Why Broken Garage Door Springs are Dangerous and What to Do
If you’ve ever gone to open your garage door and heard a loud snap or noticed your door suddenly won’t lift, chances are you’re dealing with a broken garage door spring. This is one of the most common problems homeowners face, and it’s also one of the most dangerous to handle without professional help. At Helotes Overhead Garage Doors, we’ve been repairing springs and keeping families safe for more than 40 years across San Antonio, Helotes, Alamo Ranch, Leon Valley, and beyond.
What Does a Garage Door Spring Do?
Your garage door is heavy — often weighing between 150 and 300 pounds. The springs are what make it possible for you (or your garage door opener) to lift the door with ease. When a spring breaks, all that weight has nothing to counterbalance it, which is why a broken garage door spring makes the door unsafe to operate.
Signs You May Have a Broken Garage Door Spring
Not sure if the spring is the problem? Here are some of the most common warning signs:
- The garage door won’t open or only lifts a few inches.
- You hear a loud “bang” from the garage.
- The door looks crooked or uneven when it moves.
- You see a visible gap in the torsion spring above the door.
- The door slams shut quickly instead of lowering smoothly.
If you notice any of these issues, stop using the door immediately and call a professional. Continuing to operate a door with a broken garage door spring can cause further damage to the opener, cables, and panels.
Why Broken Garage Door Springs Are Dangerous
Attempting a DIY spring repair may seem tempting, but it can be extremely dangerous. Springs are tightly wound with a lot of tension — enough to cause severe injuries if handled incorrectly. That’s why experts recommend calling a trusted garage door repair professional instead of trying to fix it yourself.
What to Do If You Have a Broken Garage Door Spring
If you suspect your spring is broken, here’s what you should do:
- Stop using the garage door. Forcing it open could cause the opener to burn out or other parts to break.
- Don’t attempt a DIY fix. Leave it to trained technicians who have the tools and experience to do it safely.
- Call a professional right away. At Helotes Overhead Garage Doors, we provide fast, affordable spring repairs throughout the San Antonio area.
Affordable, Family-Owned Garage Door Service
Since 1985, our family has been proud to serve local communities with honest, affordable garage door repairs. Today, under second-generation ownership, Helotes Overhead Garage Doors continues to bring the same commitment to quality and safety. Whether you’re in Helotes, Braun Station, Alamo Ranch, or Northwest San Antonio, we’ll get your door working again quickly — without breaking the bank.
How to Prevent Broken Garage Door Springs
While springs eventually wear out, regular maintenance can extend their lifespan. Scheduling annual garage door service ensures moving parts are lubricated and checked for wear before they fail. A little preventative care goes a long way in avoiding costly emergencies.
Trusted in San Antonio for Over 40 Years
From San Antonio to Helotes and surrounding areas, Helotes Overhead Garage Doors has earned a reputation for dependable, affordable service. Don’t just take our word for it — see our customer feedback on our Google profile and discover why families trust us for safe, lasting repairs.
Call Today for Expert Spring Repair
A broken garage door spring is no small problem — but with the right team, it can be fixed quickly and safely. Contact Helotes Overhead Garage Doors today for affordable, expert service you can trust.


