If you've ever heard a loud BANG come from your garage — like a firecracker or a gunshot — there's a good chance a garage door spring just broke. It's the single most common repair we handle at L&S Garage Door, and the good news is it's also one of the fastest to fix.
What garage door springs actually do
Your garage door weighs anywhere from 130 to over 350 pounds. The springs — mounted above the door (torsion) or along the tracks (extension) — counterbalance all of that weight so the door feels light and your opener can lift it easily. When a spring breaks, that balance disappears and the door suddenly becomes far too heavy to lift safely.
Why springs break
- Normal wear. Springs are rated for a number of cycles (each open + close). A typical spring lasts 7–10 years of normal use; high-cycle springs last much longer.
- Cold weather. A cold snap can be the final straw for a spring near the end of its life — which is why we get a wave of calls during the first chilly mornings.
- Rust and friction. Lack of lubrication accelerates wear. A little maintenance goes a long way.
- Improper balance. A door that isn't tuned correctly puts extra strain on the springs and the opener.
Why you should never DIY a spring
Garage door springs are wound under extreme tension. When they let go — or when they're handled without the right tools and technique — they can cause serious injury. This is the one garage door repair every manufacturer warns homeowners not to attempt themselves. It's simply not worth the risk.
How we fix it (usually the same day)
Because spring replacement is what we do most, we keep quality springs stocked and ready. When you call or text, we'll confirm the door size, bring the right springs, replace them, and then re-balance and test the whole door so it runs smoothly and quietly. We'll also check the second spring, the cables, and the opener's force settings while we're there.
Snapped a spring? Don't force the door. Call or text us at 714-878-5928 and we'll get you back to normal fast.