Generally, we prefer taking home maintenance tasks as DIY projects. But some of these are riskier than usual plumbing or electrical tasks. One such task is changing garage door springs. It is a technically complex task as these springs are tightly wound. These carry out the heavy lifting task for your garage door every time you open and close it. When they work, your garage door works properly. When they break or need lubrication, the door becomes heavy. So, here’s some information on how to replace garage door springs.
Door Dorks is a team of garage door installation and fixing experts. The team knows how to handle every type of failure in normal garage door operation.
Why Garage Door Springs Matter
Garage doors are very heavy and huge in size. Every time the button on the opener is pressed, the spring system beers most of the weight of the door. The opener motor provides little force and the spring system helps the garage door open. This function is only possible due to the mechanical energy of the garage door spring
Door spring failure is not gradual, it is sudden and very dangerous. When a spring snaps, it releases the stored energy. Many home owners state that they heard a sound like a gunshot when the spring snapped. The force involved in the action can cause serious injury or even death. The spring cannot be mishandled at any cost. Whether it’s the installation, winding or removal of the door, the task needs to be performed by an expert using the right set of tools.
Signs Your Garage Door Spring Needs Replacement
The Door Won’t Open or Opens Only Partially
A normal garage door will open almost instantly. But when the spring fails, the garage door will struggle. It will either not open at all or opens partially. If the opener is running but the door is not moving freely, it indicates an issue with the spring. You must disconnect the opener and try lifting the door manually. The door will feel extremely heavy due to a broken spring.
A Loud Sound From the Door
The spring when breaks, creates a loud sound. It may appear like a gunshot. A spring has stored energy. When it breaks, this energy is released instantly. It makes a loud sound. At night, the temperature drops and causes extra stress to the spring. Thus, the chnaces of breakage increase.
Visible Gaps in the Spring Coils
Door Dorks recommend visually inspecting your torrent spring regularly. By visual inspection, you can find a gap in the coil. This this gap indicates that the spring has snapped. A healthy spring will appear continuous without separation while a spring with a gap of one to three inches would indicate spring failure and replacement needed.
The Door Closes Too Quickly or Falls Unevenly
Generally, your garage door will open and close in a controlled manner. It would show even movements. But when the spring is broken, the door may drop suddenly. The door may also appear tilted to one side. This would happen if one of the two springs is broken. A situation like this requires immediate attention before the operating spring also fails due to additional load.
Squeaking, Grinding, or Unusual Noises from the door
If you hear a continuous squeaking sound from the spring, it indicates a broken spring or the need for lubrication. A broken spring would need replacement.
The Door Feels Heavy when opened manually
This should be done regularly with your garage door. Disconnect the opener and try to lift the door manually. Lift it up to waist height and then release it. If the door is properly balanced and the springs are working fine, the door shoot remain stationary or move slightly. If the door falls quickly or feels extremely heavy to lift, it may indicate spring weakness or breakage.
DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement vs Professional
Noticing a broken spring is easy but replacing it requires professional expertise. Even if you know how to replace garage door springs, doing it yourself is not recommended. It may seem like a cost-effective option if you are comfortable with tools and have time to try. But the torsion springs are under a lot of tension. The winding process is typical as the spring is under significant load. If a winding bar slips, it releases energy. This energy can be released violently. Professional spring replacement technicians have the right tools and training to do it perfectly.
An improperly installed spring is an ongoing risk. The spring will stress the opener motor. It can result in unpredictable door behaviour. It becomes a huge safety hazard. Door Dorks regularly receives service calls from homeowners who have attempted DIY spring replacement and created secondary problems.
Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost
The total garage door spring replacement cost includes:
Spring Component Costs – These are inexpensive components. Their cost depends on the wire gauge, length and quality grade.
Labor Costs – It is the cost included for the actual work. It is charged according to the job.
Emergency Service Costs – If you are calling for an emergency service, the company may charge extra.
Door Dorks always recommend regularly inspecting your garage door assembly. This will help determine the possibility of an issue with the door. Professional installation or replacement is the safest and fastest way to fix garage door springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long do garage door springs last?
Standard residential garage door springs are made for approximately 10,000 open and close cycles. A pair of springs can serve for 7 to 10 years.
Q2. Should I replace both springs at the same time even if only one has broken?
Door Dorks strongly recommends replacing both springs simultaneously when one fails. Even if the second one appears functional, it should be replaced. Both springs are installed at the same time. Their operational life has to be similar. Replacing both at the same time means saving labor costs and eliminating the risk of the second spring failure.
Q3. Can I still use my garage door if a spring is broken?
While it is technically possible to manually lift
A garage door with a broken spring can be lifted manually. But, Door Dorks recommends getting new springs installed as soon as possible. The door will be extremely heavy without the springs. It can cause significant damage to the opener motor.
Q4. How can I extend the life of my garage door springs?
Lubricate them regularly. Apply a lubricant to the spring coils every three to six months. This reduces friction and corrosion. Keeping the door balanced also extends spring life.
