Signs of Broken Garage Door Springs: How to Identify Them
Many individuals frequently utilize their garage door more than their front entrance. If you live in Arizona then your garage door may serve as the primary point of entry and exit for your residence, being raised and lowered multiple times throughout each day. Despite this, it is common for people to overlook its significance in their everyday routines. Knowing when to replace your garage door springs is crucial in ensuring your safety with your door.
Imagine waking up one morning to find your garage door refusing to open. You're running late for work and your car is stuck inside. In this frustrating situation, you may start thinking, "Is it possible for me to replace the spring on my garage door?"
Or you may not even know when your springs could be broken. Garage door springs are typically considered broken when there is a gap in the spring like seen below.
Understanding Garage Door Springs: A Brief Overview
Broken garage door springs can be extremely dangerous, leading many homeowners to attempt DIY repairs without realizing the risks involved. Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System indicates that approximately 2,000 individuals sustain injuries from being crushed by garage doors annually.
To avoid becoming a part of that statistics, it is advisable to entrust the repair of your garage door to professionals. However, gaining a basic understanding of the system's mechanics can be beneficial even if you are not personally conducting the repairs.
The garage door spring supports the weight of your garage door, which is about 300 lbs, making it easier to lift. It is the largest moving part of your home, allowing for easy opening during emergencies or power outages.
The weight of your garage door is evenly spread by the spring, helping it move smoothly when opening and closing.
Garage door springs come in two types: torsion and extension. These springs, resembling regular coils, play a crucial role in lifting the garage door. The key difference lies in their operation - while torsion springs twist, extension springs expand and compress to perform their function.
Torsion springs are usually seen coiled around a bar positioned above the garage door, while extension springs are fastened with safety cables and located on either side of the upper track.
Extension springs used to be the go-to choice for many garage doors in the past. However, nowadays, torsion springs are more commonly seen in newer garage door installations. Professionals often advise replacing extension springs with torsion springs when working on older garage doors.
Why Garage Door Springs Matter
Garage door openers rely heavily on springs to function properly. These springs bear the weight of the heavy garage doors, enabling them to be lifted. Whether it's through expansion in the case of extension springs or twisting in torsion springs, these components act as a counterbalance, ensuring smooth operation of the door.
Without these essential springs, the opener would lack the necessary strength to raise the door effectively.
What Causes Garage Door Springs to Break?
1. Rust: Rust formation on garage door springs can significantly shorten their lifespan. The coils' movement can be hindered by rust, leading to increased friction and potential weakening of the springs. Ultimately, this corrosion may cause the coils to break prematurely.
2. Daily Wear and Tear: Garage door springs wear out due to daily use. Most springs last around 10,000 cycles, with each cycle being one full open and close of the door. Although 10,000 cycles may seem like a lot, using the garage door just twice a day can quickly add up. Torsion springs designed to last longer are rated for at least 20,000 cycles. If your garage door doesn't have these extended lifespan springs, be prepared for them to break sooner rather than later.
3. Lack of Proper Maintenance: Garage door springs naturally wear out over time, but regular maintenance can help extend their lifespan. A professional technician will alert you when the springs are nearing the end of their life, preventing unexpected accidents. Spring King Garage Door Service offers routine tune-ups and inspections to keep your garage door functioning smoothly. By lubricating the springs a few times annually and checking the system's balance each season, you can ensure your garage door remains in good working condition.
Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs can break due to various reasons, including frequent use, aging, corrosion, and lack of proper maintenance. It is essential to regularly inspect and maintain your garage door springs to prevent unexpected failures.
If you notice any unusual sounds or see signs of wear and tear on your garage door springs, such as shaky doors, it may be time to seek assistance. Contact Spring King Garage Door Service promptly for guidance on addressing these issues.
Don't forget to lubricate your garage door springs regularly with silicon-based lube at least twice a year. Apply the lube generously on the springs to ensure they move smoothly whenever you use your garage door.
For more tips on how you could prolong the life of your garage doors, you can contact Spring King Garage Door Service for help.
What is the Lifespan of Garage Door Springs?
Garage doors don't last forever - their springs eventually fail when they reach the end of their lifespan. Understanding the life cycle of garage door springs is crucial.
Garage door springs, like other parts, have a limited lifespan with no guarantee on how long they will endure. Depending on factors such as quality, brand, and frequency of use, an average garage door spring may last between 7 to 9 years if it is designed for 10,000 cycles and operated twice daily.
