Garage Door Repair
Why Garage Door Springs Break (and What to Do First)
August 5, 2026 · Prime Garage Doors
A broken torsion spring is the most common garage door emergency. Here is what causes it, how to spot it, and the safest first steps.
How to tell a spring is broken
If your door will not lift, the opener strains, or you can see a visible gap in the coil above the door, the torsion spring has most likely failed. Do not try to force the door open.
What causes springs to fail
- Normal cycle wear — most springs are rated for around 10,000 cycles
- Cold weather and metal fatigue
- Rust from humidity and road salt
- Unbalanced doors putting extra load on one spring
What to do first
Leave the door closed, unplug the opener so nobody runs it, and call an experienced garage door professional. Prime Garage Doors offers free estimates and same-day service across Greater Boston.
Frequently asked
- Should both springs be replaced at once?
- Usually yes. Springs wear at the same rate, so replacing only the broken one often means a second failure within months.
- Is a broken spring dangerous?
- Yes. The door becomes unbalanced and heavy. Leave it closed, unplug the opener and call a professional.