How quickly can you fix my sensor issues?

In most cases, we can diagnose and fix sensor issues the same day you call. Sensor problems are usually caused by misalignment, dirty lenses, or wiring issues—all of which our technicians can resolve in under an hour. For emergency situations, we offer a 2-hour response guarantee. If replacement sensors are needed, we stock common models and can typically complete the repair in one visit.

What causes sensor issues in garage doors?

Garage door sensor issues typically stem from several common causes: misalignment (sensors knocked out of position), dirty or obstructed lenses, sun interference (direct sunlight hitting the sensor), wiring damage from pests or wear, moisture damage, or simply age-related failure. Our technicians perform a comprehensive diagnostic to identify the exact cause and provide the most cost-effective solution.

Do you offer financing for new steel door installations?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options for new garage door installations. We partner with several financing providers to offer plans with competitive rates and terms ranging from 12 to 60 months. Many customers qualify for 0% APR promotional periods. During your free estimate, we'll discuss all available financing options and help you find a payment plan that fits your budget.

How long does a garage door installation take?

A standard residential garage door installation typically takes 4-6 hours. This includes removing the old door, installing the new door and tracks, setting up the opener, and testing everything for proper operation. Custom doors or doors with special features may take slightly longer. We always complete installations in a single visit.

What's included in your maintenance service?

Our comprehensive maintenance service includes: full safety inspection, lubrication of all moving parts, hardware tightening, balance and alignment testing, opener system check, weatherstripping inspection, and a detailed condition report. Regular maintenance extends door life, prevents breakdowns, and ensures safe operation.

Do you service commercial garage doors?

Yes, we service commercial and industrial garage doors including roll-up doors, sectional doors, high-speed doors, and loading dock equipment. We offer priority service contracts for businesses that need minimal downtime. Contact us for a commercial service assessment.

What brands of garage doors do you install?

We install all major garage door brands including Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, CHI, and more. As a Brand Authorized dealer, we have access to the full range of styles, materials, and features. We'll help you choose the best door for your home's style and your budget.

How do I know if my garage door spring needs replacement?

Signs your spring needs replacement include: the door feels heavy when lifting manually, the door won't stay open, you hear loud squeaking or grinding, the door opens unevenly, or you notice a visible gap in the spring. Never attempt to replace springs yourself—they're under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.

Garage Door Spring Warning Signs Chatham County Homeowners Shouldn't Ignore

2026-03-24 6 min read

There's a particular kind of morning that garage door technicians across central North Carolina know well: a homeowner calls, car trapped in the garage, spring snapped overnight, and they have somewhere to be in 45 minutes. It happens more than people realize, and in most cases it was avoidable. Springs don't just fail randomly. they wear out on a schedule, and they give you signals before they go.

If you live in Goldston, Pittsboro, or anywhere else in Chatham County, here's what you need to know about your garage door springs and when to act.

How Springs Actually Work

Your garage door weighs anywhere from 130 to over 400 pounds depending on size and material. Springs are what make it possible to open that door with one finger. or with a small electric motor. They do this by storing mechanical energy when the door closes and releasing it when the door opens.

Torsion springs mount horizontally above the door on a metal shaft. They twist to store energy and release it to lift the door. These are more common in modern installations, generally safer, and longer-lasting. If you've had a garage built in the last 10,15 years. and with Chatham County being one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina, a lot of homeowners here have. you likely have torsion springs.

Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on both sides of the door. These are more common on older garage doors, including many of the ranch-style and farmhouse homes built throughout the Goldston area in the 1980s and 1990s.

Both types operate under enormous tension. A standard spring is rated for around 10,000 cycles. one cycle being one full open and one close. For a household using the garage door 3,4 times per day, that translates to roughly 7,10 years of life. High-cycle springs rated for 25,000 or more cycles are available and cost more upfront, but they last significantly longer.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Learning these signs can save you from an emergency. Take them seriously even if the door is still technically working.

The Door Feels Unusually Heavy

Garage door openers are not designed to lift a door's full weight. springs carry most of the load. If the opener is straining, making unusual noises, or the door feels much heavier than normal when you try to open it manually, your springs may have lost tension or partially failed. Continued use in this condition burns out the motor and can cause the door to drop unexpectedly.

Uneven or Jerky Movement

A garage door should open and close evenly on both sides. When one spring fails or loses tension, the door may begin to rise unevenly or tilt to one side. You may notice gaps between the door and the track, or jerky movement as it travels. This imbalance forces other components. cables, rollers, and tracks. to compensate, and it can lead to a more expensive repair if ignored. Contact us as soon as you notice this. catching it early makes a real difference.

Rust or Visible Corrosion

This is a big one in Chatham County. The region's humidity. especially in summer when we can see conditions that approach 100%. causes metal components to corrode faster than in drier climates. Over time, springs corrode due to moisture or show visible signs of wear like rust, discoloration, or elongation. A rusty spring is a spring approaching failure. You don't have to wait for it to snap.

A Loud Bang From the Garage

If you've ever heard what sounded like a gunshot or a car backfire coming from your garage and walked in to find nothing obvious, there's a good chance a spring snapped. Torsion springs under full tension release that energy violently when they break. The door may still move slightly if only one spring failed on a two-spring system, but it will be operating unsafely.

A Visible Gap in the Spring Coils

If you notice a gap of about 2 inches or more in the torsion spring coil above your door, that means it has snapped. Extension springs may not show a gap but could appear visibly overstretched or hanging loosely. This is the clearest sign of all. if you see it, don't use the door. Review the services page to understand what a spring replacement involves before your appointment.

What To Do. And What Not To Do

This is where we have to be direct: garage door spring replacement is not a DIY project. Springs hold tremendous tension, and attempting a repair without the right tools and proper training can cause serious injury. The stored energy in a torsion spring in particular is substantial enough that an improper repair can result in a spring unwinding violently.

When one spring breaks, technicians typically recommend replacing both springs at the same time. In most cases, one spring will break within six months of the other, so replacing both together saves money and prevents the inconvenience of another failure shortly after a repair. Ask about high-cycle replacements while you're at it. they cost a bit more but reduce the frequency of future service.

For homeowners in Goldston and the surrounding communities like Apex or Cary who are used to fast suburban service windows, it's worth knowing that Goldston Garage Doors serves the full county and can typically respond quickly. Check the service areas page to confirm coverage for your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my garage door if I think a spring is broken? Technically the door may still move, but you shouldn't use it. Operating the door with a broken or weakened spring puts excessive strain on the opener motor, the cables, and the tracks. It also creates a safety hazard. a door that drops unexpectedly is a serious crush risk, especially for children or pets. Stop using the door and call a professional.

How do I know if I have torsion or extension springs? Look above the door when it's closed. If you see a single horizontal spring (or two springs side by side) mounted on a metal bar running across the top of the opening, those are torsion springs. If you see springs running along the ceiling tracks on either side of the door, those are extension springs. Both need professional replacement when they fail.

Is it worth upgrading to high-cycle springs when I replace them? For most Chatham County homeowners, yes. If your garage is your primary entry point. which it is for the majority of households. your door likely cycles four or more times a day. At that rate, standard 10,000-cycle springs last about 7 years. High-cycle springs rated for 25,000+ cycles cost more upfront but can last two to three times longer, reducing the total cost of ownership and eliminating the inconvenience of unexpected failures.

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