Problem
A loud bang from the garage
A sharp crack from the garage usually means a spring has snapped. Stay out from under the door and don't press the opener button.
Say the town and what the door is doing.
Right now
Keep children and pets away from the garage. Look from the side or through a window if you can.
- Note whether the door is up or down.
- Note whether a car is inside.
- Don't touch the springs or cables.
What probably broke
Usually a torsion spring, which can snap even when the door hasn't moved for hours. A gap in the coil above the door confirms it. Less often, a cable snaps or a roller shears, and the sound can be similar.
If the door is up
The door may be hanging on the opener alone. Don't walk under it, and leave the red cord alone, because pulling it can drop the door.
If the door is down and the car is inside
Leave the door closed. The release cord won't make a door with a broken spring safe to lift.
What to say on the call
Say you heard a bang, whether the door is up or down, and whether a car is inside.
More about the likely culprit on the broken spring page.
Call about your door
Say the town and what the door is doing. You will be connected with an independent garage door contractor.