Garage door springs are an important part of your garage door system. They work to counterbalance the weight of the door so that it can be opened and closed with ease. Garage door springs can last anywhere from 5-10 years, but sometimes they break or become damaged before then.
If you’re not sure whether your garage door spring is broken, there are a few signs you can look for. Excessive noise or squeaking, balance problems or a crooked door, loose cables, and a garage door that feels heavier than usual are all potential signs that your spring is damaged. If your garage door isn’t opening and closing smoothly, or if it’s leaving a gap at the bottom, these could also be signs that your spring needs to be replaced.
In this blog post, we’ll answer some common questions about garage door springs, including how to know if they’re broken, how long they typically last, and what you can do to extend their life. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions for fixing an extension spring and a torsion spring. Finally, we’ll offer some tips for preventing future spring problems.
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Types of Garage Door Springs, Where to Find Them, and What They Do
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are the most common type of garage door spring. They’re installed above the door on a metal shaft, and they work by twisting as the door is opened and closed.
One advantage of torsion springs is that they’re self-contained, so they don’t require any other parts to operate. However, because they’re under so much tension, they can be dangerous to work with. It’s important to call a professional if you think your torsion spring is broken or do some serious learning via youtube and other means before attempting any DIY repairs.
Extension Springs
Extension springs are installed along the chain or belt drive of the garage door system. As the name suggests, they work by extending and contracting as the door moves.
Extension springs are not as commonly used as torsion springs but they tend to be cheaper. That’s where the advantages end. They also require pulleys and other hardware to work, which makes them more difficult to install. Additionally, they’re not as strong as torsion springs and they’re more likely to break.
Signs of A Broken or Damaged Garage Door Spring
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of garage door springs, let’s talk about how to know if one of yours is damaged.
Here are some common signs:
Excessive Noise or Squeaking
If your garage door is making more noise than usual, it could be a sign that the springs are damaged. The noise may be caused by metal grinding against metal, or it could be a sign that the springs are loose and need to be tightened.
Balance Problems or Crooked Door
If your garage door is hanging crooked or is having balance problems, it’s likely due to a broken spring.
Loose Cables
If the cables that connect your garage door to the springs are loose, it’s a sign that the springs are damaged. The cables may be frayed or broken as well which would be a separate issue.
Garage Door Feels Heavier than Usual
If your garage door feels heavier than usual, it’s a sign that the springs are not counterbalancing the weight of the door properly. This is usually due to a broken spring.
Doesn’t Fully Open or Close
If your garage door isn’t opening or closing all the way, it’s likely due to a problem with the springs. The door may be off-track as well, which would be a separate issue.
There’s a Gap in the Spring Coils
If you can see a gap in the coils of your torsion or extension springs, it’s a sign that the spring is wearing out.
Jerky Opening and Closing
If your garage door is opening and closing in a jerky or erratic way, it’s likely due to a problem with the springs.
How Long Should a Garage Door Spring Typically Last?
Most garage door springs have a lifespan of around 10,000 cycles. This means that they should last for around 10 years if they’re used twice a day. However, this number can vary depending on the weight of your garage door, the climate, and how well they’re maintained.
Is It Safe to Open or Close a Garage Door with A Broken Spring?
It’s not safe to open or close a garage door with a broken spring. A broken spring can cause the door to come crashing down, which could seriously injure or kill someone. If you have a broken garage door spring, call a professional to fix it.
How to Open a Garage Door with A Broken Spring
If you have a garage door with a broken spring, it’s important to open the door carefully. Springs can be very dangerous, and if they snap, they can cause serious injury.
To open a garage door with a broken spring do the following:
- Get help from a friend. The door will be heavy
- Disconnect the opener. If your garage door has an automatic opener, disconnect it so that you can open the door manually. Find the release cord. The release cord is a red cord that hangs down from the bracket that holds the springs in place. Pull on the cord to release the tension in the springs.
- Open the door slowly. Once the tension is released, the door will be very heavy. Use caution when opening it.
- Open the door only enough to get your car out. Once you have your car out, close the door and call a professional to fix the springs.
How to Close a Garage Door with A Broken Spring
If you have a garage door with a broken spring, it’s important to close the door carefully. Springs can be very dangerous, and if they snap, they can cause serious injury.
