A garage door is usually more exposed to harsh outdoor conditions (sunlight, rain, and snow) and gets least attention when it comes maintenance and daily care. This make a garage more vulnerable to damages—amongst broken garage door spring is the most common one.
This guide will help you learn about garage door spring service and repairs to tackle such daunting situations. Let’s understand the regular precautions to avoid garage door broken spring for years to come.
Understanding the type of spring your garage door uses is crucial before attempting any repairs. Here’s a detailed overview:
These springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They store energy through a twisting motion to lift the door and are commonly used in modern systems for their durability and smoother operation. They often require specialized tools, such as winding bars, for adjustments and repair.
Advantages: Longer lifespan, less prone to sudden snapping compared to extension springs.
Signs of Damage: Slow door operation, uneven door movement, or visible rust.
Found on either side of the door tracks, these springs extend and contract to counterbalance the door’s weight. Though more affordable than torsion springs, they are generally less durable and require safety cables to prevent accidents.
Advantages: Simpler to replace for DIY enthusiasts.
Signs of Damage: Stretched coils, frayed safety cables, or imbalanced door movement.
Spotting a broken garage door spring early can save you time, money, and potential injuries. Common symptoms include:
Note: Regularly inspect your springs for signs of wear, including rust, stretching, or inconsistent tension.
Repairing broken garage door springs is dangerous due to the high tension stored in the coils. Prioritize these precautions:
Reminder: Do not wear loose fittings like clothing or jewelry that may be gorged by the parts of the constructions.
Prepare the right tools to streamline the process and enhance safety. Here’s what you’ll need:
Step-by-Step Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement Guide
Close the door and clamp it to the tracks using C-clamps. Double-check the clamps’ placement for stability.
Insert the winding bar into the winding cone and loosen the set screws slowly, one-quarter turn at a time, alternating between holes to prevent sudden unwinding.
After releasing the tension, slide the old spring off the torsion bar. Be mindful of any loose or damaged components like the center bracket or cable drums.
Position the new spring onto the torsion bar, ensuring the wind direction matches the original spring (right-hand or left-hand wound).
Tighten the spring using the winding bars according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Typically, you’ll need 30-36 quarter turns for a standard 7-foot door.
Remove clamps and test the door’s operation manually. Adjust tension if the door doesn’t stay balanced halfway.
Raise the door fully and secure it using C-clamps.
Detach the spring from the hanger bracket and remove the pulley.
Attach the spring to the bracket, ensuring proper alignment. Reassemble the pulley system and reconnect the safety cable.
Remove clamps and test the door for smooth movement. Adjust tension by repositioning the spring hooks if necessary.
Regular upkeep minimizes the risk of getting the garage door spring broken and costly, time-consuming repairs:
Garage door with broken spring disrupts the everyday life. At first, it might seem a simple DIY chore, but in certain situations, it can easily override your limited technical prowess. It is better to take a brief inspection of the damaged garage door components then decide whether to DIY or call professionals for garage door spring replacement near me. Here’re few quick steps to rundown to make the right decision:
Professionals offer not only experience but also warranties for their work, providing peace of mind.
If you’ve a garage attached to your house/property, broken garage door spring is one of the major issue you might face. And frequent damages would add more to your frustration and cost more resources. Following this simple guide you can easily DIY minor fixes and enhance the garage door spring longevity through adequate maintenance or find professionals for garage door spring replacement near me.
But how would find garage door coil spring repair available right now? Well, don’t worry, G Brothers have got you covered with extensive garage door repair services across Lakewood, Colorado. Just give us a ring and we’ll be right at your doorstep.
Q1: Can I replace just one spring?
While it’s possible, replacing both springs ensures balanced operation and prevents uneven wear.
Q2: What’s the lifespan of a garage door spring?
With proper maintenance, torsion springs last 10,000-20,000 cycles, while extension springs last about 7,000-10,000 cycles.
Q3: Are there temporary fixes for a broken spring?
Temporary fixes, such as using vice grips to hold the door open, are unsafe. Always address broken springs with proper replacements.