A garage door system’s most crucial component is often the one that gets the least attention: the springs. These powerful parts are responsible for balancing the weight of the door, allowing it to move smoothly up and down. Without properly functioning springs, your garage door becomes a heavy, immovable object, and operating it becomes a dangerous task.
The two main types of springs are extension springs and torsion springs. Extension springs are found above the horizontal tracks, while torsion springs are mounted on a metal bar above the door. Both types are essential to the safe operation of a garage door, but torsion springs are more commonly used in modern systems because they provide better control and last longer.
In our work in the garage door industry, we’ve encountered just about every spring problem there is. From springs that have worn out after years of use to the unexpected snap of a spring during a normal operation, the fact is: garage door springs take a lot of wear and tear. When they break, they can cause significant damage to the door system and even pose safety risks to anyone in the vicinity.
How to Tell When You Need Garage Door Spring Repair
When a garage door spring breaks, the door is often rendered inoperable. If you notice that your door is stuck halfway, or if it won’t open at all, it’s usually an indication that the spring has snapped. A broken spring can also cause the door to come down abruptly or only rise a few inches before falling back down.
There’s also a telltale sign that most people can spot immediately: the loud bang. A broken spring often creates a very loud noise when it snaps. Many homeowners are startled by the sound, thinking there’s an explosion in the house. But that loud noise is simply the spring snapping under the pressure it’s under from the weight of the garage door.
Another sign to look for is an uneven door. If your door is crooked or tilts to one side when it’s being raised or lowered, this may indicate a spring issue. Broken or worn springs can cause the door to become unbalanced, resulting in the door going off track or dragging on the ground.
Why Both Garage Door Springs Need to Be Replaced
On double garage doors, there are usually two springs, one on each side. These springs work together to evenly balance the door’s weight. When one spring breaks, the other spring is often right behind it. This is because both springs have gone through the same number of cycles and have endured the same wear and tear.
That’s why we always recommend replacing both springs at the same time, even if only one has snapped. If you replace only one spring, you’re putting extra strain on the other one, which can cause it to break soon after. Think of it like replacing only one tire on your car, the other one is going to wear out eventually, and it makes more sense to replace both at the same time to ensure balanced, long-lasting performance.
The Importance of Quality Garage Door Springs
Not all springs are created equal. Some companies use lower-quality springs that are only rated for 6,000-8,000 cycles, which may sound like a lot, but a cycle is defined as one complete open-and-close of the door, so 6,000 cycles means the spring could last for about 3-5 years depending on how often the door is used.
At our company, we only use high-quality torsion springs rated for 25,000 cycles, which are four times more durable than the industry standard. These springs come with a 10-year warranty, so you can rest easy knowing your garage door will continue to operate safely for years to come. We know that garage doors are a significant investment, and we want to ensure that the springs we install can handle the weight of the door and the demands of daily use.
What Happens When Springs Aren’t Replaced on Time
Ignoring broken or worn-out springs can lead to serious issues down the line. A garage door that doesn’t have properly functioning springs will put more strain on the motor, potentially causing the garage door opener to break down prematurely. Over time, this can lead to more expensive repairs or even the need to replace the entire garage door system.
Even more concerning is the safety risk. A broken spring can cause the door to fall unexpectedly, and if the door is heavy, it could cause injury or damage to vehicles and other property. That’s why it’s so important to have springs replaced as soon as you notice signs of wear.
Regular Garage Door Maintenance to Extend the Life of Your Springs
Just like with other components of your garage door system, regular maintenance can help extend the life of your garage door springs. During our routine garage door maintenance visits, we inspect the springs for signs of wear and tear, lubricate the parts to ensure smooth operation, and make adjustments as needed. By taking care of your springs now, you’ll save yourself the hassle and cost of a major repair later on.