How Springs Work
Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door — without them, a 200+ pound door would be impossible to lift. Most residential doors use torsion springs mounted above the door, while older homes may have extension springs running along the horizontal tracks.
Warning Signs Your Spring Is Failing
1. The Door Is Heavy or Slow
If your garage door suddenly feels heavy when you try to lift it manually, or the opener strains and moves slowly, the springs may be losing tension.
2. The Door Doesn't Open All the Way
A spring that's losing tension may cause the door to stop part-way open or close with a bang.
3. Visible Gaps in the Spring
Torsion springs that are about to break often develop a visible gap in the coils. If you see a separation in your spring, replace it immediately before it snaps.
4. The Door Looks Crooked
If one spring on a two-spring system fails, the door may open unevenly or appear tilted to one side.
5. A Loud Bang From the Garage
A snapping torsion spring makes a very loud bang — like a gunshot. If you hear this, your spring has already broken. Stop using the door immediately.
What to Do
If you notice any of these signs, call Captain GDS immediately. Do not try to operate the door or replace the spring yourself — springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. We offer same-day spring replacement across all 7 New York counties we serve.