Why is My Garage Door Opening Heavy? Testing Your Spring Tension
If your garage door feels heavy when you try to lift it, the most likely cause is a loss of spring tension. Garage door springs are designed to act as a counter-balance, making a door that weighs hundreds of pounds feel light enough to lift with one hand. When springs get old or stretched out, they lose their "lift," and the door becomes a heavy weight. Door Master Clinic recommends testing your spring tension immediately if you notice your opener struggling, as this extra weight can quickly damage your garage door motor.
How Spring Tension Works
Your garage door doesn't move just because of the motor; it moves because the springs provide the power to lift the weight. Think of it like a seesaw. When the springs are tight and healthy, the door is perfectly balanced.
- The Balanced Door: In a healthy system, the springs do 90% of the heavy lifting.
- The Unbalanced Door: As springs age, they lose their "pull." This forces you—or your garage door opener—to lift the full weight of the door.
- The Risk: A heavy door puts massive pressure on the gears inside your opener and can cause the cables to snap.
How to Test Your Spring Tension Safely
You can check if your garage door service is overdue by performing this simple "Balance Test."
- Close the Door: Make sure the door is fully closed.
- Release the Opener: Pull the red emergency release cord to disconnect the motor.
- Lift by Hand: Lift the door manually to about waist height.
- The Result: If the door stays in place or moves very slowly, your tension is good. If the door feels like a ton of bricks or slams back to the floor the moment you let go, your springs have lost their tension and need a professional adjustment.
Can I tighten the springs myself to make the door lighter?
We strongly advise against this. Garage door springs are under high tension and require specialized winding bars to adjust. This is a task that should always be handled by a professional technician.
Will a heavy door break my garage door opener?
Yes. Your opener is only meant to "guide" the door. When the springs are weak, the opener has to work much harder, which can burn out the motor or strip the gears.
How often should I have my door balance checked?
We recommend a professional balance test and tune-up at least once a year. Florida’s heat and humidity can change your spring tension over time.
Get Professional Garage Door Service Today
Don't let a heavy door ruin your opener or put your family at risk. If your door failed the balance test, the experts at Door Master Clinic are ready to help. We can safely adjust your tension or replace worn-out springs to make your door feel light and easy to operate again.
