5 Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

Your garage door springs are under tremendous tension and are responsible for the heavy lifting that makes your door operate smoothly. Over time, these springs wear out and can fail unexpectedly. Here are the five warning signs that indicate it's time to call a professional for garage door spring replacement.

1. Your Door Won't Open Properly

If your garage door struggles to open, opens only partially, or feels extremely heavy when you try to lift it manually, your springs are likely failing. Homeowners in Norwalk, CT and Stamford, CT often call us when their doors suddenly become difficult to operate.

A properly functioning spring system should make your door feel almost weightless. If it takes significant effort to lift, the springs have lost their tension and need replacement.

2. Visible Gaps in the Spring

Take a look at your torsion spring (located above the door) or extension springs (on either side). If you notice a visible gap in the coils, the spring has already broken. This is a common issue we see during emergency repair calls.

3. Loud Bang from the Garage

Did you hear a loud bang coming from your garage? This is often the sound of a spring breaking. Many residents in Darien and New Canaan describe it as sounding like a gunshot or a car backfiring.

If you've heard this sound and your door isn't working properly, you almost certainly have a broken spring that needs immediate attention.

4. Door Opens Unevenly or Crooked

When one spring fails and the other is still working, your door may open crookedly or appear tilted. This puts extra strain on the cables, tracks, and opener, potentially causing additional damage.

If you notice your door is uneven when opening or closing, don't continue using it. This can cause further damage and lead to more expensive repairs.

5. Springs Are Old (7+ Years)

Most garage door springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles (one cycle = opening and closing once). For an average family, this translates to roughly 7-9 years of use. If your springs are approaching this age, it's wise to have them inspected.

Proactive replacement before failure can prevent the inconvenience of a stuck door. Our technicians serving Norwalk, Westport, and surrounding areas can inspect your springs and advise on their condition.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

1. Stop using the door – Continued use can cause further damage or injury
2. Disconnect the opener – Pull the emergency release cord
3. Call a professional – Contact Round Hill Garage Door Repair at (475) 288-9068

Why Choose Professional Spring Replacement?

Garage door springs are under extreme tension – enough to lift a door weighing 150-400+ pounds. Attempting DIY repair has caused serious injuries. Our licensed technicians have the proper tools and training to safely replace your springs.

We serve Norwalk, Stamford, Norwalk, and throughout Fairfield County with same-day service.