If you’re ready to replace your garage door spring, chances are that you want to get it right the first time.
You want to know what to expect to help you feel confident about the process and delight at the signs of a job well done. Heck! You may even want to see if this is something you can pull off on your own (Hello DIY-ers!)
Springs — these thin but clunky rod-looking metals — hold your door in place, helping it glide with the grace of a ballet dancer. Alas, all good things must come to an end. With time, these springs undergo wear and tear, leading to breakage or poor performance.
When this happens, you think, What components are involved? How do they function? Well, learning the mechanics behind these systems isn’t just about fixing what’s broken — it’s about knowing how to install a new spring in a way that leaves your garage door system safe, efficient, and durable.
At Garage Door Pros, we specialize in these kinds of replacements. But we get asked often a lot of questions on how to safely install a new garage door spring. To provide pointers, we’ve detailed our process and other factors we keep in mind when installing these springs. But first, let’s ace the basics:
The mechanics of your garage door spring
Playing a critical role in lifting and supporting garage doors, garage door springs bear the entire weight of your door, which likely weighs between 90 and 200 kilograms. For this reason, it comes as no surprise that they come with a significant amount of tension.
The energy stored in these springs is huge — handling it awkwardly can cause a sudden, forceful release that may cause your door to come apart. For this reason, you want to run regular maintenance checks and careful repair of garage door springs. This way, they operate smoothly and guarantee the safety of everyone around it.
Whether you have a torsion or extension spring system, these components are under constant pressure, which makes them susceptible to wear over time. A broken or damaged spring can lead to a host of issues, from difficulty in door operation to potential safety hazards.
Types of Garage Door Spring
There are two main types of garage door springs, namely:
- Torsion springs; and
- Extension springs
Torsion springs, which are more commonly used, are mounted horizontally above the garage door. They twist and store energy when the door is closed, and they unwind as the door opens, helping to lift the door’s weight.
Extension springs, on the other hand, are typically positioned on the sides of the garage door, parallel to the tracks. These springs function by stretching when the door is closed, storing energy that is released to assist in opening the door.
Which is better — Torsion or Extortion Springs?
While extension springs are more affordable than torsion springs, they tend to wear out faster and can be more dangerous when they break. On the flip side, Torsion springs are known for their durability, safety, and reliability, making them a preferred choice for many homeowners.
Tell-tale signs that your door spring needs a fix
The complex nature of automated garage doors systems means from time to time, they may require repairs. When this happens, there are some signs to look out for. Oftentimes, these signs require that you call a professional, as there’s a lot that could go terribly wrong if you take to ‘DIY’ fast lane.
They range from unusual noises to difficulty opening or closing, and slow or uneven movement. For instance, once your garage door starts making grinding, squeaking, or banging sounds, you should know that your springs, rollers, or tracks are worn or misaligned.
In the saw way, if your door doesn’t open or close smoothly or gets stuck halfway, which could be due to issues with the tracks, the opener, or the springs, or if it moves slowly or unevenly, this suggests an issue with the motor, springs, or cables.
In addition, your door being off-balance or sagging when partially open is a pointer to possible issues with the springs or cables.
Closing too quickly or slamming shut could tell you more about a broken or worn-out spring than any soothsayer will. If this ever happens, you should keep in mind that it’s best to seek professional help to prevent any accidents or further damage.
Step-by-step Process of Garage Door Spring Replacement/Repair
We’ve put together this guide to provide all you need to replace your garage door spring. Keep in mind, though, that the size, age, weight, and type of your garage door will influence certain aspects of your installation.
Before you proceed, make sure to have the following within your surroundings — they will come in handy at different points in the process:
- Screwdriver/Handheld Power Drill Screwdriver
- Replacement spring
- Tape
- Socket wrenches
- Locking pliers
Ready? Let’s dive right in!
Experiencing garage door troubles? Don’t hesitate to contact us!
STEP 1: Initial assessment
To start with, you want to conduct a thorough inspection of your garage door system, paying special attention to the springs. Look for signs of wear, rust, stretching, or breakage, and determine the appropriate course of action — whether it’s repair or full replacement. This way, you’ll able to identify not only the present issues but any potential problems that could arise in the future.
