One of the most essential and dangerous components is the garage door spring. Garage doors may seem simple on the surface, but they rely on a finely tuned system of springs, tracks, rollers, and cables to open and close smoothly. When it breaks or wears out, it can stop your garage in its tracks.
For homeowners in the Mile High City, recognizing the signs of spring failure early is key to avoiding costly damage or personal injury. In this post, we’ll walk through the top 5 signs your garage door spring needs repair and explain why a timely garage door spring repair is essential to protect your property and peace of mind.
Why Garage Door Springs Matter
Garage doors can weigh 150 to 300+ pounds. Springs–either torsion or extension types–counterbalance that weight so the door can lift with ease. When the spring is in good condition, the opener barely breaks a sweat. When the spring fails, the motor strains, the door may jam, and the risk of injury rises dramatically.
Denver’s weather, including freezing temps and dramatic seasonal shifts, can shorten the lifespan of garage door springs. So how do you know when something’s wrong?
The Garage Door Won’t Open (or Slams Shut)
One of the most obvious signs of a broken or failing spring is a door that:
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Refuses to open
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Opens a few inches and stops
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Slams shut rapidly when you try to close it
A broken spring can’t counterbalance the door’s weight, making it nearly impossible for the opener to lift or safely lower the door. If this happens, do not attempt to lift the door manually–it’s extremely heavy and can cause serious injury. Instead, call a pro who specializes in garage door spring repair Denver homeowners trust.
You Hear a Loud Bang or Snap
Garage door springs are tightly wound with an enormous amount of tension. When they snap, they often release that tension with a loud “bang” that can sound like a firecracker or a gunshot inside your garage.
If you hear this sound and then notice your garage door isn’t working properly, chances are a spring has broken. You might also see a visible gap in the torsion spring above the door–another dead giveaway.
Unusual Noises During Operation
Springs in decline don’t always break suddenly. Often, they give warning signs–like creaking, grinding, or groaning noises as the door opens and closes.
These sounds may indicate:
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Rust or corrosion on the coils
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Tension imbalance
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Springs nearing the end of their lifespan
Denver’s snowy winters and dry summers can accelerate corrosion or weaken older springs. Regular maintenance and timely garage door spring repair in Denver can help prevent a full system breakdown.
The Door Feels Heavy or Off-Balance
Try lifting your garage door manually (if it’s safe and the opener is disconnected). If it suddenly feels unusually heavy or doesn’t stay halfway open when you let go, your spring system may be failing.
Springs are designed to offset most of the door’s weight. If they can’t do that, your door becomes dangerously heavy–and the opener will suffer from the extra load.
A professional technician can assess whether the spring simply needs adjustment or full replacement, helping you avoid bigger issues.
The Cables Look Loose or Tangled
While cables themselves aren’t the spring, they work together. When a spring breaks, the cables can slacken, fray, or even become dislodged. You may notice:
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Loose or hanging cables
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A door that’s tilted or crooked
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Frayed or rusted cable ends
If you spot this, don’t try to “reset” the cables yourself. Tension-related garage components are dangerous to handle without the right training. Always rely on a trained expert in garage door spring repair Denver to handle these repairs safely.
Why You Should Never DIY Spring Repair
Garage door spring systems are under extreme tension. Trying to repair or replace them yourself can lead to:
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Severe injury
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Damage to your garage door system
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Voiding of warranties
Even if you’re handy around the house, this is one job best left to professionals. Licensed repair technicians have the tools and expertise to complete the repair safely and correctly, ensuring your system is balanced and secure.
Special Considerations for Denver Homeowners
The climate in Denver presents unique challenges for garage doors:
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Cold snaps can make springs brittle and prone to cracking
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Temperature swings cause metal components to expand and contract
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Salt and snowmelt can accelerate rust on coils and cables
That’s why it’s important to schedule regular inspections, especially before winter hits. Preventative maintenance goes a long way toward avoiding an emergency service call in the middle of a snowstorm.
How Much Does Garage Door Spring Repair Cost in Denver?
Most spring repairs cost between $150 and $300 depending on the door size, spring type, and how many springs are being replaced. While that may seem like an investment, it’s far more affordable than replacing a damaged opener or paying for emergency service after the door falls off-track.
Many Denver companies offer same-day service, free estimates, and warranties on spring replacements–just be sure to work with a trusted, local provider.
Garage Door Springs Matter
Garage door springs might be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. Ignoring early signs of spring failure can lead to expensive damage, unsafe conditions, or even injuries. Whether you’re dealing with noisy coils or a door that just won’t budge, timely garage door spring repair in Denver is the key to keeping your home safe and functional.
Don’t wait until something breaks; reach out to Outstanding Garage Door–a trusted local provider of garage door services in Denver today. Our team offers garage door repair, instalaation, and more. With 15 years of experience, we gurantee quick and exceptional craftmanship.
Call us today at (720) 740-0143 or send us a message.
