How Do You Fix an Old Garage Door Spring?
Garage door springs are an essential part of any garage, and they are also one of the most dangerous parts. The springs are under a tremendous amount of tension, and if they break, they can cause serious injury. For this reason, it is vital to understand how these springs work and how to maintain them properly.
There are two types of high-carbon steel garage springs: torsion springs and extension springs. The torsion spring is the most common type of spring, and they are located above the garage door. Extension springs are located on either side of the garage door and run along the tracks. Both types of springs work by absorbing energy and then releasing it as the garage door is opened or closed. The springs run clockwise on a winding bar to open the door and counterclockwise to close the door. That is until the garage door opener stops working one day.
What to Do if Your Garage Door Spring Breaks
Garage door springs typically have a lifespan of about 10,000 cycles, which is about five years for a standard home garage door that is used twice daily. If your residential garage door spring breaks, don’t panic! While it’s certainly not a convenient situation, you can take some simple steps to get your door back up and running in no time.
First, remind all home members to avoid using the garage to prevent further damage. Then, take a close look at the primary torsion springs and attempt to identify which one is broken. If you can’t tell, it’s best to err on the side of caution and plan to replace both springs.
Fixing an Extension or Torsion Spring
As any homeowner knows, a broken garage can be a real pain. No amount of maintenance can prevent some parts from needing to be replaced. One of the most common garage repairs that homeowners have to make is replacing broken springs.
A garage professional will first carefully remove the old extension or torsion springs. Once the old springs are removed, they will then install the new ones. An experienced technician will carefully replace and reinstall the garage door torsion springs, ensuring that the center bearing is where it needs to be so that the winding bars work appropriately. After ensuring the torsion bar is securely in place, they will test your door.
What Are the Consequences of Not Purchasing Replacement Springs?
Having a broken spring can be extremely dangerous. The springs help balance the heavy garage door, making it easier for you to open and close. If one of the springs breaks, the door will become very hard to lift, and it could come crashing down, causing serious injury or damage. Additionally, the end of the spring could rust and snap, causing the door to come crashing down suddenly and without warning. If you have a broken spring, it is crucial to have it fixed as soon as possible by a garage professional. Not only is it a safety hazard, but continuing to use a door with a broken spring will cause even more damage to the door and opener, which will end up costing you more in the long run.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix Broken Garage Door Springs?
It can be difficult to determine how much it will cost to fix any garage doors immediately. Many factors, such as the type of spring, the door size, and the difficulty of the repair, will affect the price. However, there are a few general things that you can keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost.
- First, it is important to remember that you should only attempt to fix your springs if you are a trained garage professional. Springs are under great tension and can be dangerous if not handled correctly. If you are not a trained professional, you should always contact a reputable garage company to perform the repair.
- Second, the size of the door will also affect the cost. A smaller door will typically be less expensive to fix than a larger one since the garage door parts necessary do not have to be so heavy-duty.
- Finally, the difficulty of the repair will also play a role in the price. If the spring and winding bar is easy to access and replace, it will likely be less expensive than a more difficult repair. Ultimately, it is best to consult a trained professional to get an accurate garage door spring replacement estimate.
Rainier Garage Door is Here to Help
Buying new springs is an important part of your garage system. They help the door open and close smoothly. If one of your springs breaks, it’s vital to fix it as soon as possible. Not fixing a broken spring can have serious consequences, such as damaging the entire garage system or even injuring someone. Rainier Garage Door can help you with all your residential garage repair needs.
