Wondering About Dealing with a Broken Spring on your Garage Door? A Comprehensive Guide on Garage Door Springs for Consumers Can Help
Garage door springs are essential to any garage door system, providing the necessary tension and balance to ensure a smooth and reliable operation. While the springs come in various sizes and materials, the average life expectancy of these components is between 10,000-15,000 cycles. That’s enough for seven to ten years of daily use for the average person. With proper installation and maintenance, it’s possible to extend the life of your garage door springs even further.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about garage door springs. From how they work to when they need replacing, we’ll provide all the information you need to keep your garage door running smoothly and safely. You’ll learn about the different types of springs available, how to identify signs that yours may be failing, and tips on prolonging their life expectancy. You’ll also learn which type is right for your home or business.
So if you want greater insight into this critical part of your garage door system, read on! We have all the information you need to ensure that your garage doors can perform optimally for many years, straight from true garage door professionals with many years of experience serving their community.
Residential Garage Door Repairs - Fixing Broken Springs
Fixing a broken garage door spring is like the perfect jigsaw puzzle. With the right tools and knowledge, it can become an achievable task. However, it can be daunting for those with a little DIY experience. It really should not be attempted by non-experienced folks, including a general handyman who doesn’t have the specific knowledge and tools to get it done properly. When it comes to broken springs, you are much better off calling a reputable, professional garage door repair company. Doing so will ensure you not only get your door working again quickly, but you’ll also rest assured knowing the properly sized spring was used and most importantly, it was done safely.
If you’re curious about the workings of garage door springs, and you want to provide the company you’re calling with as much information as possible, keep reading. You’ll learn the basics of garage doors and springs and will know enough to get your service off on the right foot.
Torsion Springs vs Extension Springs
Firstly, you need to identify the type of spring in your garage door – torsion springs or extension springs. Torsion springs are wound around a metal shaft above the garage door opening. In contrast, extension springs run along tracks on either side of the parking space. Letting the repair company of your choice know this information will be helpful.
Types Of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are essential components that help lift and lower the overhead door. To ensure your garage door works properly, it is crucial to understand the different types of door springs and when you may need a replacement. These aren’t your everyday springs that you might find at a hardware store or even The Home Depot without a special order.
The two main types of garage door springs are torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are the most commonly used type for residential garages because they can provide more power than extension springs. Torsion springs are mechanical devices that store energy in the form of rotational energy. They are usually found in residential garages and are used to assist with the opening and closing of the garage door.
Unlike extension springs, torsion springs are more powerful and can lift heavier garage doors more easily. In addition, torsion springs are designed to last longer than extension springs and are less likely to break. Torsion springs also require less headroom than extension springs, meaning they can be installed in tighter spaces. This makes them ideal for garage door installations in homes with limited space.
Torsion springs are also more secure, as they aren’t going to come off their tracks and cause injury when they break, the way an extension spring could.
Extension springs use spring tension when pulled against a pulley system, so they don’t rely on exact measurements like torsion springs, which have a specific length, diameter and wire gauge that must match up to the specific door they are meant to work with.
Knowing whether you have torsion or extension springs will help immensely when sourcing new parts for your system. With this knowledge, you’ll be ready to have your garage door spring replaced with confidence!
Garage Door Torsion Springs
Garage door torsion springs are a crucial component of residential garage doors, allowing them to open and close with ease. This type of spring is wound around a shaft above the top of the door using winding bars in a winding cone, and it is attached to the header wall via a center bracket and one on each end. It swings into action when a garage door is opened or closed, whether by a garage door opener or done manually. The stored-up tension in the springs counteracts the weight of the door ge door is opened or closed, whether by a garage door opener or done manually. The stored-up tension in the springs (combined with the drums and cables), making it virtually effortless to open and close, despite its considerable weight.
Top Tips for Homeowners: How to Replace Garage Door Springs Safely? Call Discount Door Service!
Torsion springs store energy while they’re tightly wound, so they can be dangerous if not appropriately handled by an experienced technician. That’s why it’s best left to professionals when replacing or repairing these springs. They’ll know what precautions to take when handling them and how to install them safely to ensure that residential garage doors work as expected without compromising safety.
