Garage door repair questions and answers

A torsion spring sits on a steel shaft above the door and lifts by twisting. Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on each side and lift by stretching. Torsion springs are more common on newer and heavier doors because they lift more evenly. Both types are under high tension and need the right tools to replace.

On a door with two springs, yes. Both were installed at the same time and have done the same number of cycles, so the second one is usually close behind. We fit springs as a matched pair and then balance the door by hand so the opener is not doing the lifting. Read more: what to do when a spring breaks.

The most common cause is the safety sensors near the floor. If one is knocked out of line, dirty or blocked, the opener reverses the door. A close limit or force setting that has drifted can do the same thing. Check that both sensor lights are steady and that nothing is in the doorway before you call. Read more: why a garage door won't close.

Often it is. Grinding or rattling usually points to worn rollers or dry hinges. A loud bang followed by a door that will not lift is typically a broken spring. Squealing from the opener can mean a worn gear or a chain that needs adjusting. New noises are worth describing when you call. Read more: what each garage door noise means.

Yes, as long as the springs are intact. With the door fully closed, pull the red emergency release cord to disconnect the opener, then lift the door from the bottom. A balanced door should lift with one hand. If it feels very heavy, stop, because that points to a spring problem.

A yearly check is a sensible routine for most homes. That means looking over the springs, cables, rollers and hinges, lubricating the moving parts and testing the opener's safety reverse. Doors that get heavy daily use benefit from being looked at more often. Read more: garage door maintenance checklist.

A chain drive uses a metal chain to move the door. It is durable and tends to cost less, but it is the louder option. A belt drive uses a reinforced rubber belt and runs much more quietly, which matters when a bedroom sits above or beside the garage. Read more: chain vs belt drive openers.

No. A door that has left its track can drop or twist without warning. Do not run the opener and do not try to force the door back in. Keep people and cars clear and call so the track, rollers and cables can be checked together. Read more: what to do when a cable comes off.

Your town, what the door is doing, any noise you heard and whether the door is stuck open, closed or partway. If you know the type of door or the opener brand, mention that too. It helps us work out what is likely wrong before we arrive.

Attleboro, North Attleborough, Seekonk, Norton, Rehoboth, Plainville and Mansfield, all in Massachusetts. The full list is on the service areas page.