Problem
Loud bang fromthe garagedoor
That sound is usually a broken spring. Don't run the opener and don't try to lift the door. Keep everyone clear and call.
Right now
Safe to do
- Keep everyone away from the door.
- Move a car only if you can do it without going under the door.
- From the floor, take a photo of the spring and cable ends if you can.
Leave alone
- Don't run the opener again.
- Don't try to lift the door. It can be very heavy.
- Don't touch the broken ends. They can be sharp.
- Don't try to wind, loosen or replace any spring.
What you may see
Above the door, a torsion spring shows a gap between two coils. With extension springs, one hangs loose beside the track. The door may rise a short way and stop.
If the spring looks whole, the sound may have been a snapped cable, a failed bracket or a split panel. Describe what you see, and the contractor can work out which.
What to ask for
Ask the contractor to check the cables, drums and bearings along with the spring, and to tell you what was looked at. A new spring on worn cables won't last.
Ready to talk to a contractor?
Your call goes to an independent contractor who works in this area. Say what the door is doing, ask what the price covers, and ask for license details before you agree to anything.