How to Know If Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken in Scottsdale, Arizona

Your garage door is one of the most frequently used entry points in your home, and a broken spring can quickly turn into a major inconvenience—or even a safety hazard. If you’re a homeowner in Scottsdale, Arizona, knowing the signs of a broken garage door spring can save you time, money, and frustration.

In this guide, we’ll cover: ✅ How garage door springs work ✅ Signs your garage door spring is broken ✅ Why springs break (especially in Scottsdale’s climate) ✅ DIY checks vs. when to call a professional ✅ How to safely handle a broken spring

Let’s dive in!

How Garage Door Springs Work

Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. They counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easy to open and close manually or with an opener. There are two main types:

1. Torsion Springs – Mounted horizontally above the door, these tightly wound springs unwind to lift the door.

2. Extension Springs – Located on either side of the door, these stretch and contract to assist with movement.

When a spring breaks, your garage door becomes much heavier, putting strain on the opener and making operation difficult (or impossible).

5 Key Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken

1. Your Garage Door Won’t Open (or It’s Extremely Heavy)

If your garage door refuses to budge or feels like it weighs a ton when lifting manually, a broken spring is the most likely culprit. The opener may struggle, make grinding noises, or fail to move the door at all.

2. A Loud “Bang” or “Snap” Noise

Garage door springs break suddenly, often with a loud bang (similar to a gunshot). If you hear this noise, stop using the door immediately—it’s a clear sign of spring failure.

3. The Door Opens Unevenly or Slams Shut

A broken spring can cause one side of the door to rise faster than the other or drop suddenly when closing. This misalignment is dangerous and can damage other components.

4. Visible Gaps or Separation in the Spring

Inspect your springs:

• Torsion springs – Look for a visible gap or separation in the coil.

• Extension springs – Check for a snapped spring or broken safety cable.

5. Your Garage Door Opens Only a Few Inches

If the door opens partially but won’t go further, the spring may not have enough tension to lift the full weight.

Why Do Garage Door Springs Break in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale’s climate plays a big role in spring failure. Here’s why:

🔥 Extreme Heat – Arizona’s scorching summers cause metal fatigue, weakening springs over time. 🔄 High Usage – Frequent opening/closing accelerates wear and tear. 🌵 Dust & Debris – Dust buildup can corrode springs, reducing lifespan.

Most springs last 7-10 years, but in hot climates like Scottsdale, they may fail sooner.

Can You Fix a Broken Garage Door Spring Yourself?

⚠️ Warning: Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled. We strongly recommend calling a professional.

However, if you need a temporary fix while waiting for a technician:

For Torsion Springs:

• Do NOT attempt to adjust or replace it yourself.

• Disengage the opener and manually lift the door (if possible).

For Extension Springs:

• Check if the safety cable is intact.

• Avoid pulling on a broken spring—it can snap violently.

When to Call a Pro:

• The door is stuck shut or won’t stay open.

• You hear grinding or see visible spring damage.

• The door feels dangerously heavy.

How to Prevent Garage Door Spring Failure

✅ Schedule Annual Maintenance – A professional can lubricate and inspect springs. ✅ Listen for Noises – Squeaking or grinding may indicate wear. ✅ Balance Test – Disconnect the opener and lift the door halfway—if it doesn’t stay, the springs may be weak.

Need Garage Door Spring Repair in Scottsdale?

If you suspect a broken spring, don’t wait—it’s a safety risk and can damage your opener.