A bang, and now the door won't lift

What has probably happened

• A torsion spring above the door has snapped — look for a visible gap in the coil.
• An extension spring alongside the track has broken.
• The spring reached the end of its cycle life. Most are rated for a number of open-and-close cycles, not years.
• Cold weather finished off a spring that was already fatigued.

What the technician does

• Both springs replaced as a pair where the door has two — the second one has the same age and cycle count.
• New springs sized to your door's actual weight, not a guess.
• The door rebalanced so it holds halfway on its own.
• Cables, drums and bearings checked while the system is apart.
• Safety test on the opener's reverse before the technician leaves.

Questions people ask

Can I still get my car out?

Sometimes, with help, if the door is down and you lift it manually after pulling the release — but it is heavy and it can fall. If the car is not needed immediately, wait for the technician. If it is an emergency, get a second person and do not stand under the door.

Should both springs be replaced?

If your door has two and one broke, the other is the same age with the same cycle count and is usually close behind. Most people replace both to avoid paying for a second visit in a few months. Your technician will price it both ways.

How long does it take?

A straightforward spring replacement is usually well under a couple of hours once the technician is on site with the right size spring.

Why did it break with no warning?

Springs are rated in cycles, not years. A door used four times a day gets through them far faster than one used twice a week. They usually fail with a bang and no warning at all.