garage Door Repair for reliable and professional garage door repair in New Braunfels, TX. We are here to help with fast solutions that keep your garage door working safely and correctly.
End Note
If your garage door spring snapped but the door still opens, do not wait until things get worse. New Braunfels Garage Door Repair offers safe and fast spring repairs to protect your home. From garage door repair to broken spring replacement, our expert team is ready to help. Visit our services page to learn more.
We also handle everything from new garage door openers to garage door clickers and full garage door replacement. Explore our range of garage doors, openers systems, and dependable LiftMaster options. We are just one call away if you are looking for trusted garage door repair in New Braunfels, TX.
Want to know more? Read about our company on the About Us page, check out our photo gallery, or get valuable tips from our blog posts. View our complete location list to see if we are near you. Contact Us directly for fast service and expert advice, or connect with us on Facebook for updates and support. We are here to help you keep your garage door safe, smooth, and working right every day.
New Braunfels Garage
3702 S I-35 South Frontage Rd #112, New Braunfels, TX 78132, United States
+18303879855
