Why won't my garage door close?

Common reasons include: misaligned safety sensors, obstructions in the door path, broken springs, stripped gears in the opener, or issues with the close limit settings. Check the safety sensors first - they should both have steady lights.

Should I repair or replace my garage door?

Consider replacing if: the door is over 15-20 years old, has significant rust or structural damage, panels are severely damaged, or you want to upgrade to an insulated door. Many issues like springs, cables, sensors, and openers are cost-effective to repair.

What do the blinking lights on my garage door opener mean?

Blinking lights indicate error codes. For LiftMaster/Chamberlain: 1 blink = sensor wire issue, 2 blinks = sensor wire short, 3 blinks = door control wire issue, 4 blinks = sensor misalignment, 5 blinks = motor issue. Use our error code lookup tool for specific diagnosis.

How do I calculate what torsion spring I need?

To calculate the correct torsion spring, you need: door height, door width, door weight, track type, and number of springs. The formula involves IPPT (Inch-Pounds Per Turn) = d^4 × E / (10.8 × D × Na). Use our spring calculator for accurate results.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

Torsion spring replacement is dangerous and recommended only for trained professionals due to the extreme tension (over 200 lbs of force). Extension springs are safer for DIY but still require proper safety precautions and tools.

Garage Door Spring Problems

Call a Professional1-2 hours (professional)

A broken garage door spring is usually obvious: you hear a loud bang, the door becomes extremely heavy, and you can see a visible gap in the torsion spring above the door. Spring replacement is one of the most dangerous DIY repairs and should almost always be left to professionals.

Common Symptoms

Loud bang heard from garage
Door is extremely heavy to lift
Door opens a few inches then stops
Visible gap or separation in spring
Door falls quickly when closing
Cables appear loose or hanging
Door is crooked when opening

Possible Causes

•Normal wear (springs last 7-12 years)
•Rust weakening the spring
•Extreme temperature changes
•Poor quality springs
•Incorrect spring size installed
•Lack of maintenance

How to Fix It

Identify the spring type

Torsion springs are mounted above the door on a metal shaft. Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on each side. Torsion springs are more common and more dangerous to replace.

Confirm the spring is broken

Look for a visible gap in the torsion spring (usually 2+ inches). For extension springs, look for a stretched or broken spring along the track.

Do not operate the door

With a broken spring, the opener can't lift the door properly and will strain. Do not use the opener or try to force the door open.

Operating the door with a broken spring can damage the opener, cables, and door itself.

Call a professional

Spring replacement requires specialized tools and knowledge. The springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death if handled incorrectly.

Get multiple quotes

Spring replacement should always be done by a professional. Get 2-3 quotes and ask about spring quality and warranty.

Consider replacing both springs

If one spring broke, the other is likely near the end of its life. Replacing both at once saves a future service call.

When to Call a Professional

•Any spring replacement (this is not a DIY job)
•You're not 100% certain of your spring knowledge and tools
•Door is too heavy to safely secure while working

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do garage door springs last?

Standard springs last 7-12 years or about 10,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and close). High-cycle springs can last 20,000+ cycles. If your door opens 4 times daily, standard springs last about 7 years.

Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?

You can manually lift the door, but it will be extremely heavy (150-250+ pounds). It's possible but difficult and potentially dangerous. Do not use the automatic opener with a broken spring.

Why is spring replacement so expensive?

You're paying for the professional's expertise, specialized tools, and the risk involved. It's one of the more dangerous home repairs—the stored energy in a torsion spring can cause serious injury.