What to Know Before Replacing Garage Door Springs

Garage doors are an essential feature to guarantee home security and convenience, and also significantly contribute to the curb appeal of your property. However, when something goes wrong, like a broken spring, besides getting inoperable your garage door can become dangerous and replacing garage door springs, although it may seem like a minor fix, it’s one of the most critical and potentially hazardous repairs for any homeowner, so if you’re considering handling this issue by yourself or hiring a professional, there are some key factors to consider before moving forward.

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The Role of Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs do the heavy lifting. In other words, while a garage door opener controls the movement, the springs bear the weight of the door, making it possible to lift and lower with minimal effort. Typically residential garage doors weigh between 130 to 400 pounds, and the springs carry the load to ensure smooth operation.

It is also important to keep in mind that there are two primary types of garage door springs:

• Torsion Springs: These are mounted above the door opening and use torque (rotational force) to lift the door. They are generally more durable and commonly used in modern garage door systems.
• Extension Springs: These are mounted on either side of the door and stretch to provide lifting power. They are pretty common in older systems and are less expensive but, therefore, also less durable.

Understanding what type of spring you have is crucial since each one of them requires a different replacement method and safety precautions.nctionality. Opt for high-quality, treated wood and maintain a regular inspection routine to avoid sun damage on doors. 

Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement

Before starting any repair, it’s essential to confirm that the springs are indeed the issue. Here are common signs of failing or broken springs:

• The door won’t open or close fully.
• You hear a loud bang from the garage, often described as a gunshot which is the sound of a spring breaking.
• The door appears crooked when opening or closing.
• The door is too heavy to lift manually.
• The cables are loose or hanging.
• There are gaps in the torsion spring, which should be one continuous piece.

Identifying these signs early is crucial to prevent further damage to your garage door system besides reducing safety risks.

Safety is Always a Top Priority

Replacing garage door springs is not a typical DIY job and for very good reasons. Garage door springs are under immense tension, especially torsion springs, and mishandling them can result in serious injury or even death. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports thousands of garage door-related injuries annually, many of them involving spring repair attempts.

Unless you have the right tools, training, and expertise, hiring a professional technician is the safest and most efficient way to go.

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DIY vs. Professional Replacement

If there is any doubt about it, next there are the main differences between DIY and professional replacement.

DIY Replacement

Some experienced DIY enthusiasts may consider tackling extension spring replacements. If you are one of those, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Use winding bars (not screwdrivers), locking pliers, and safety glasses.
• Know your spring type and size since improper sizing can lead to uneven lifting or premature failure.
• Follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
• Ensure the garage door is fully open and secured to prevent accidental dropping during replacement.

However, DIY replacement is not recommended for torsion springs due to the high risk involved. One wrong move with a torsion spring can cause it to unwind violently.

Professional Replacement

Hiring a trained technician ensures:

• Proper diagnosis: A professional can accurately identify if other parts, such as cables or bearings, also need attention.
• Correct spring size and balance: The spring must match your door’s weight and dimensions.
• Warranty protection: Many companies offer warranties on labor and parts, giving peace of mind.

In addition, professional replacement guarantees a safe and fast replacement and that’s why it is worth the cost due to the reliability and peace of mind it provides.

Cost Considerations

The cost of replacing garage door springs varies based on different factors such as the type of spring, door size, and labor rates in your area. On average the costs are:

• Extension springs: from $50 to $100 for parts, which means a total of $150 to $250 including labor.
• Torsion springs: from $75 to $150 for parts, which means a total from $200 to $400 including labor.

If other components like cables, bearings, or rollers need replacing the total price may increase. Make sure to get quotes from multiple service providers and verify all the items included in their pricing.

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When to Replace Both Springs

Most garage doors use a pair of springs. If one breaks, the other is likely close to failure. Replacing both springs at the same time is generally recommended to:

• Maintain balanced tension.
• Prevent future breakdowns.
• Save on labor costs by avoiding a second visit.

Replacing only one spring, on the other hand, can lead to uneven stress on the system and premature wear of the new spring.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Spring Life

While you can’t prevent wear and tear from happening, proper maintenance is crucial to extend your garage door spring’s lifespan and improve overall performance. The best practices to protect them include:

• Lubricate springs every six months with a silicone-based spray or garage door lubricant.
• Inspect for rust or corrosion, which weakens metal springs over time.
• Avoid slamming the door shut, as this increases strain on the springs.
• Schedule annual inspections by a professional to spot early signs of wear.

Proper and regular maintenance not only guarantees the garage door system will last longer but also enhances performance and, overall, safety.

What To Expect From a Garage Door Technician

If you’re hiring a professional, you must make sure he is licensed and insured. In addition, you should establish a clear and defined timeline for the procedure.

Also ask him about the type of springs he will be using, if he is going to replace both springs and, for the future, ask him if he offers emergency services.

It is also important to ask him what’s included in the quote (labor, parts, warranty) Keep in mind that reputable technicians will be transparent about their pricing, parts, and procedures.

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Knowing All You Need to Know Before Replacing your Garage Door Springs

Replacing garage door springs is a job that demands special knowledge and expertise in relation to the equipment, the potential hazards, and the mechanical involved.

Additionally, when living in areas like Port Saint Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Vero Beach, Hobe Sound, Martin County, Saint Lucie County, Indian River County and North Palm Beach in Florida’s Treasure Coast, other factors, like the challenges environmental conditions may pose, should be considered.

While it may be tempting to save money with a DIY approach, the risks of injury and property damage are significant, so before making any decision you should evaluate the type of springs you have, assess your own technical skill and safety knowledge, get estimates from professional repair services and, overall, act immediately since delays can make the situation even worse.

Finally, keep in mind that ensuring your garage door system is properly working is not just about convenience, it’s about safety for your home and your family.