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Broken Springs & Panels: Signs It's Time to Replace Your Garage Door Panels
Your garage door is made up of several vital parts working together—but when one piece fails, it can put stress on the entire system. One common issue that often goes hand in hand with structural damage is broken garage door springs or damaged door panels. If you’re noticing strange noises, a crooked door, or visible wear, it may be time to take action.
Below, we break down the key signs it’s time to replace your garage door panels, especially when broken springs are involved, and why prompt repair matters.
The Door Looks Crooked or Uneven
If one of your springs has snapped, the tension becomes unbalanced. This can cause your door to sit crooked or shift unevenly when opening or closing. When this continues over time, it puts excess strain on specific panels, potentially bending or warping them.
What to watch for:
One side of the door is lower
The door “jerks” or “sticks” in certain spots
Panels begin to flex under pressure
Panels Are Cracked, Bent, or Warped
Physical damage to panels—such as dents from a car bump, weather damage, or long-term stress from broken springs—can weaken their structural integrity.
Signs of panel damage:
Deep creases or bending across the surface
Cracks at the edges or corners of the panel
Visible gaps between panel seams
Tip: One damaged panel might be replaceable, but multiple broken ones often require a full panel set or door replacement.
Noisy Operation or Scraping Sounds
Broken springs can cause the door to drag or misalign as it moves, leading to friction between the panels and the track. If you’re hearing grinding, scraping, or popping noises during operation, it’s a red flag.
What’s happening:
A misaligned door rubs against the frame or track
Warped panels shift unnaturally under load
Loud noises signal deeper issues with springs or tracks
Poor Insulation or Weather Protection
If your garage door panels are cracked or separated, they may not properly seal against the elements. Damaged panels allow cold air, water, and pests inside—especially when the spring system is no longer holding the door flush against the frame.
Results:
Drafts and temperature swings in the garage
Higher energy bills if the garage is attached to the home
Water damage or rust around door edges
The Door Doesn't Open or Close Smoothly
Broken springs and damaged panels often go hand in hand with mechanical trouble. If your opener struggles to lift the door—or the door won’t open at all—there could be structural resistance from panel damage.
If you notice:
Door won’t open fully or gets stuck halfway
Sudden reversals when closing
Loud bangs (a typical sign of a broken torsion spring)
It’s time for a professional inspection.
Why You Shouldn't Wait
Delaying panel replacement after a spring breaks can:
Make the door unsafe to operate
Add stress to the motor and opener
Increase the risk of full system failure
Lead to a more costly full-door replacement later
What to Do Next
If you suspect your garage door springs are broken and your panels are showing wear or damage:
Stop using the door immediately to avoid further harm
Call a licensed garage door technician to inspect the springs, track alignment, and panel integrity
Consider replacing the damaged panels or the entire door depending on the extent of wear