Why Garage Door Springs Break
If your garage door suddenly refuses to open — or opens only a few inches before stopping — there's a good chance a spring has broken. Garage door springs are the silent workhorses of your door system. They bear the full weight of the door every single time it opens or closes, and over time, that stress takes a toll.
The Two Types of Garage Door Springs
There are two main types of springs used in residential garage doors:
Torsion Springs sit horizontally above the door opening. They wind and unwind as the door moves, using torque to lift the heavy panels. Most modern homes use torsion springs because they last longer and provide smoother operation.
Extension Springs run along the upper tracks on each side of the door. They stretch and contract as the door moves. While less common today, many older Atlanta homes still have extension springs.
Why Springs Break
Garage door springs are rated for a specific number of cycles — typically 10,000 cycles, though heavy-duty springs can last 20,000 or more. One cycle is one open and one close. For a family that opens the garage twice a day, that's about 730 cycles per year, meaning standard springs can last roughly 7–14 years.
- Normal wear and tear — Every cycle weakens the metal slightly
- Rust and corrosion — Georgia humidity accelerates metal fatigue
- Poor lubrication — Dry springs wear out faster
- Improper balance — A misaligned door puts uneven stress on springs
- Cold weather snaps — Sudden temperature drops can cause brittle metal to break
Warning Signs Your Springs Are Failing
- The door moves slower than usual when opening
- You hear a loud bang from the garage (a spring snapping sounds like a gunshot)
- The door appears crooked or uneven when moving
- The door feels extremely heavy when lifted manually
- Visible gaps in the spring coils
Why DIY Spring Repair Is Dangerous
We get it — Atlanta homeowners are resourceful. But garage door spring replacement is one of the few jobs we strongly advise against attempting yourself. Torsion springs store enormous amounts of mechanical energy. A spring under tension that releases suddenly can cause serious injury or death.
Professional technicians use specialized tools and follow strict safety protocols to replace springs safely. The cost of a professional repair is a fraction of what an ER visit would cost.
What To Do When a Spring Breaks
1. Do not attempt to open or close the door manually 2. Disconnect the garage door opener to prevent damage 3. Call Garage Door Max at 470-201-8586 4. We offer same-day spring replacement across Atlanta and 50 miles around
Our technicians carry torsion and extension springs in multiple sizes on every service truck, so we can usually fix your door the same day you call. Don't let a broken spring leave you locked out — call us now.