Your garage door is one of the most important moving parts in your home, opening and closing thousands of times each year. At the heart of its operation lies the garage door spring system the powerful component responsible for balancing the door’s weight.
When springs wear out or break, your safety and convenience are at risk. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to costly repairs, or even accidents.
If you’re in Ottawa and you suspect a spring issue, recognizing the symptoms early can save you time, money, and stress. Here are the top five signs that it’s time to schedule a professional garage door spring repair with the experts at SGG Door.
The Core of Your System: Understanding Garage Door Springs
To effectively manage a potential repair situation, it is important to understand the two main types of springs found in residential and commercial garage door systems.
Torsion vs. Extension: A Quick Breakdown
| Feature | Torsion Springs | Extension Springs |
| Location | Mounted horizontally on a metal shaft directly above the door opening. | Run parallel to the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. |
| Operation | Store mechanical energy by twisting (torque) when the door closes. | Store mechanical energy by stretching (tension) when the door closes. |
| Safety | Generally considered safer as the shaft contains the spring if it breaks. | Require safety cables running through the center to prevent the spring from becoming a dangerous projectile upon breaking. |
| Lifespan | Typically longer lifespan (15,000 to 25,000+ cycles). | Shorter lifespan (5,000 to 10,000 cycles). |
1-The Garage Door Feels Heavy or Difficult to Lift
One of the first things homeowners notice is that the door suddenly feels much heavier than usual.
Garage door springs are designed to counterbalance the weight of the door. When they start to fail, they lose tension and can’t provide the necessary support.
Common signs include:
- The door is hard to lift manually.
- The opener struggles or fails to open the door fully.
- The door slams shut quickly when you try to close it.
If you notice this, stop using your garage door immediately and contact a professional. Continuing to operate it could cause further damage or injury.
Related Service: Garage Door Repair in Ottawa
2- You Hear Loud Noises or Snapping Sounds
Garage door springs are under extreme tension. When they weaken or break, they often make a loud bang or snap that sounds like something heavy has fallen.
If you heard a sudden loud noise in your garage but can’t see any visible damage, it’s very likely that a spring has snapped.
Inspect the torsion bar (above the door) if there’s a visible gap in the coil, that’s a broken spring.
Never try to repair or replace springs on your own. These parts are under high tension and require professional tools and expertise to handle safely.
You might need: Emergency Garage Door Service in Ottawa
3- The Door Opens Unevenly or Jerks While Moving
If your garage door rises unevenly, shakes, or moves in a jerky motion, this is another warning that a spring may be wearing out.
The spring system ensures smooth, balanced movement.
When one spring breaks (in systems with two), the other one struggles to carry the load alone causing uneven motion or complete failure.
Other symptoms include:
- The door tilts to one side.
- The door stops halfway and reverses automatically.
- The cables appear loose or out of alignment.
Consider: Garage Door Installation if your system is old or beyond repair.
4. Visible Gaps, Rust, or Wear on the Springs
A visual inspection can tell you a lot.
Look above the garage door opening do you see a gap in the torsion spring, rust spots, or stretched coils?
These are early signs that the metal is wearing out and losing tension.
Also, if you notice that the spring coating has worn away or the steel is corroded, it’s a clear signal that replacement is due.
Regular maintenance and lubrication can extend the life of your springs, but once corrosion sets in, it’s safer to replace them entirely.
5- The Garage Door Opener Struggles or Stops Working
Your garage door opener is designed to work in harmony with properly balanced springs.
If the springs aren’t supporting the door’s weight, the opener’s motor has to do extra work — which can cause it to overheat or fail.
You might notice that:
- The opener hums but doesn’t lift the door.
- It reverses automatically as a safety measure.
- It takes longer to open or close than usual.
Learn more about our Garage Door Openers services in Ottawa.
Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Spring Repairs
Garage door springs are under hundreds of pounds of tension.
A single mistake can result in severe injury or property damage.
Professionals have the tools and experience needed to safely release, replace, and recalibrate the springs.
At SGG Door, our trained technicians handle all types of spring repairs torsion and extension springs ensuring your door operates safely and smoothly again.
How to Prevent Future Spring Failures
Here are some simple maintenance tips to help extend the lifespan of your garage door springs:
- Lubricate springs and moving parts every 3 months with a silicone-based spray.
- Inspect visually for rust or stretched coils.
- Test balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door halfway — it should stay in place.
- Schedule annual maintenance with a professional technician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long do garage door springs last?
Typically, garage door springs last about 7 to 9 years (or around 10,000 cycles). Frequent use and lack of maintenance can shorten this lifespan.
2. Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?
It’s not recommended. Doing so can damage your opener and cause safety risks. Call a professional instead.
Q: Can I just lubricate the springs to fix the problem?
Lubrication (with silicone or lithium grease) is an essential preventative maintenance step that reduces friction and noise, helping to prolong spring life. However, lubrication cannot restore tension to a worn spring or repair a broken one. If you have a visible gap or a heavy door, the spring requires replacement, not just lubrication.
4. What’s the difference between torsion and extension springs?
- Torsion springs are mounted above the door and provide smoother, quieter operation.
- Extension springs run along the sides of the door and are common in older systems.
5. How do I know if both springs need replacement?
If one breaks, it’s best to replace both. They wear out together, and replacing one at a time can cause imbalance.
Final Thoughts
Your garage door springs are small components with a big responsibility.
Ignoring the warning signs can lead to sudden breakdowns, expensive repairs, or safety hazards.
If you’ve noticed any of the issues we mentioned heavy lifting, loud noises, uneven movement, or visible wear it’s time to call a professional technician.
At SGG Door, we specialize in garage door spring repair, replacement, and maintenance across Ottawa and surrounding areas. Our team ensures reliable, safe, and long-lasting solutions for your home or business.
Call us today:
613-817-9444 or (888) 973-43151
Email: info@sggdoor.ca
Address: 305 Olmstead St, Ottawa, ON K1L 7K2
Or visit SGG Door Garage Services to schedule your repair today.