Our technicians take the time to clearly explain their findings in plain language, ensuring you understand the condition of your springs and any other components that may require attention.
2. Safely remove the spring
If upon inspection, you discover that your springs are worn or broken, you should proceed to safely remove them. This step is critical, as improperly handled springs may cause damage or injury. To ensure safety, first secure the garage door in place to prevent any movement during the spring removal process.
During this process, you want to close the garage door. This will not only lessen the tensions to avoid dangerous movements that may injure you, but also to hold it in place from falling or opening.
We recommend that you use specialized tools to carefully remove the old springs, so you don’t damage other components of the garage door system.
3. Identify + select the right replacement springs
If you’ve determined that your spring needs replacing, you may then select the right one to ensure that your garage door functions properly.
But to do this, you must first take measurements and check the dimensions of your spring to know if you’ll be needing a common extension spring. It is best to check with the garage door manufacturers to learn what options of springs are available to you or work best for your garage doors. Don’t forget to ensure your replacement springs matches the color of your current spring.
Our professionals first measure the old springs to determine the exact specifications needed for replacement, making sure your replacement spring uses the correct spring type, size, and strength.
4. Disconnect existing springs (and pre-installment measures)
Disconnect the existing spring and the garage door opener to remove the remaining tension on the springs. This is where your tape comes in handy; use it to mark where the pulley is placed so you know exactly where to re-install your garage door opener.
When the door is in an upright position, you may then carefully place a 2X4 board below the door track to give it some support. This way, the weight is evenly spread and there is room for you to carry out the installation without fear of injury.
5. Installing New Springs
While this looks easy on the eye, it entails a delicate balancing act that is best left to the skilful application of experts. When our technicians install the new springs, we also ensure that the tension is well spread around the door.
This requires a lot of precision. At the same time, it guarantees smooth door operation and prevents premature wear. Also, make sure to lubricate all moving parts — including the new springs to reduce friction and extend its lifespan.
6. Test, Adjust and run safety checks
After installation, we thoroughly test the door’s operation, making any necessary adjustments to ensure it opens and closes smoothly and evenly. If you work with us, rest assured knowing that we perform a final inspection, checking all components for proper function and ensuring all safety features are working correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While we have nothing against DIY-ing, you must understand that Garage door springs, due to their high tension, may cause injuries to you or the garage door system if not handled expertly. It is for this reason that professional technicians are trained to face these occupational hazards using the necessary safety equipment, skills, and experience to perform this task safely.
Here’s our advice: Let a professional handle it the first time and watch them replace it. This way, you learn enough to handle it on your own the next time.
A ballpark estimation would suggest that our technicians can complete an extension spring replacement in 1-2 hours and around 2-4 hours if installing a torsion spring. However, the exact time may vary depending on the garage door’s complexity and any additional maintenance measures we may need to carry out.
Technically speaking, it is not a safe practice to open a garage door with a broken spring. The dangers in doing so may cause even further damage to your garage door or its components. It’s best to keep the door closed and call a professional for a replacement.
The wear and tear on Garage Doors slow down when properly installed. But on the average, garage door springs last 7-9 years or about 10,000 cycles (open/close operations). Keep in mind, however, that the ultimate deciding factor is how often you use the door (so, if you use your garage door as a front door, you can expect that it has a shorter lifespan than if you use it as a back door). Environmental factors also play a role, as well as how often you maintain it.
The cost depends on the type of springs, door size, and any additional maintenance activity. If you ever need a breakdown of the cost/pricing, rest assured knowing that we provide upfront pricing after our initial assessment to ensure transparency.
Not a good idea, we may add. It doesn’t matter if only one snaps, because you have to replace both anyway. Replacing just one could cause an extra strain on the other — which could make the other, due to the added pressure, snap earlier than it ought to. This ends up with you having to replace both. On the other hand, replacing both gives your garage door a more balanced operation and prevents the newer spring from being unevenly weighted.
Need help? Contact us
At Garage Door Pros, our expert technicians are equipped to handle all your garage door spring needs with minimum fuss.
Remember, regular maintenance can not only prevent random breakdowns but also extend your garage door’s life span.
Got any concerns?
Want to schedule a service?
Don’t hesitate to contact us!
