A well-functioning garage depends largely on all its components working seamlessly together. One critical part of this complex mechanism is the garage door spring. When this essential item snaps or malfunctions, it can cause a domino effect of damage. So, how do you fix a garage door spring? This informative guide will walk you through the process, pre-cautions and more!
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are integral to the operation of your garage door. They help balance the weight of the door, making it easier to open and close. The springs last for a specific period, depending on their quality, how much they're used, and how well they're maintained.
There are two main types of garage door springs:
Torsion springs - These are located horizontally above the garage door when it's closed. When you open the door, the springs wind up and store mechanical energy.
Extension springs - These are found on the sides of the garage door or above the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract as the door operates.
Identifying a Broken Garage Door Spring
Before you can fix a garage door spring, you need to identify whether it's broken. Common signs include:
- The garage door doesn't open or only opens a few inches.
- You hear a loud bang from the garage — this could be the spring breaking.
- You see a gap in the torsion spring.
- The door falls quickly when it's lowered, rather than descending gently.
- The door is crooked during operation.
Safety First
When you decide to fix a garage door spring, remember that it can be dangerous due to the tension the springs hold. Ensure that you have the right tools, follow the right steps, and most importantly, prioritize your safety!
How to Fix a Garage Door Spring
Follow these steps to fix your garage door spring:
1. Gather the Necessary Tools
The first step requires collecting all the necessary tools for the job. You will need:
- Winding bars
- A new garage door spring
- An adjustable wrench
- Locking pliers
- A ruler
- A socket wrench
2. Secure the Door
Before you begin working, secure the door using locking pliers or a C-clamp to the track below the lowest door roller. This will prevent it from opening when you release the springs.
3. Unwind the Old Spring
Insert the winding bar into the winding cone's bottom hole and gradually loosen the set screws with your adjustable wrench. Ensure you're standing to the side of the bar to avoid injury in case it slips.
4. Remove the Spring
Remove the bolts and nuts from the central rod bracket and slide the old spring off.
5. Install the New Spring
Slide the new springs onto the rod and be sure that the stationary cone on the replacement spring faces towards the center bracket.
6. Reassemble the Parts
Reattach the cables, and tighten the setscrews on the stationary cones, then wind the springs.
7. Test the Door
After everything is set up, you can test your garage door to ensure it's functioning correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fix Garage Door Spring
How dangerous is it to fix garage door spring on my own?
Fixing a garage door spring on your own can be quite hazardous if you're inexperienced or unaware of the correct procedures. Garage door springs are under tremendous tension, so a mistake could lead to serious injury. It’s recommended to hire professionals to handle the task.
What tools do I need to fix a garage door spring?
Typically, you'll require winding bars to hold the tension of the spring, a set of wrenches, a vice grip to hold the torsion shaft, a file to clean the cones, and possibly new springs. It's important to use the right tools to prevent accidents.
Are there different types of garage door springs?
Yes, there are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are usually used for heavier doors and are located above the garage door when it is closed, while extension springs are lighter, found on the sides of the door, and typically used on smaller doors. The type of spring to be fixed will determine the repair process.
How can I fix a garage door spring that doesn't fully function?
If the garage door spring is not functioning as it should, it might be due to several factors, such as spring wear and tear, spring breakage, improper spring type, or lack of regular maintenance. Once the problem is identified, it can be fixed accordingly.
How long does a garage door spring typically last?
Garage door springs' lifespan typically depends on their quality, but even the best ones wear out over time. On average, a garage door spring might last between 7 to 9 years with normal usage, but frequent usage could shorten this lifespan.
Can I replace ONLY the broken garage door spring, and should I DIY?
Yes, it's possible to replace only the broken spring, but it's often recommended to replace both at the same time if they were installed simultaneously. The other spring likely has the same amount of wear and could break soon. As for DIY, like mentioned before, the process can be dangerous and it's generally safer to hire a professional.
What is the cost to fix a garage door spring?
The cost of fixing a garage door spring can vary based on factors such as the type of spring, the complexity of the repair, and your geographic location. It also depends on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional.
Pros of Fixing Garage Door Spring
Cost-Effective
Short term cost savings
When you fix your garage door spring, you can save money compared to the cost of completely replacing the entire garage door system. Springs usually cost much less than a new garage door system, meaning this can be a very cost-effective solution if the problem with your garage door is just the spring.
Long-term savings
In the long run, regular maintenance and fixing small issues also helps you avoid major unexpected costs. When you keep an eye on the garage door springs and fix any issues promptly, it can greatly extend the life of your garage door system.
Increases home value
Additionally, a well-maintained garage door helps maintain or even increase the value of your home. This could be particularly beneficial if you are planning to sell your house.
Efficient with Time
Quicker solution
Fixing a garage door spring can often be done in just a few hours, whereas replacing the entire door can take significantly longer. This can mean less disruption to your daily life.
Preventive measures
Quick repairs also lead to less downtime of the garage door system, thus preventing the stress of dealing with unexpected breakdowns.
Enhances Safety
Home security
A functional garage door spring is essential for the safety and security of your home. If the spring is not working properly, it could leave your home susceptible to break-ins through the garage.
Prevents accidents
A broken spring can cause the door to fall, thus leading to potential injuries. By fixing the spring, you can prevent such accidents.
