Springs
Why Won’t My Garage Door Go Up? #1 Reason
When your garage door refuses to budge, the #1 cause is a broken spring. Springs are what counterbalance the heavy weight of your garage door. Without them, your opener can’t do the heavy lifting on its own.
How to Identify a Broken Spring
- Torsion Springs – Look above the door on the torsion bar. If the spring is split in the middle, it’s broken.
- Extension Springs – These are on either side of the tracks with pulleys and cables. If the spring is stretched, cracked, or broken in half, it needs replacing.
- TorqueMaster Springs – Hidden inside a tube. If the door is suddenly too heavy to lift manually, the internal spring has likely failed.
Other Possible Causes
While broken springs are the most common issue, other factors can stop your door from opening:
- Garage door opener problems – Check for power loss or opener malfunction.
- Track damage – Bent or blocked tracks can jam the rollers.
- Slide lock engaged – Make sure your manual lock isn’t accidentally keeping the door closed.
Why Springs Fail
Garage door springs carry immense tension and are rated for a limited number of cycles (open/close). Over time, they wear down and eventually break. This is normal and happens to all spring systems after years of use.
Next Steps
If you confirm it’s a broken spring, you’ll need a replacement. The good news is that they’re easy to order online, and many homeowners DIY the swap with the right tools and instructions.
👉 Shop replacement springs here: Garage Door Springs
Conclusion
If your garage door won’t open, don’t panic. Start by checking the springs. They’re the most common failure point, and replacing them restores your door to smooth, safe operation.
Why won’t my garage door open
The most common reason is a broken spring. Without it, the opener can’t lift the heavy weight of the door.
How can I tell if my spring is broken
Look for a torsion spring split in half, an extension spring stretched or broken, or test a TorqueMaster system by manually lifting the door. If it feels very heavy, the spring is broken.
Can anything else stop my door from opening
Yes—track damage, an engaged slide lock, or an opener malfunction can also prevent the door from moving.
Where can I buy replacement garage door springs
You can order torsion, extension, and TorqueMaster springs directly from Express Garage Doors: Garage Door Springs.
Also in Garage Door Parts - DIY Handbook
Torque Master Spring Installation Made Easy: 6 Simple Steps
Installing Torque Master springs might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and step-by-step guidance, it's a manageable DIY project.
Why Do Garage Doors Need Torsion Springs? Expert Explains
Think of your garage door springs like the counterweight in an old elevator. Without them, your door would be incredibly difficult to lift manually, and your garage door opener would burn out trying to handle all that weight on its own.
What Size Garage Door Spring for a 16x7 Door?
Here's something that surprises a lot of people: there are usually several different spring combinations that will work for your 16x7 door. You might be able to use a single heavy-duty spring or two lighter springs, depending on your setup and preferences.