That ominous creak, the jerky movement, or the sudden bang—these sounds often signal trouble with your garage door springs. Garage door spring repair is often postponed, but ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive problems. This article discusses garage door spring repair, focusing on the subtle (and obvious) signs of spring failure and how to approach repairs safely and effectively. We’ll cover spring replacement cost and other things only seasoned professionals know.
Understanding Your Garage Door Springs
Garage doors rely on powerful springs to lift and lower their weight. These springs come in two main types: torsion springs, mounted above the door opening, and extension springs, which run along the horizontal tracks.
Torsion springs are generally more powerful and durable but can be dangerous to work with due to high spring tension. Extension springs have safety cables threaded through them to contain the spring if it breaks. Regular inspection and maintenance can extend the life springs of your garage door springs.
5 Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Attention
A well-maintained garage door should operate smoothly and quietly. A simple test can reveal the need for garage door spring repair. If the door doesn’t work correctly after checking and troubleshooting, the springs likely need attention.
Here are five warning signs:
1. The Crooked Door Dilemma
A crooked garage door as it opens or closes often points to a broken spring. This can make it difficult to securely close the door. It can also put additional stress on the opener and other door components. Replacement is often necessary to ensure even tension distribution. Make sure you get the correct springs for your door.
2. Slow and Steady Isn’t Always Winning
A garage door that’s slowing down could indicate weakened springs. The door becomes very difficult for those springs to lift, especially if your door slowly begins to close as well. When one spring is gone, your garage door opener lifts nearly all the weight, causing excess stress.
This can also happen when you lift the door manually. Your opener won’t last, and other parts like gears and rollers may break, impacting repairs cost.
3. Sounds Like a Monster Movie? Check Those Springs.
Unusual noises—loud bangs, creaks, or groans—are frequently linked to spring problems. These sounds indicate it’s probably time for garage door spring repair or replacement. Loud creaks indicate the springs aren’t carrying weight, potentially leading to a major repair.
4. Faster Closing = Trouble Brewing
Springs control the door’s descent. Without adequate counterbalance, it drops too quickly. A rapidly closing garage door is dangerous. You should address this immediately with a professional garage door spring repair. You want to make sure the door will stay open once raised.
5. Visible Damage is an Obvious Indicator
Visible rust, gaps in the coils, or stretched springs are obvious signs of damage. Rust or stretched springs can be seen where extension springs are wound up. While broken springs can occur in single or dual spring setups, dual extension springs are often considered commercial grade for heavier or larger doors.
They are especially important in areas with tilt-up garage doors, and offer important privacy policy protection, as they keep the doors secure. Make sure that whichever door type is yours has the right springs to operate smoothly. In some places, wooden garage doors are preferred, and each door requires the correct springs for opening. If the wrong ones are chosen, you can damage the door. It can make repairs much more expensive.
Garage Door Spring Repair: DIY or Call a Pro?
Garage door springs are under significant tension. Handling them without the right tools and experience can cause severe injury. While some homeowners handle extension spring repairs with safety precautions, torsion springs are better left to experts.
For successful DIY extension spring replacement, order matching spring wire gauges in advance. Make notes and label everything as you go. Take photos, study resources, and use matching springs on both sides for easier future replacement. Disconnect the motor before beginning.
Replacing extension springs yourself can cost $30 to $70, depending on the springs and hardware. Professional repair provides expert assessment and peace of mind regarding your garage door system’s integrity.
Choosing the Right Garage Door Spring Repair Professional
Finding a reliable service professional starts with research. Ask for local recommendations and compare services and reviews. Consider companies specializing in garage doors or those offering comprehensive door repair. For quick support, call a repair company near you.
Consider calling reputable garage door companies such as Superior Overhead Doors.
Garage Door Spring Repair Cost Breakdown
Costs vary based on location, door setup, door cable status and door size. Understanding cost expectations helps avoid surprises. Getting multiple written quotes allows for “apples to apples” comparisons.
Service | Estimated Cost Range |
---|---|
Single Spring Replacement | $100 – $200 |
Double Spring Replacement (Recommended) | $150 – $350 |
Emergency Service Call (after hours, weekends) | $50 – $100 extra |
Spring + Cable Replacement | $175- $450 |
These are estimates. Factors like spring type (torsion vs. extension) and the need for additional parts or services (such as replacing garage door cables) can affect pricing. Try simple DIY fixes before calling a professional.
FAQs about garage door spring repair
How much does it cost to replace the springs on my garage door?
Replacing garage door springs costs $150 to $350 for materials and labor . Replacing both springs simultaneously is generally recommended to distribute weight evenly, and the additional cost is usually minimal.
Can you fix a garage door spring by yourself?
I don’t recommend DIY torsion spring repair due to safety risks. You can sometimes attempt extension spring repair, provided you take safety measures and disconnect your garage door opener. Before you start, consider the cost-benefit of professional support.
Can you manually open a garage door if the spring is broken?
Yes, but it requires significant effort or assistance. Disengage the power garage door opener before attempting manual opening and seek help if needed.
How long does it take to fix a broken garage spring?
Professionals take one to three hours. DIY garage door spring repair takes longer due to lack of specialized training. Professionals may offer waivers on parts and labor during service or warranty periods. Tilt up garage doors sometimes require extra spring tension as a garage door torsion spring works best for those doors. Torsion spring and garage door extension springs require proper installation from trained professionals. Double torsion spring are dangerous to adjust for untrained people. Sometimes the repair company uses specific types of torsion spring and they know how to calculate spring tension to match each garage door. There can be many issues including broken cable, tension on the wrong cable, or the wrong cable connected, especially for replacing springs for tilt up garage doors, so DIY is not advised.
Conclusion
Garage door spring repair should be approached proactively. Noticing early signs prevents bigger issues and costly emergencies. While consulting a professional is recommended, understanding how your springs work helps inform your choices regarding repairs. Research, including multiple written estimates, helps you compare new installation versus repair/replacement costs, as the correct cost will be included in a good estimate. It will save time when replace garage door springs if they match.