Garage Door Spring Repair

A garage door spring is a component of the garage door mechanism that helps to lift and lower the door. It is a tightly coiled metal spring that is placed under high tension and works in conjunction with other parts to counterbalance the weight of the door.

You most probably have a broken garage door spring and need it to be replaced before attempting to operate the garage door again. It is very dangerous to try repairing it on your own if you have no previous experience doing it as the spring holds a lot of tension and is the key component responsible for lifting your heavy garage door. A garage door spring has a limited number of cycles and needs to be replaced once it reaches its capacity. Changes in weather conditions and high frequency of door opening and closing (wear and tear) are the main contributors to broken garage door springs.

The first sign to tell if your garage door spring is broken is to visually look at the spring and identify a gap on the spring rod. Since the garage door spring is the power that does the heavy lifting of the garage door (as opposed to the opener), a broken spring will prevent your garage door from opening partially or fully, even if it is connected to an automatic opener. Another way to know is if you hear a loud noise coming from the garage when the spring breaks.

If the spring of your garage door is broken, it is possible to open it manually, but it will require some physical effort. However, using the garage door opener is dangerous and may cause damage to the door and opener since the door becomes heavier due to the broken spring. It can also cause the door to fall unexpectedly, potentially causing injury or damage. Therefore, we advise against attempting to open your garage door if the spring is broken.

We strongly recommend that you do not attempt to fix a broken garage door spring yourself. Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to work on without proper training and equipment. Not having proper training and previous experience can cause harm to the contents of your garage and can even result in severe injury. It is best to hire a professional garage door technician for the replacement.

Repairing a broken garage door spring can typically be done in 30 minute to an hour, depending on the complexity of the job and the number of springs being replaced. The repair process may take longer if other parts of the door need to be repaired or replaced as well.

Garage door springs are built with certain amount of cycles they can withstand, typically between 10,000 and 20,000 for good quality ones. Their lifetime depends on how often you use your garage door. If you open and close your garage door once a day, your spring should last you between 10 and 15 years.

If you have a double garage door, then you have two springs installed on your garage door system. We always recommend replacing both garage door springs at the same time, even if only one is broken. This will ensure that both springs have the same amount of wear and tear and will help prevent future problems. If only one spring is replaced, it can cause an imbalance and can lead to both springs breaking shortly after. Replacing both springs at once will also save you time in the long run.

Springs can break due to normal wear and tear, rust, lack of maintenance, or frequent use. Regular maintenance such as lubricating the springs and checking for signs of wear and tear, as well as rust can help extend the lifespan of your garage door springs. It is also important to have your door inspected by a professional technician annually.

There are two types of springs commonly used in garage doors: torsion springs and extension springs. The type of spring needed depends on the size and weight of the garage door, and a professional technician can help determine the best option.

No, it is not recommended to use a different size or type of spring to replace a broken one. It is important to use the same type and size of spring that was originally installed.

If you suspect you have a broken garage door spring, do not attempt to open or close the door. Contact a professional technician to inspect the door and replace the spring if necessary.

When one part of a garage door system is broken, it can significantly affect the operation of other parts. This is particularly true for broken torsion or extension springs, which can pose a safety hazard. A broken spring can cause the opener to malfunction completely, leading to erratic opening and closing of the garage door.

The tension of a garage door spring is crucial for the proper functioning of the garage door system. The ideal tension for a garage door spring depends on the weight and size of the door. The tension should be set so that the door can be easily lifted and lowered manually without excessive force, and the door should stay in place at any point along its path without drifting.

A general guideline for adjusting garage door springs is that four quarter turns equal one full revolution, and the spring should be tightened one full revolution for every foot of door height. For instance, a 7-1/2 foot door would require seven revolutions plus two additional turns, which is equivalent to 30 quarter turns.

Yes, a garage door opener can still work with a broken spring, but it’s not recommended. A garage door opener is designed to assist in opening and closing the door, not to bear the full weight of the door.

When a spring is broken, the garage door becomes heavier, which can put extra strain on the opener’s motor and cause it to wear out faster or even fail completely. This can be dangerous and cause the door to fall unexpectedly, potentially causing injury or property damage.

Therefore, it’s best to avoid using the garage door opener when a spring is broken and instead operate the door manually until a qualified garage door technician can replace the broken spring.

To identify the size of the spring that needs to be replaced, you should measure the dimensions of the existing spring. The length, inside diameter, and wire size of the spring are the most important measurements that you need to take.

To measure the length of the spring, you should measure the entire length of the spring from one end to the other, including the coils. To measure the inside diameter of the spring, you should measure the diameter of the hole in the center of the spring. Finally, to measure the wire size of the spring, you should measure the diameter of the wire used to make the spring.

It’s important to note that garage door springs come in various sizes and types, depending on the weight and size of the garage door. Therefore, it’s recommended that you contact a qualified garage door technician to determine the correct size and type of spring needed for your specific garage door. A trained technician will have the necessary expertise to identify the correct size and type of spring and ensure that it is installed correctly and safely.

Yes, a garage door spring can be over-wound, and it can be extremely dangerous. When a spring is over-wound, it can store too much tension, causing it to snap or break suddenly, potentially causing injury or property damage.

Over-winding a spring can occur when attempting to adjust the spring tension without the proper tools, training, or experience. Therefore, it’s crucial to leave garage door spring adjustment and replacement to qualified garage door technicians who have the necessary expertise to perform the job safely and effectively.

If you suspect that your garage door spring is over-wound or improperly adjusted, it’s best to avoid using the door until a trained technician can inspect and adjust the spring as needed. It’s essential to prioritize safety when dealing with garage door springs, as they are under a significant amount of tension and can be hazardous if not handled correctly.