What Does a Broken Garage Door Spring Sound Like?

Most people describe it the same way. A single loud bang from the garage. Some say it sounds like a gunshot or a firework. Others think something fell off a shelf.

Why it is so loud

A spring under tension stores a lot of force. When the metal breaks all of that force is released at once. The sound carries through the garage walls and often into the house.

What you may hear

• One sharp bang with no warning.
• A crack followed by a rattle as parts move.
• A snap along the side of the door if you have extension springs.
• Nothing at all. Some people only find the break later when the door will not lift.

What you may notice next

• The door will not open or only lifts a few inches.
• The opener hums or strains.
• The door feels very heavy if you try the emergency release.
• You can see a gap in a spring above the door.
• A cable hangs loose.

Is every loud bang a spring?

No. A snapped cable or a cracked panel or a bent track can also make a loud noise. The result is often the same. The door stops working right. A technician can tell which part failed.

What to do right away

1. Stay clear of the springs and the cables.
2. Do not press the opener button again.
3. Do not try to lift the door by hand.
4. Write down what you heard and saw.
5. Call a technician.

For more on spotting the problem read how to tell if a garage door spring is broken. Our guide to garage door spring repair explains what happens during the visit.

Related guides: the quieter spring noises that come before a break.