The more your garage door gets used, the shorter its springs will last. If you open and close your garage door more than twice a day, or if it serves other purposes besides just storing your cars, the lifespan of the spring will decrease.
It's crucial not to try repairing a broken garage door spring by yourself.
What Is the Lifespan of Torsion Springs for Garage Doors?
Torsion springs, found in the middle and top of your garage door, play a crucial role in lifting and securing the door. When these springs break, it is essential to seek help from a qualified professional for replacement. Typically, torsion springs have a lifespan of 10,000 to 20,000 cycles, equating to approximately 7 to 12 years of usage. There are also performance springs that will last around 40,000 cycles.
Do Extension Springs Wear Out?
Extension springs work differently from torsion springs as they expand and compress instead of twisting. Their lifespan typically ranges between 15,000 to 20,000 cycles, which is approximately 7 to 12 years of usage.
When Garage Door Springs Break: Understanding the Consequences
When your garage door springs break, you might not realize it until the door stops working. Despite its appearance, the garage door is vulnerable to damage. It serves as the largest moving component in your house.
1. You’ll Hear a Loud Noise: A loud noise from your garage could indicate a broken spring. Even if nothing is visibly amiss, it's important to inspect your garage door for any signs of damage. The sudden unwinding of a spring could be the cause of the noise, often resulting in a loud crash even if the door remains in place.
2. You’ll See a Gap in the Spring: One simple method to recognize a broken spring is by inspecting for any gaps. The springs should be securely wound and connected from one end to the other.
3. You’ll Notice a Bend at the Top of the Door: Seeing the top panel bending when attempting to open the garage door indicates a potential issue with the spring. Broken springs can cause a lack of power from the door opener, making it difficult to lift the weight of the panels.
4. The Garage Door Will Fall Quickly: When a garage door spring is in good condition along with the opener, the door moves smoothly up and down. However, if the spring breaks, the door will either rapidly drop or crash down due to the lack of counterbalance against gravity pulling on the panels.
5. The Door Will Be Crooked: If a garage door spring breaks, the door may still open but will appear crooked as it moves along the track due to uneven weight distribution.
6. There Will Be Loose Cables: When a garage door spring breaks, it can cause a chain reaction of issues. In many cases, the broken spring will cause the cables to become loose. This may result in visibly slack cables hanging from the ceiling.
What is the Average Cost of Replacing Garage Door Springs?
For the safest and most effective spring replacement, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. Typically, the starting price for replacing garage door springs is around $400, covering both parts and labor. Keep in mind that most garage doors are equipped with two springs, requiring simultaneous replacement of both units. It is important to note that you should not go “cheap” on replacing your springs. Many will try and their springs end up breaking soon after replacement.
Find Nearby Repair Services for Your Broken Garage Door Springs
For your safety, avoid trying to repair a broken torsion spring by yourself. Professional help is just a call away. Contact the skilled technicians at Spring King Garage Door Service for expert assistance with garage door spring repair or replacement.
Since 2006, our clients have always prioritized customer satisfaction. We work hard to provide efficient and reliable service for our clients. Our dedication to quality is evident in our Yelp 5-star ratings and Google 5-star reviews
Rest assured, our team is fully insured and bonded, with a spot on the Arizona Registrar of Licensed Contractors. Our technicians undergo thorough training and background checks to ensure top-notch service when you choose us.
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Durable
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24 hours, 7 days a week availability
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We also offer warranties on purchase of garage door springs
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Experienced technicians
Experience Spring King service now! Call us at (602)-695-1527
Take Advantage of Our Spring King Service and Extended Warranties
If you’re in a pinch, don’t worry because Spring King Garage Door Service offers round-the-clock service to address your garage door problems! Just call us at (602)-695-1527.
When you select our services, you gain access to years of experience in installing, fixing, and upkeeping garage doors. Our team comprises fully certified and well-trained technicians capable of safely managing your broken garage door springs. You can relax knowing that we possess the necessary tools to address any torsion spring problem effectively.
Spring King offers long-lasting torsion springs with extended warranties to ensure clients receive the best value for their money. The warranty includes coverage for all labor costs associated with adjusting or replacing the door springs.
For quick and reliable garage door spring repair, reach out to our expert technicians anytime, any day. We are dedicated to providing assistance whenever you need it, ensuring your garage door springs are back in action promptly. Contact us at (602)-695-1527 for immediate 24-hour emergency service.
If you're curious about the expenses for garage door upkeep, dent repairs, or part replacements such as the drum, feel free to reach out to the experts at Spring King. They are ready to assist and steer you in the right direction for your requirements.