Cons of Fixing Garage Door Spring
Risk Involved
Dangerous task
Garage door springs are under a huge amount of tension. Therefore, attempting to fix them without the right knowledge and tools can be very dangerous. It’s quite easy to get injured if something goes wrong during the repair.
Professional Help May be Needed
Requires special tools
Fixing a garage door spring is not a simple task like changing a light bulb. It requires special tools and equipment that many people don't have lying around their homes.
Requires expertise
Even if you have the right tools, you might not have the necessary skills and training to perform the repair safely and effectively. It may require a professional which could increase the cost.
Risk of Improper Installation
May lead to further damages
If the garage door spring isn’t installed correctly, it could cause more damage to your garage door system. This could potentially lead to more expensive repairs or even a complete replacement of your garage door in the worst-case scenario.
Affects door's efficiency
Incorrect installation could also affect how well your garage door functions. If the spring isn't correctly installed, it could potentially cause the door to become unbalanced which could result in the garage door not opening and closing smoothly.
Temporary Solution
May need frequent repairs
While fixing the garage door spring might be a quick solution for the time being, it might not be a long-term fix. If the garage door system is old, it may require frequent repairs which could be both time-consuming and costly in the long run.
Doesn't address root causes
Fixing the spring could also just be treating a symptom of a larger issue with your garage door system. Until the underlying problem is addressed, you might find yourself regularly having to deal with broken springs.
Myths and Misconceptions about Fixing Garage Door Springs
When it comes to fixing garage door springs, there's no shortage of misinformation and misunderstandings. In order to clear the air, let's look into some common myths and misconceptions about fixing garage door springs.
'All Garage Door Springs Are the Same'
Contrary to popular belief, not all garage door springs are created equal. There are primarily two types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are typically mounted directly above the door and they have a shaft running through the middle. When the door is moved, these springs use torque to lift it, hence the name "torsion". They're incredibly durable and provide a balanced lift for the door which adds to the door's longevity.
Extension Springs
Extension springs are mounted on either side of the garage door and they extend when the door is moved. While they provide the necessary tension to lift the door, they're not as balanced as torsion springs and are known to wear out faster and break more frequently.
'Fixing Garage Door Springs Is a DIY Job'
Garage doors springs, particularly torsion springs, are under a significant amount of tension. Improper handling or attempting to fix them without the right tools and knowledge can lead to serious injuries. Although it might seem like a simple task, always call a professional to handle any issues with your garage door springs.
'One Spring Is Enough to Lift the Garage Door'
While it's technically possible for a single spring to lift a garage door, it's not recommended. Having two springs spreads the load evenly, reducing the strain on each individual spring and therefore increasing their lifespan. Plus, if one spring breaks, the other can still function as a backup to prevent the door from suddenly falling.
'Replacing Garage Door Springs Isn’t Necessary'
Just because your garage door is still functional, it doesn't mean the springs don't need to be replaced. Over time, the springs wear out and their performance degrades. Faulty garage door springs can break suddenly, which may cause the door to suddenly drop while opening or closing, leading to potential injuries or property damage.
'All Springs Have the Same Lifespan'
The lifespan of garage door springs can vary widely depending on the type of spring, the weight of the door, the quality of the spring, and the usage of the door. While most springs have a lifespan of about 10,000 cycles, some high-quality springs can last up to 50,000 cycles. It's worth noting that heavily used garage doors may require more frequent spring replacements.
'Cheaper Springs Are Just As Good'
While it might be tempting to opt for cheaper alternatives, it's worth noting that you often get what you pay for when it comes to garage door springs. Cheaper springs are typically made from low-quality materials that are prone to rust and breakage. On the other hand, more expensive springs are usually made from high-quality steel and coated with a corrosion-resistant finish, making them more durable and longer-lasting.
'All Springs Need the Same Maintenance'
Again, this is a huge misconception. The maintenance needed for your garage door springs largely depends on the type of spring and the environmental conditions in your area. For instance, if you live in a humid climate, your springs may be more prone to rust and thus require more frequent lubrication and rust-prevention treatments.
Understanding these myths and misconceptions can help you make informed decisions when it comes to handling issues with your garage door springs, and ensure their efficient functioning and longevity.
Summary
Wrapping up, we can say that knowing how to fix a garage door spring can save you a ton of money and time. This job requires carefulness and attention to detail, so if you're not entirely up to it, consider hiring a pro. You won't need sophisticated equipment, just a decent set of tools and the right replacement spring.
But let's not forget safety - always make sure to disconnect the power, use sturdy ladders and wear protective gear. You don't want to mess around with a damaged garage door spring, as they are under a lot of tension. So, buckle up, do your research, and follow each step methodically. Fixing a garage door spring feels great when done right!
Lastly, remember that while we've been discussing how to fix a garage door spring, it all boils down to maintenance. Regular check-ups, proper lubrication, and timely repairs will keep your garage door in prime functioning condition. You wouldn't want to deal with a broken spring every month, would you? So maintain it right, and you won't have to fix it. Enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done!
About 1A Garage Doors
1A Garage Doors is a family-run business based right out of Sacramento, CA. With a strong emphasis on high-quality, reliable service, we offer the community a comprehensive range of garage door services, from installation to repair - and everything in-between. We bring a personal touch to our work, with a team of highly competent, friendly professionals who are dedicated to elevating standards and exceeding expectations. Serving the Sacramento area for several years, we've earned our reputation as the go-to guys for all your garage door needs. Count on 1A Garage Doors for service that's a cut above the rest!
