Broken garage door spring in Ottawa: what to do next

A broken garage door spring is one of the most common calls we get from Ottawa homeowners — often after a loud bang from the garage, especially in cold weather. Springs do the heavy lifting; the opener only guides the door. When a spring fails, the door can feel impossibly heavy or hang unevenly. Here is what to do safely and what repair looks like in Ottawa.

Signs your garage door spring has broken

• A sharp bang from the garage (torsion spring unwinding)
• Gap in the spring coil above the door or stretched extension springs along the tracks
• Door opens a few inches then stops, or feels extremely heavy by hand
• Opener strains, hums, or trips but the door barely moves
• One side of the door rises faster than the other

Safety first: what not to do

Do not continue running the opener repeatedly — you risk burning out the motor or bending the top section. Do not try to adjust or install torsion springs yourself; they are under high tension and can cause serious injury without proper tools and training.

If the door is stuck open, avoid leaving valuables visible and call for service. If it is stuck closed and your car is inside, mention that when you call — we prioritize those situations when possible.

Torsion vs extension springs in Ottawa homes

Torsion springs mount above the door on a steel tube. They are common on newer and mid-age doors across Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans. Extension springs run along horizontal tracks on older setups. Both types are matched to door weight — the wrong size shortens opener life and can be unsafe.

Our spring replacement service includes correct sizing, balancing the door, and checking cables and rollers while we are on site.

What does spring replacement cost in Ottawa?

Most residential spring jobs fall in the $235–$395 range depending on door size and spring type. Replacing both springs together is standard practice. See our full Ottawa pricing guide for other common ranges.

Why springs break more often in winter

Metal contracts in cold temperatures. A spring near the end of its cycle count is more likely to snap on the coldest mornings — exactly when you need the door for work. An annual tune-up can spot rust, gaps in coils, and balance issues before failure.

When to call Ottawa Garage Tech

Call or text (613) 900-6005 for priority scheduling when routes allow. We carry common spring sizes on our trucks for many jobs finished in one visit. Serving the National Capital Region — view all service areas.