What to Do If You Hear a Loud Snap and the Garage Door Won’t Open

August 22, 2025

A sudden loud snap, followed by a garage door that won’t open, can be alarming. This type of problem usually points to a broken spring or another serious mechanical failure. Garage door springs are under high tension and help lift the door safely. If they snap, the door becomes heavy and unsafe to move without professional help.

If this happens at your Bonney Lake home, knowing what to do next is important. Calling a professional overhead garage door company can help you get your door working again without risking injury.

Stop Using the Door Immediately

If you hear a loud snap and the garage door won’t move, stop trying to open it. Forcing the door could:

  • Cause additional damage to the tracks, rollers, or opener
  • Make the broken spring or cable worse
  • Put you or others at risk of injury

A garage door that will not open properly is usually being held back by a broken spring or disconnected cable. Continuing to operate the door with a damaged part can lead to more costly repairs.

Identify Possible Causes of the Noise

While only a professional can confirm the exact problem, several common issues could cause a loud snap and a stuck door:

  • Broken torsion spring: These springs sit above the door and help counterbalance its weight. When they break, they often make a sharp snapping sound.
  • Snapped extension spring: These are located along the sides of the door. If one breaks, the door may hang unevenly or refuse to lift.
  • Cable failure: Lift cables can fray or break under tension, creating a loud noise and leaving the door inoperable.
  • Opener stress: Sometimes, when springs or cables fail, the opener tries to lift the full weight of the door, causing extra noise or strain.

Even if the issue seems minor, garage doors are heavy and have high‑tension components that make DIY repairs risky. A professional overhead garage door company can inspect and repair the damage safely.

Why DIY Repairs Are Dangerous

Garage doors may look simple, but the springs, cables, and rollers are all under significant pressure. Trying to fix these parts without proper tools and training can result in:

  • Severe injuries if a spring snaps or a cable whips loose
  • Accidental damage to the door or opener system
  • Misaligned repairs that cause future problems

Even lubricating or trying to manually lift the door can be risky if the tension is off. It’s best to keep the area clear and wait for professional assistance.

Call a Professional Overhead Garage Door Company

When your garage door won’t open due to a loud snap, the safest and most effective step is to contact a trained technician. A trusted overhead garage door company in Bonney Lake will:

  • Inspect the door system for broken springs, damaged cables, or misaligned tracks
  • Replace worn or broken parts with the correct tools and safety procedures
  • Test the door’s balance and ensure the opener is not damaged
  • Perform a full safety check to confirm the door operates smoothly and securely

Having a professional take care of the issue helps keep you safe and avoids causing additional harm to your garage door system.

How to Prevent Future Breakdowns

While some part failures are unavoidable, regular maintenance can extend the life of your garage door and reduce the chance of sudden breakdowns. A professional service visit may include:

  • Checking springs and cables for signs of wear or corrosion
  • Applying lubrication to rollers, hinges, and other moving parts
  • Inspecting the opener for stress or unusual noises
  • Testing the balance and alignment of the door

By scheduling routine service, you can catch small issues before they become emergencies. A reliable overhead garage door company can provide maintenance that keeps your door safe and dependable year‑round.

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Get Help Fast in Bonney Lake

A snapping sound and a door that won’t budge can signal a serious safety concern for your garage. Avoid forcing the door or attempting repairs on your own. Instead, let the experienced team at All Service Garage Doors handle it.

We help Bonney Lake homeowners with broken springs, snapped cables, and doors that won’t open. Our technicians respond quickly, identify the problem, and perform only the repairs you need. 
Call now to schedule service with a trusted overhead garage door company and restore your garage door to safe working order.