Your garage door just made a loud snap and won’t budge — what now?
You’re rushing out for work in rainy Vancouver when suddenly — your garage door won’t open. It’s heavy, stuck, and you hear a strange “twang” echo through your garage. Chances are, your garage door spring is broken, and if you’re like most homeowners, you’re not quite sure what that means or what to do next.
A broken spring isn’t just inconvenient — it’s dangerous.
Your garage door relies on springs to lift and lower smoothly. When they fail, your door becomes unsafe and nearly impossible to operate manually.
If you’re wondering, “How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?” — you’re in the right place.
What Does a Garage Door Spring Do?
Garage doors can weigh between 130 to 400 pounds. The garage door spring counterbalances that weight, making it easy for the opener (or you) to lift the door.
There are two main types:
- Torsion springs (usually above the door)
- Extension springs (on the sides)
When one breaks, the whole system goes off balance.
7 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
1. The Door Feels Extremely Heavy
Try lifting the door manually. If it suddenly feels like lifting a small car, the spring’s tension is likely gone.
2. Loud Snap or Bang From the Garage
Many Vancouver homeowners describe hearing a sound “like a firecracker.” That snap? It’s the spring breaking.
3. The Door Only Opens a Few Inches and Stops
Modern openers have a safety system that prevents lifting if the spring is broken — to avoid further damage.
4. Visible Gap or Elongation in the Spring
Look above the door. If you see a visible 2–3-inch gap in the spring coil, it’s broken. Extension springs may appear stretched out unevenly.
5. Cables Appear Loose or Hanging
When the spring breaks, cables lose tension. You might notice them drooping or completely off the drum.
6. Jerky or Uneven Door Movement
Is your door shaking, tilting, or struggling while moving? That’s a key symptom.
7. Garage Door Slams Down Suddenly
If the door drops rapidly when closing — call a professional immediately.
But Wait — There’s More You Should Know…
A broken spring might look like just an inconvenience, but attempting a DIY fix is dangerous and can lead to serious injury. It’s not a typical handyman job.
You’re dealing with tightly wound metal under extreme tension — which, if mishandled, can snap back violently.
Why Garage Door Springs Break More Often in Vancouver
Living in coastal regions like Vancouver comes with its own set of challenges:
- Humidity and salt air can cause springs to corrode faster.
- Cold temperatures make springs brittle and more likely to snap.
- Frequent usage (rainy-day car-ins and outs!) wears springs out faster.
Most springs last 7–10 years or 10,000 cycles, but with Vancouver’s climate and active homeowners, it can be less.
What To Do If Your Spring Is Broken
1. Stop Using the Door Immediately
Continuing to operate it may damage your opener or door tracks.
2. Don’t Attempt DIY Spring Repair
This is a job for licensed professionals with the right tools.
3. Call a Local Garage Door Technician in Vancouver
At Garage Door VanCity, we specialize in emergency garage door spring repairs. We offer same-day service across Vancouver and nearby areas — rain or shine.
Safety First: Why You Need Professional Help
According to Home Depot’s guide on garage door springs, improper handling of springs can cause severe injuries. Tools can slip, springs can recoil — and you could end up in the ER.
Let trained, insured, and locally trusted garage door technicians in Vancouver handle it safely and efficiently.
Why Choose Defy Innovations?
✅ Locally owned & operated in Vancouver
✅ Fast response & emergency service
✅ Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
✅ 5-star rated by homeowners across the Lower Mainland
Need Help With a Broken Garage Door Spring?
Let’s make it easier.
Call Now: 604-328-5365
or visit our Garage Door Spring Repair page to schedule your service today.
We’ll have your door running smoothly — without the stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring in Vancouver?
The average cost ranges between $180–$300, depending on the spring type and labor. We offer upfront quotes with no surprises.
Q2. How long does it take to fix a garage door spring?
A professional can typically replace a spring in 60–90 minutes.
Q3. Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?
Technically, yes — but you shouldn’t. It can damage the opener or cause injury. Use the emergency release only if necessary, and with extreme caution.
Q4. Will both springs need to be replaced?
Yes. If one spring breaks, the other is usually close to failure too. Replacing both ensures balanced movement.
Q5. Do you provide emergency garage door repairs in Burnaby and Richmond too?
Absolutely! We serve all nearby areas including Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Coquitlam.