Can I fix a broken garage door spring myself?

We strongly advise against it. Torsion springs are under hundreds of pounds of tension. Improper handling can cause severe injury or death. Spring replacement requires specialized tools and training. Call a licensed professional.

How often should I have my garage door professionally inspected?

We recommend an annual professional inspection and tune-up. Our 12-point safety inspection checks springs, cables, rollers, tracks, opener force settings, auto-reverse function, and photo-eye alignment. A $99 tune-up catches problems before they become dangerous.

What are the photo-eye sensors and why do they matter?

Photo-eye sensors are the two small devices mounted near the bottom of your garage door tracks. They project an invisible beam across the opening. If anything breaks the beam while the door is closing, the door reverses automatically. This prevents the door from closing on children, pets, or objects. If your sensors are misaligned, dirty, or not working, the door may not reverse — which is a serious safety hazard.

When should I replace my garage door instead of repairing it?

Consider replacement if: the door lacks modern safety features (auto-reverse, photo-eyes), the door is severely rusted or structurally compromised, multiple panels are damaged, or the door doesn't have insulation and you want energy efficiency. A new door with current safety features is a worthwhile investment for your family's safety.

Garage Door Safety

Garage Door Safety
For Arkansas Homeowners

Your Garage Door Is The Largest Moving Object In Your Home.

A residential garage door weighs 200–400 pounds and operates under extreme spring tension. When safety features fail or components wear out, the consequences can be serious. This guide covers what every Central Arkansas homeowner should know about garage door safety — and when to call a professional.

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$99 Safety Inspection12-Point CheckSame-Day ServiceAll Door Types

Safety First

Quick Answer — Is Your Garage Door Safe?

Every garage door should have two critical safety features: an auto-reverse mechanism (the door reverses when it contacts an object) and photo-eye sensors (the door reverses when the infrared beam is broken). Both were required by federal law starting in 1993. If your door lacks either feature, or if they're not working correctly, your family is at risk.

Direct Service Garage Doors includes a safety check with every service call. Our $99 tune-up includes a full 12-point safety inspection covering springs, cables, auto-reverse function, photo-eye alignment, and opener force settings. If your door was installed before 1993 or your safety features aren't working, call us.

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Danger Zones

Things You Should
Never Do With Your Garage Door

🚫

Never Repair Springs Yourself

Torsion springs are under hundreds of pounds of tension. A spring that releases during improper handling can cause severe injury or death. This is not a DIY project under any circumstances.

🚫

Never Force an Off-Track Door

Forcing an off-track door — by hand or with the opener — can snap cables, bend tracks, and cause the door to fall. Stop operating immediately and call a professional.

🚫

Never Stand Under a Moving Door

Don't walk under the door while it's opening or closing. Don't let children play near the door during operation. A malfunction at the wrong moment puts hundreds of pounds in motion.

🚫

Never Disable Safety Sensors

If your photo-eye sensors keep stopping the door, the fix is realignment — not disconnecting them. Sensors exist to prevent the door from closing on people, pets, and objects.

🚫

Never Use a Door With a Broken Spring

A broken spring means the door's full weight (200–400 lbs) is unsupported. The door could fall suddenly. Do not operate it manually or with the opener until the spring is replaced.

🚫

Never Leave the Emergency Release Unattended

The red emergency release cord disconnects the door from the opener. If pulled while the spring is broken, the door can fall. Teach your family what it does — and when NOT to use it.

Monthly Safety Test

Two Tests Every Homeowner
Should Do Monthly

Test 1: Auto-Reverse Test

Place a 2x4 board flat on the ground under the door. Close the door with the opener. The door should reverse within 2 seconds of contacting the board. If it doesn't reverse — or takes more than 2 seconds — stop using the door and call us. The auto-reverse force settings need adjustment.

Test 2: Photo-Eye Test

Start closing the door with the opener. While it's moving down, wave your foot through the photo-eye beam (the two small sensors near the bottom of the tracks). The door should reverse immediately. If it doesn't, the sensors may be misaligned, dirty, or malfunctioning. Call us for same-day sensor service.

Test 3: Balance Test

Pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the opener. Lift the door manually to waist height and let go. A properly balanced door should stay in place (or drift only slightly). If it slams down or shoots up, the spring tension is wrong. Do not use the door — call for a spring inspection.

Visual Inspection

Look at your springs for gaps or rust. Check cables for fraying. Inspect rollers for cracks or flat spots. Look at the tracks for bends or debris. Listen for unusual noises during operation. Any of these warrant a professional inspection before the problem escalates.

Professional Inspection

Our 12-Point
Safety Inspection

Our $99 tune-up includes a complete 12-point safety inspection. We check every component that could pose a safety risk — not just the parts that affect operation. This inspection catches failing springs before they snap, worn cables before they break, and safety feature problems before they matter.

What we inspect: spring condition and tension, cable integrity, roller condition, track alignment, opener force settings, auto-reverse function, photo-eye alignment, hardware torque, weatherstripping, panel integrity, emergency release function, and a full cycle test under load.

We recommend annual inspections. Arkansas climate — hot summers, cold winters, high humidity — accelerates wear on every component. An annual inspection catches problems early and extends the life of your entire door system. Learn more about our tune-up service →

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Safety Questions

Garage Door Safety
Questions & Answers

How do I test my garage door auto-reverse?

Place a 2x4 flat on the ground under the door. Close the door with the opener. It should reverse within 2 seconds of contact. If it doesn't, stop using the door and call (501) 244-3667. The force settings need professional adjustment.

Is it safe to use a garage door with a broken spring?

No. The door is unbalanced and the full weight is unsupported. It could fall suddenly, causing injury or property damage. Do not operate the door — manually or with the opener — until the spring is replaced by a professional.

Can I fix my own garage door spring?

We strongly advise against it. Torsion springs are under extreme tension — improper handling causes serious injuries every year. This is one repair that should always be done by a trained, licensed technician with proper tools.

How often should I have my garage door inspected?

Annually. Our $99 tune-up includes a 12-point safety inspection that catches failing components before they become dangerous. Arkansas climate accelerates wear — annual inspections are especially important here.

My door doesn't have photo-eye sensors. Is that legal?

Photo-eye sensors have been federally required on all residential garage door openers since 1993. If your opener was installed before then and lacks sensors, we strongly recommend upgrading. A new opener with current safety features protects your family and meets code.

What should I do if my garage door falls suddenly?

Do not attempt to lift or operate the door. Check that no one is injured. Call (501) 244-3667 for emergency service. A door that falls suddenly usually indicates a broken spring, snapped cable, or opener failure. We provide 24/7 emergency response.

Garage Door SafetyFor Arkansas Homeowners