What Happens if You Ignore a Broken Garage Door Spring

A broken spring does not fix itself. Some people wait because the door still moves a little. That is when problems start to pile up.

The door stops working as it should

The springs lift the door. Without them the door is very heavy. Many people cannot lift it. Some doors will not open at all. See can you open a garage door with a broken spring.

The opener takes the strain

The opener is not built to lift the full weight. If you keep pressing the button it can strain or burn out. Read how a broken spring affects the opener.

Other parts get damaged

• Cables can slip or snap.
• Panels can bend if the door is forced.
• Tracks and rollers can wear faster.
• The door can come off the track.

Security and safety

A door that will not close leaves the garage open. A door that will not open can trap a car. A door that drops without warning can hurt someone.

It can cost more later

Waiting can turn a spring repair into a spring and cable and track repair. We cannot give a price here because it depends on the door. Read what affects the cost of garage door spring repair.

What to do

Stop using the door. Keep clear of the springs. Call a technician. Our page on garage door spring repair explains what happens at the visit.