Can You Open Your Garage Door With a Broken Spring?
Garage door springs are the counterbalancing component that winds and unwinds when the garage door opens and closes. It can be a nuisance if a garage door spring breaks. While it is OK to open your garage door with a broken spring, we recommend contacting the technicians at Garage Door Specialists, Inc. to replace the springs.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Having a basic understanding of how garage door springs work means you can take the proper precautions when they break. There are two types of springs — torsion and extension. Extension springs stretch from either side to lift the door, while torsion springs sit above and use the tension the springs store while the door is closed as energy to lift it when it opens.
Each type of spring uses its tension to offset the weight of the door, providing a counterbalance to its weight, keeping everything stable. The potential energy that these springs hold is enormous, so it can be a safety hazard when they break.
What Happens When a Garage Door Spring Breaks?
When the spring breaks in your garage door, you will be unable to operate your garage door like usual. The problem might be a broken spring if:
- The garage door opener motor is running, but the door isn’t moving.
- The garage door opener is making grinding or straining noises as it operates.
- You heard the spring break, making a loud pop noise.
- The garage door is off its tracks.
Can You Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring?
A garage door can still open if the spring is broken, but it takes a bit of manual effort. Trying to open it automatically with the opener could strain the motor or burn it out since the broken spring makes the door heavier to lift.
We recommend not trying to open your garage door if it has a broken spring. Follow these safety tips if you must open the door to get a car out:
- Keep yourself safe by protecting your back, keeping your fingers away from pinch points and ensuring your feet aren’t under the door.
- Lift the door from the center and keep it level as the door goes up.
- Do not push or pull on the garage door panels, as they could bend.
- The garage door will not stay open without support so keep the door level when it’s open.
- Shut the garage door immediately after getting your car out — do not keep it open.
Safety Precautions Before Attempting to Open the Door
When opening a garage door with a broken spring, take the right precautions. Garage doors are heavy and can cause injury if you drop them, so it’s best to have a partner to help you lift them. Make sure the area is clear of pets and children and that there are no possible obstructions or tripping hazards.
The final safety necessity is ensuring you have the correct gear. You will need the following:
- Sturdy footwear
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
How to Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring
Follow these four steps to safely open your garage door with a broken spring.
Step One: Gather Necessary Tools and Helpers
You will need tools, safety gear and at least one assistant to help you lift the door. For tools, you should have a pry bar, some locking pliers and a ladder.
Step Two: Disengage the Garage Door Opener
Make sure the door is in the down position — then, you’ll need to locate the emergency release cord, which is usually a red cord with a handle that hangs from the trolley. Pull this cord, and the door will disconnect from the opener.
Step Three: Lift the Door Manually
You and your helper should position yourselves on either side of the door. One of you can use the pry bar to get under the door so you can get a grip from underneath. Once you both have a grip, lift slowly and evenly using your legs so as not to hurt your back until it settles on the horizontal rails. Communicate with each other about how you are managing the weight as you lift. If the garage door is too heavy to move, do not endanger yourself by attempting to open the garage door anyway.
Step Four: Secure the Door in the Open Position
Now it’s time to use your locking pliers. Clamp onto the track, positioning just below the bottom roller to hold the door up. Ensure the door is stable before backing off.
How to Close a Garage Door With a Broken Spring
To close your garage door, reverse the steps for opening it:
- Start moving the garage door down to get it out of its resting place on the horizontal rails.
- With another person, slowly guide the garage door down until it’s closed.
- Re-engage the garage door opener to the garage door.
Do not let the garage door crash, as this sudden drop may damage more components.
When to Contact a Professional
Safety is key! So, if you don’t have the necessary tools, gear or helper or if you are unsure of what you are doing, contact a professional!
Contact Garage Door Specialists, Inc. to Replace Your Broken Springs Today
A professional should handle a garage door spring replacement. You can find experienced technicians who will get the job done right at Garage Door Specialists, Inc. We have over 40 years of experience replacing broken springs and completing other repairs in Western North Carolina. Our technicians will replace your springs safely and efficiently.
Schedule your repair online or call 828-584-2297 today.