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What to do if a garage door spring breaks
Garage doors are balanced by springs. Doors generally use torsion springs mounted above the opening on a shaft; some use long extension springs along the side tracks. A door can weigh hundreds of pounds, and these parts carry its full weight under extreme tension. (source: The Genie Company)
What to do
- Do not operate a door that has a broken spring, by hand or with the opener.
- Do not remove, repair or adjust springs, cables, brackets or anything the springs are fastened to. Opener makers say a trained professional must do this work.
The federal standard's required safety instructions warn that weak or broken springs may let the door fall fast, so use the emergency release only when the door is closed if possible. (source: eCFR)
Leave the door where it is, keep people and cars clear, and call a garage door company. To check a Utah company's license first, see how to check a license.
On this site: Why won't my garage door close? · What to do if a garage door spring breaks · How to test your garage door's safety reverse · How to tell if a garage door is out of balance · Is my old garage door opener safe? · Utah rules for garage door work: licensing and exemptions · How to check a Utah garage door contractor's license · Before you hire a garage door company in Utah · Garage door repair cost in Utah · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- The Genie Company (opener maker): Maintaining Your Garage Door (checked October 29, 2026)
- The Genie Company (opener maker): Garage Door Opener Safety (checked October 29, 2026)
- eCFR (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rule): 16 CFR 1211.16, Instruction manual (required safety instructions) (checked October 29, 2026)
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