Can You Open Your Garage Door with a Broken Spring?
Written by Danny G. Garage Door Technician – Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers
No, you should not open a broken garage door spring.
A door with a broken spring is difficult to open because the garage door opener has lost the support springs that lift and lower the door.
These springs act as a counterweight, helping keep the door balanced and stable when opened or closed.
Without the tension springs, the door’s weight would not be supported.
Please refrain from trying to unlock your door unless it’s necessary.
If you cannot wait for a technician to arrive, follow the steps to open your garage door manually. Still, take extra precautions and get someone to assist.
Rest assured that Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers, with our certified garage door repair technicians, is here to help if you have a garage door emergency.
We will promptly send a professional to inspect your door, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
Why It's Dangerous to Open The Garage Door With a Broken Spring?
A garage door is hefty, and your automatic garage door opener comes with a spring system that counterbalances the door weight.
When opening and closing the door, these springs support the cables and trolley.
The door opener is not designed to carry the door’s weight, as the springs do. Operating the opener when those springs are broken is hazardous.
Even with the garage door opening and closing, you can still find it can crash down with working safety sensors.
It can result in fatal injuries for you, your family, or your vehicle.
Not only can it cause injuries, but it can damage the following:
- Bend the door rails
- Cause a broken or burnt-out gear
- Can break the belts or chains
Can You Open a Garage Door With The Spring Broken?
It is possible to open the door manually, but it is not advisable, especially using the automatic door opener. How can I tell if the spring is broken?
Steps to check if you have a broken garage door spring:
- You will see a break in the spring
- You might have heard a loud popping sound when opening/closing the door
- The door will not open or close
The first sign is that you will see a visible break, as there are two types of springs: the extension and torsion springs.
You find the torsion spring above the door opening while the extension spring is near the track on the sides of the door.
If you do not see any of these springs, you have a Wayne Dalton Torque Master system, as the torsion springs are hidden in a tube over the door.
The other way to know you have a broken spring is by the popping sound, and you can enter your garage from the interior side to confirm it.
Lastly, the door will not open, and you will hear the opener motor work but see no movement.
Can I Have The Spring Repaired on My Garage Door?
No, you cannot repair the spring. Once used, it wears down and never returns to its previous state after breaking.
If the springs break, you will need to replace them.
If you have a multi-spring system, it is always better to replace it, even if only one spring breaks.
Steps in Opening a Garage Door With a Broken Spring
It is advised against attempting to manually lift a garage door with a broken spring, although it can still be accomplished.
If you must open the door, use extreme caution and get someone to help.
- First, unplug the garage door opener.
- Then, pull the emergency release cord.
- Start by lifting the door straight up, ensuring you do this from the bottom at the center.
- Get something to support the door, as there are no springs to support the door.
- Ask the other person to secure clamps under the garage door tracks to prevent the door from falling. You can also set a ladder under the door.
When doing this, you must ensure no kids or pets are around and watch out for your fingers.
Steps to Open The Garage Door From The Outside
To open your door from the outside, you must disengage the whole door from the trolley by pulling the emergency release cord inside.
You do this by entering your garage from the side door if it is not locked.
Check for the emergency release cord at the top center if the door is locked.
Some garage doors have it; you can sometimes disengage it with a key.
If you still cannot get access, try a window or call a garage door professional.
Contact Ottawa Garage Door Today
Remember, Ottawa Garage Door & Openers is here for you.
As your emergency garage door repair specialist, we can assist you with any garage door issues. Schedule an inspection or replacement with one of our qualified technicians today. You can trust that your garage door is in good hands with us.
Operating or attempting DIY repairs on a garage door with a broken spring can be extremely dangerous. Always consider the risks.
For safe, professional, and reliable service, contact Ottawa Garage Doors & Openers at (613) 627-3028.
We ensure your garage door is functioning safely and efficiently.