If one of your garage door torsion springs breaks, you may be wondering if you need to replace both springs or if you can just swap out the broken one. It’s a fair question, especially since garage door spring replacement is the most common garage door repair in Tucson, and it can cost hundreds of dollars each for professional installation. Why pay to replace two springs if only one is broken?
Key Takeaways
- Both garage door springs should always be replaced to maintain balance and prevent future breakdowns.
- Replacing both springs saves on future repair expenses and ensures proper functioning of the garage door.
- It's a smart financial decision to replace both springs at the same time as it can lead to better prices and long-term cost-effectiveness.
The Importance of Balanced Garage Doors
Having balanced garage doors ensures smooth operation and longevity. Both garage door springs work together to lift the door and gently lower it. A balanced system prevents undue stress on one side, extending not only the lifespan of your springs but also preserving other parts of your mechanism like rollers and cables.
This efficient operation protects against premature wear-and-tear.
An unbalanced configuration can cause several issues that can escalate into larger problems if ignored. For starters, it could trigger safety sensors due to uneven motion which may stop your garage door from closing properly or even moving at all.
More importantly, the additional strain wears down bearings in your opener which leads to expensive repairs down the line. Therefore, balance in a garage door system isn’t just about optimized performance; It’s an assurance of safety and cost-effectiveness for homeowners too.
The Danger of Unbalanced Garage Doors
Unbalanced garage doors can pose a serious risk to homeowners. If one of the springs stops working, the door might come crashing down unexpectedly. This could result in major property damage or even cause personal injury.
Not only that, but an unbalanced door strains the garage door opener as it struggles to lift uneven weight. Over time, this may lead to premature wear and tear on your system and potentially expensive repairs.
An unbalanced garage also causes problems with opening and closing smoothly. It may become stuck or jammed, leaving you unable to secure your home properly. Therefore, maintaining balance is crucial for safe operation of garage doors.
Should You Replace Both Garage Door Springs?
Paying for garage door repair service, especially spring replacement, can be a significant aspect of homeownership. It’s vital to keep in mind that replacing just one garage door spring may seem cost-effective initially, but the other is likely to need replacement soon.
Garage door companies often offer better prices if both springs are replaced at the same time. Furthermore, an unbalanced or broken garage door spring can cause potential damage to the opener over time – leading to more expenses.
Thus, choosing to replace both springs when one breaks is usually a smart financial decision in the long run.
Lifetime of garage door springs
Garage door springs have a limited lifetime due to the strain they endure with each operation of the door. Over time, these springs wear out and lose their ability to effectively support and balance the weight of the garage door.
Springs are typically rated for a certain number of lifecycles, which can range from 10,000 to 20,000 cycles or more. When one spring breaks, it’s usually an indication that both springs have been used extensively and may be nearing the end of their lifespan.
Therefore, it is advisable to replace both garage door springs when one breaks to ensure optimal performance and prevent future breakdowns.
Potential damage to the opener
Replacing both garage door springs is important to prevent potential damage to the opener. When one spring breaks, the other spring becomes overworked and may fail soon after. This puts extra strain on the opener, causing it to work harder and potentially leading to costly repairs or even complete failure.
By replacing both springs at the same time, you ensure that the opener is not subject to excessive wear and tear, ultimately prolonging its lifespan and saving you money in the long run.
Remember, it’s always best to address any issues with your garage doors promptly to prevent further damage.
Ensuring proper balance
Proper balance is crucial for the smooth operation of your garage door. When both springs are working effectively, they exert equal force to lift and lower the door. This reduces strain on other components, such as the opener and tracks, ensuring they last longer.
By replacing both garage door springs at the same time, you can maintain this balance and avoid future breakdowns. Remember that if one spring breaks or wears out, it’s highly likely that the other will follow suit soon.
So save yourself from potential headaches down the line by opting to replace both springs together.
Maintaining a balanced garage door not only prevents costly repairs but also keeps you safe. An unbalanced door can pose risks when opening or closing, potentially causing accidents or injuries.
To ensure proper balance for your garage doors, it’s best to consult with a professional who can assess your specific needs and recommend an appropriate solution.
DIY vs professional replacement
Making the decision between DIY versus a professional replacement of garage door springs can be challenging. Carefully consider the factors listed in the table below to make an informed choice.
| Factors | DIY Replacement | Professional Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Costs are lower as you only pay for the springs. However, if something goes wrong, additional parts and repairs could increase expenses. | Professional replacement may be more expensive upfront due to labor cost. But it often includes a warranty, potentially saving money on future repairs. |
| Safety | Garage door springs are under high tension. Incorrect handling can result in injury. Not recommended for inexperienced DIYers. | Professionals have the necessary training and experience to safely replace springs. They possess the right tools and know-how to avoid accidents. |
| Time | DIY replacement can take more time, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. | A professional can replace garage door springs quickly due to their expertise and experience. |
| Quality | The quality of DIY work largely depends on your skills. Inexperience could lead to an improperly balanced door, creating future issues. | Professionals ensure a quality job, properly balancing the garage door and reducing the risk of future breakdowns. |
| Convenience | DIY requires you to source the correct springs and tools needed, adding to the time and effort of the task. | A professional handles all aspects of the job including sourcing the correct parts, ensuring a stress-free experience for homeowners. |
Remember, if your garage door is over five years old, it’s advisable to replace both springs to maintain balance and prevent future breakdowns. Most garage door companies offer better prices if both springs are replaced at the same time, which could offset the initial cost of professional replacement.
Benefits of Replacing Both Garage Door Springs
Replacing both garage door springs has several benefits. It helps prevent future breakdowns, maintains proper balance, and can save on future repairs. To learn more about why you should always replace both springs, read the full blog post.
Prevent future breakdowns
Replacing both garage door springs is crucial to prevent future breakdowns. When only one spring is replaced, the other spring may soon wear out and need replacement as well. By replacing both springs at the same time, you ensure that they are working together effectively to balance the door’s weight and prevent excessive strain on the opener.
This proactive approach can save you from costly repairs in the long run and keep your garage door operating smoothly.
Maintain proper balance
Properly balanced garage doors are essential for their smooth operation and longevity. When one spring breaks and you’re tempted to save money by replacing just that one, it’s crucial to consider the overall balance of the door.
Both springs work together to exert the force needed to lift and lower the door gently. If only one spring is replaced, the other may soon break as well, leading to potential future breakdowns and costly repairs.
To ensure your garage door functions properly and remains in good condition, it’s recommended to always replace both garage door springs at the same time.
Save on future repairs
Replacing both garage door springs can help you save on future repairs. While it may seem tempting to only replace the broken spring, it’s important to consider the long-term costs.
If one spring breaks, the other is likely to follow suit soon after. By replacing both springs at the same time, you can prevent future breakdowns and avoid additional repair expenses down the line.
Additionally, many garage door companies offer better prices for replacing both springs together, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. So don’t just fix what’s broken; invest in both springs to ensure your garage door operates smoothly and saves you money on future repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: It is not recommended to try to balance a garage door on your own, especially if you are not familiar with the process. Balancing the door involves adjusting the tension on the springs, which can be dangerous if not done correctly. It is best to leave this task to a professional garage door technician.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is highly recommended to always replace both garage door springs. While the initial cost may be higher, replacing both springs ensures proper balance and prevents future breakdowns.
By taking this proactive approach, homeowners can save on future repairs and maintain a smoothly functioning garage door.
book an appointment today
(520) 579-9084