By understanding what goes into the proper installation and maintenance of garage door torsion springs, homeowners can help protect themselves from potential problems down the road. Knowing when it’s time to call in a professional can save time, money, and possibly even injuries from accidental mishandling of these powerful components. These essential parts will provide reliable service for years with careful monitoring and timely repairs or replacements.
Garage Door Extension Springs
Extension springs are typically used on one-piece (or lighter-weight two-piece) doors, such as those made from aluminum. They consist of a metal coil and two pulleys, which attach to the cable drums at each end of the spring. Here’s what makes them so effective:
- Extension springs are designed to stretch and contract when the garage door opens and closes.
- They act like shock absorbers to reduce wear and tear on your garage door's parts.
- They also help to keep your garage door running smoothly by balancing out any tension in its system.
Trust the Professionals: Safety Tips for Homeowners Replacing Garage Door Springs
Extension springs can be hazardous if they break, so it is essential to have them inspected regularly by a professional technician. This will help identify any potential problems before they become more severe issues. It is also recommended to replace both sides simultaneously to ensure even tension throughout the system. If you need to replace just one side of an extension spring, ensure you get an exact match for the other side to function correctly.
Replacing your broken or worn-out extension springs yourself is only recommended if you have experience with this repair job. A better idea is to contact a qualified technician who can safely do the job for you without putting yourself or others at risk.
How Garage Door Springs Work
Garage door springs are a vital system that allows you to open and close your garage door. Understanding how they work is essential for proper installation and maintenance.
Let’s take a look at how these springs operate. The springs are wound around a tube (also called a shaft), mounted on the wall above the garage door. When the door is opened, the springs unwind and transfer their energy to the lifting mechanism, which moves the door up or down accordingly. When the door is closed, this process reverses, with tension applied to the spring as it winds around its axis.
When properly maintained, these springs can last for many years before needing to be replaced. However, there are certain risks associated with them that must be taken into consideration when installing and maintaining them. Knowing why these springs can be dangerous will help ensure you have a safe and secure garage door system for years to come.
Why Are Garage Door Springs Dangerous
Garage door springs are like a ticking time bomb; they can be dangerous if not handled with care. They are designed to lift and lower the heavy garage door. With the amount of stored energy they hold in their coils, they can cause serious injury to anyone nearby if they suddenly break. And when they break, it’s always sudden – there is no warning. It’s essential to understand why these springs can be so dangerous and why it’s best to leave replacing them with professionals.
The Risks of DIY Garage Door Repair - Why You Should Trust Certified Professionals with Your Spring Replacement
When a torsion spring is wound tightly, it stores energy that can be released with surprising force if it breaks. Springs also corrode over time with moisture exposure and repeated use, weakening their structure and making them more likely to fail. They become even less reliable as they age and accumulate wear and tear. They pose an increased danger of snapping unexpectedly. The high tension of the metal coil in the spring has been known to cause serious harm when mishandled or when it snaps during installation or repair.
For this reason, homeowners shouldn’t attempt replacing their garage door springs. Due to the potential risks posed by these powerful components, any attempt at do-it-yourself work on garage door springs should be avoided at all costs. Certified technicians who know what they are doing will have the correct tools and know-how for safely handling garage door springs. Hiring such professionals can help you avoid injuries and expensive repairs down the line.
Replacing Garage Door Springs - Leave It To The Pros
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 15,000 reported injuries in 2018 related to malfunctioning garage door springs.
Considering this statistic, it is in your best interest to leave the repair or replacement of your garage door springs to a professional. A qualified technician will have the experience and know-how to safely service your garage door system and ensure that it continues running smoothly.
Safety
Professionals have specialized tools and safety equipment to help them avoid unnecessary risks. At the same time, they work on your garage door.
Efficiency
A trained technician can quickly identify issues with your system, replace or repair any necessary components, and ensure everything is working correctly in no time.
Peace of Mind
You can rest assured that the job was done correctly by someone who knows what they're doing when you hire a professional.
Good customer service goes beyond providing quality repairs and replacements; it also involves helping people understand how their systems work and why certain parts need maintenance or replacement from time to time. Knowing this information will help you take better care of your system, so you don’t have to call in an expert as often! By understanding these basics, you can take steps to extend the life of your garage door springs, which will save you time and money down the line.
