7 min read
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. These powerful components bear the weight of your door.typically 150 to 250 pounds.allowing it to open and close smoothly thousands of times. Understanding how springs work, when they need replacement, and why this is a job for professionals can save you money and keep your family safe.
Located above the door opening, torsion springs are the most common type in modern garage door systems. They work by twisting.storing mechanical energy when the door is closed and releasing it to help lift the door when opened.
Characteristics: - Mounted on a metal shaft above the door, Typically last 15,000-20,000 cycles (about 7-10 years with average use) - Provide smoother, more controlled operation, More expensive but longer-lasting
Found on older garage door systems, extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They extend and contract to counterbalance the door's weight.
Characteristics: - Mounted on both sides of the door, Typically last 10,000 cycles (about 5-7 years) - Less expensive but require more maintenance, Should have safety cables to prevent injury if they break
If your garage door won't open at all, or the opener strains to lift it, broken springs are often the culprit. Without functioning springs, the opener cannot lift the door's full weight.
Look for gaps in the spring coils.this is a clear sign of a break. You might also notice rust, which weakens the metal and accelerates wear.
Springs control the door's descent. If the door falls faster than normal or slams shut, the springs may be worn or broken.
A breaking torsion spring often produces a loud bang that sounds like a firecracker or gunshot. If you hear this, inspect your springs before attempting to operate the door.
If one spring fails while the other remains intact, the door may open unevenly. This puts stress on the remaining components and can cause additional damage.
Garage door springs are under extreme tension.enough to cause serious injury or death if they snap or are handled improperly. Here's why you should never attempt DIY spring replacement:
- Stored energy: A torsion spring holds enough force to lift a 200+ pound door. Releasing this energy incorrectly can be catastrophic. - Specialized tools: Professional technicians use winding bars and other tools designed specifically for spring work. - Proper sizing: Installing the wrong spring can damage your door system or create safety hazards. - Building codes: Many jurisdictions require licensed professionals for spring replacement.
While springs will eventually wear out, you can maximize their lifespan:
Apply a silicone-based lubricant to your springs twice a year. This reduces friction and prevents rust. Never use WD-40 on springs.it's a solvent, not a lubricant.
Disconnect the opener and manually open the door halfway. It should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment.
Look for rust, gaps, or wear every few months. Catching problems early can prevent sudden failures.
Each time the door opens and closes counts as one cycle. Minimize unnecessary operation to extend spring life.
When you call a professional for spring replacement, here's the typical process:
1. Inspection: The technician assesses your door system and identifies the correct spring specifications. 2. Safety measures: The door is secured, and tension is carefully released from the old springs. 3. Removal and installation: Old springs are removed and new springs are mounted and wound to the proper tension. 4. Balance adjustment: The technician ensures the door is properly balanced. 5. Testing: Multiple open/close cycles verify smooth operation and proper tension.
Spring replacement costs vary based on: - Type of springs (torsion vs. extension) - Quality and warranty of replacement springs, Whether one or both springs need replacement, Service call and labor fees
Pro tip: Always replace both springs at the same time, even if only one has broken. The second spring is the same age and will likely fail soon, resulting in another service call.
Garage door springs are critical safety components that require professional attention. At Garage Door Lynwood, our technicians are trained and equipped to handle spring replacement safely and efficiently. If you notice any warning signs, don't wait.contact us for a prompt inspection and repair.