Garland, Texas
Loud bang from the garage
A single sharp crack from the garage usually means a spring broke. Don't press the opener button yet. The door may look normal until you try to raise it.
How to tell what broke
Look from a distance, without touching anything. A torsion spring sits on a bar above the door, and a broken one shows a gap in the coil. Extension springs run along each side, and a broken one hangs loose.
With a broken spring, the door has lost what was carrying its weight. Openers aren't built to lift that alone.
What is happening
A spring or a cable has probably let go. Less often, a panel has buckled or a roller has jumped its track.
The door can still sit closed and look fine from the driveway.
What is safe to do
- Stay clear of the door until you know what happened.
- Take a photo of any gap in the coil or any loose end.
- Keep children and pets out of the garage.
What to leave alone
- Don't press the button or the remote. The opener can strip its gears or pull the door crooked.
- Don't try to wind, loosen or re-seat a spring.
- Don't stand under the door while it is open.
Other sounds, other causes
| The sound | It often means |
|---|---|
| A sharp crack, then a heavy door | A spring has broken. |
| A pop, then a door hanging crooked | A cable has slipped off its drum or snapped. |
| A crunch and a bent panel | Something pressed on the door as it closed, or a roller left its track. |
| A long metal scream as the door moves | Dry rollers, hinges or a rubbing track. It isn't a break, but have it looked at. |
Door stuck, or opener dead?
Call this number and tell the independent contractor you reach what the door is doing.