To close a garage door with a broken spring do the following:
- Get help from a friend. The door will be heavy
- Disconnect the opener. If your garage door has an automatic opener, disconnect it so that you can open the door manually. Find the release cord. The release cord is a red cord that hangs down from the bracket that holds the springs in place. Pull on the cord to release the tension in the springs.
- Close the door slowly. The door will be very heavy. Use caution when closing it.
How Hard Is It to Fix a Garage Door Spring?
A professional can usually fix a broken garage door spring in about an hour. However, if you’re not experienced with working with springs, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Attempting to fix a broken spring can be very dangerous.
How Long Does It Take to Fix?
Most garage door spring repairs take about an hour to complete. However, the time it takes to fix your garage door will depend on the severity of the issue and whether or not both springs need to be replaced.
How Much Do New Garage Door Springs Cost?
The cost of new garage door springs will vary depending on the type of spring, the size, and the brand. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $350 for a new set of springs.
Are Special Tools Required to Fix a Garage Door Spring?
Yes, beyond the normal tools need (e.g. step ladder, pliers, etc.) you’ll also need a winding bar. This specialized tool is required to properly tension the spring.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Professional to Fix or Change out A Broken Garage Door Spring?
The cost to hire a professional to fix your garage door spring will vary depending on the type of spring, the size, and the brand. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400 for labor.
Steps to Fix an Extension Spring
If you have an extension spring garage door, the process for fixing a broken spring will be different than if you have a torsion spring. Follow these steps to fix an extension spring garage door:
- Take lots of pictures of the current setup. This will help you remember how things go together.
- Disengage the opener so that you can operate the door manually. Unplug it as well.
- Open the door and prop the door open with a ladder or 2x4s.
- In addition use c-clamps on the tracks under the door as another fail-safe to prevent the door from closing while you’re working on it.
- Tape the pulley wheel to the steel cable (to prevent them from separating after you disconnect the spring).
- Loosen the bolts that hold the pulley in place.
- Untie the safety cable and pull through the extension spring.
- Remove the old extension spring.
- Place the safety cable clip on the new spring (make sure the new spring has the same color coding as the old spring).
- Thread the safety cable through the new spring and tie it just like it was before.
- Place the pulley back into place and bolt it together as it was before.
- Test the door.
Watch this video several times to see this in action before attempting!
Steps to Fix a Torsion Spring
If you have a torsion spring garage door, the process for fixing a broken spring will be different than if you have an extension spring. Follow these steps to fix a torsion spring garage door:
- Take pictures of your setup before you begin. This will help you put it back together correctly.
- Make sure the door is closed and the opener is both disconnected and unplugged.
- Use c-clamps in the tracks to hold the door in place so no one tries to open it from the outside while you’re working.
- Wear eye protection and leather gloves
- Use a winding bar to release tension in the torsion springs (never use a screwdriver or anything other than a winding bar that works with your type of torsion spring).
- Disconnect the springs from the center bracket.
- Use locking pliers to secure the torsion tube so it doesn’t pop out.
- Remove the broken spring
- Install the new spring (make sure to get the same size and tension of the old spring and to put it on either left-hand orientation or right-hand orientation as it was before – this is why you take lots of pictures!)
- Install a new center bearing
- Replace bottom brackets
- Thread cables
- Wind the torsion springs following the exact manufacturer’s instructions.
- Lubricate both springs
Watch this video many times before attempting and make sure you have the correct winding bar and replacement parts.
Preventing Future Spring Problems and Extending Their Life
Once you’ve replaced your garage door springs, there are certain maintenance steps you can take to prevent the need for future spring replacements.
First, always use proper lubrication on the springs. This will help protect them from rust and corrosion. Second, don’t allow anything to rest on the tracks of the garage door as this can bend or damage the tracks. Third, make sure the tracks are always clean so the rollers can move freely.
If you follow these maintenance steps, your garage door springs should last for many years. But remember, even with proper care, they will eventually need to be replaced. When that time comes, contact a professional garage door company to replace your springs safely and correctly.
Conclusion
If your garage door isn’t working properly, the first thing you should check is the springs. If one of them is broken, likely, the other isn’t far behind. Replacing both springs at the same time is the best way to ensure your garage door continues to work properly for many years to come.
If you’re not sure how to replace your garage door springs, it’s best to leave the job to a professional. They have the training and experience necessary to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.