Why Garage Door Springs Break
The primary reason for the breakage of garage door springs is usually due to wear and tear. Over time, these springs will weaken and eventually break, as they constantly pull back and forth as the door opens and closes.
Another reason why garage door springs can break is due to rusting or corrosion. When exposed to moisture, these springs may experience rusting that weakens them over time and can eventually lead to breakage. In addition, if the springs aren’t properly lubricated, they may suffer from friction damage which can also lead to failure.
You must keep your garage door springs in good condition by regularly maintaining them with lubrication and other preventive measures. Doing so will help minimize the risk of breakage and ensure that your garage door keeps functioning correctly for years to come.
TIP: If you need help with maintaining or repairing your garage door springs, it’s best to leave it up to a professional with the knowledge and tools required for proper maintenance and repair.
How To Open Garage Door With Broken Spring
Have you ever experienced a garage door with a broken spring? You know how frustrating it can be to try to open the door and it won’t budge. You may wonder if there’s any way to open the garage door with a broken spring. The answer is: yes, there is!
If you have a broken garage door spring, you may be able to still open it by manually disengaging the opener from the door. You will first need to locate the manual release cord, which is usually a red handle near the opener’s motor. Pull the release cord down and then lift the door manually. If the door won’t go up, it could be due to a number of reasons.
First, it could be that it is simply too heavy for you to open without the help of the spring.
Another reason could be that when the spring broke, the door came off its tracks or somehow got jammed in the frame, or the cable snapped and got wrapped around the drum.
In any of these situations, you will need to wait until the garage door repair company is able to arrive to replace the broken spring and address any other issues that may have occurred.
We're the Local, Family Owned Tucson Company You Can Trust For a Great Customer Experience with Your Garage Door Spring Replacement
Consult a professional if you have any questions about replacing or maintaining garage door springs. If you live in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Saddlebrooke or Vail, call Discount Door Service for a great customer experience. With proper maintenance and care, you can rest assured that your garage will operate smoothly for many years.
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Call us on the phone and you’ll be speaking with the owner. You won’t find a more hard working garage door service company ready to help you, offering very fair prices. As you’ll see, our business is highly recommended on Google as we answer our calls promptly and get our technicians to your location as quickly as we can. We look forward to helping you.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Replacing the springs on a garage door is an important part of maintaining the door and ensuring its smooth operation. The average cost to replace a single garage door spring is usually between $250 to $300. However, when a garage door has two springs, it is necessary (and wise) to replace them both at the same time. Replacing both springs helps ensure that both sides of the door open and close evenly and correctly, and it also helps to extend the life of the springs. Additionally, it can save money in the long run, as replacing both springs at once helps avoid having to do the job again in the near future.
Garage door springs are made from high-grade materials but still have a limited lifespan. Generally speaking, torsion springs will last between 5-7 years with regular maintenance and use. It’s important to note that these time frames may vary depending on how much weight you’re putting on the springs, how much wear and tear they endure, and any other factors that could affect their longevity.
You can do a few things to keep your garage door springs healthy and operational. Firstly, it’s essential to regularly check the balance of the door. If the balance is off, this could put extra strain on the springs, causing them to break more easily.
To check if your garage door is balanced, do the following:
- Start by closing the door and disengaging the opener.
- Once the door is closed, manually lift the door halfway up and release. The door should stay in place without any additional assistance.
- If the door opens or closes on its own, then it is not properly balanced. You should call for service to have it balanced for you.
Secondly, it’s essential to watch for rust or any other signs of corrosion that will reduce their lifespan.
Lastly, lubricating the springs with a spray lubricant at least once a year will help them stay flexible and move smoothly when opening and closing the door. This will also help protect against rust and corrosion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, garage door springs are a vital part of the smooth operation of any garage door. Replacing them can seem frustrating, but ensuring that your garage is functioning correctly is well worth it compared to not being able to get into or out of your garage at a critical time!
Having a good understanding of the expected lifespan of your garage door springs and taking preventative measures to ensure their longevity can save you time and money in the long run. Have you taken the necessary steps to keep your garage door springs in peak condition?
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