Snapped Garage Door Spring, What to Do

A snapped garage door spring is one of the most common issues we deal with. It is also one of the most important to handle correctly, because garage door springs are under enormous tension and can be extremely dangerous if mishandled.

How do I know if my garage door spring has snapped?

The signs are usually obvious. You may have heard a loud bang from the garage, this is the sound of the spring releasing its stored energy. The door will feel much heavier than normal, may only open partway, or may not open at all. You may see a visible break in a spring, but the spring position and mechanism vary by door model. Look only from a safe position.

Should I replace a garage door spring myself?

If a cable is hanging loose or one side of the door has dropped, read our snapped garage door cable guide too. A cable symptom can accompany another failure, so leave the door in place and have the lifting system checked together.

Garage door springs store energy and can cause serious injury. Spring designs vary, but a damaged mechanism is not safe to adjust because the door is closed or the electricity is off. Leave spring replacement and tension adjustments to a garage door engineer.

Every year, people are injured attempting to replace garage door springs themselves. The correct tools, training and experience are essential. Please leave spring replacement to a qualified garage door engineer.

Can I still use my garage door with a broken spring?

We strongly advise against trying to operate the door with a broken spring. Without the counterbalance the spring provides, the full weight of the door (typically 40-80kg for a single steel door) bears on the mechanism, the tracks, and, if you try to lift it manually, on you. Electric operators may stall or be damaged attempting to lift an unbalanced door.

What Should I Do?

1. Stop using the door. Do not attempt to open or close it.
2. Switch the electric operator off only if its power switch is safely accessible without going beneath or close to the damaged door. Do not pull the manual release cord or rely on the operator to support the door.
3. Call a professional. Keep the opening clear and explain if the door is stuck open or your vehicle is trapped.

How much does a garage door spring replacement cost?

A typical spring replacement for a single garage door, including the call-out, parts and labour, is usually between £120 and £280. If the cables or other components have also been damaged, the cost may be slightly higher. We always provide a price before carrying out any work.

How long do garage door springs last?

Spring life depends on the specific spring, how often the door operates, its condition and maintenance. One cycle is an opening and closing. Follow the inspection and replacement intervals in your door manufacturer's instructions rather than assuming every spring has the same lifespan.

If your spring has snapped, request a repair callback. Tell us whether the door is open or closed, your postcode and whether your vehicle is trapped so the team can advise on the next step and availability.

Safety note: the Health and Safety Executive's guidance on powered doors and gates sets out what obstruction protection has to do, not just stop when it meets something but back off far enough to release it. Health and safety law does not cover a homeowner's own garage door, but the engineering is identical, and a door that has lost its counterbalance is a door to leave to an engineer. See the HSE guidance on powered doors and gates.