Are you having problems and need a garage door spring repair? If it’s not over a decade old, you need not worry about replacing the entire door. You may be dealing with a broken or faulty component. One of these is the garage door spring.
Once you’re sure it’s this component, please read the rest of our guide. It will help you understand the process of repairing your garage door springs.
Identify Your Garage Door’s Spring Type
Garage doors need various types of garage door spring replacement. Knowing what type you need plays a significant role in determining the difficulty of the replacement process. The most common types available in the market are extension and torsion springs.
Knowing the garage door brand lets you determine the kind of springs it uses. They’re extension springs if it uses a series of long springs running parallel on either side. They’re usually long and thin and suspended in the air.
A torsion door spring appears thicker compared to its extension counterpart. They sit on a metal rod next to the opening of your garage door.
You’ll see a single piece swinging in the air for old garage doors. If so, check whether you have vertical springs on both sides. These side springs will complement more extension springs in the air.
As for their functions, extension, and torsion springs are similar. They tense up and load when the garage door closes using its weight and gravity. It gives some energy for the door to back up when opening.
The difference is how they store and release energy. Extension springs stretch to keep energy outward. Torsion springs twist as the door lowers. It releases energy when they untwist back to their original direction.
Test Torsion Springs
Torsion springs balance your garage door when they’re in good condition.
It means using equal amounts of force when opening and closing the door. Release the door from the opener when it’s up to test whether the springs are good.
When uncoupled from the opener, the door will move slightly.
It will remain open as long as the springs are in good condition.
It also applies when you close the door halfway, meaning it must stay in the same position.
Identify Worn Extension Springs
Even without checking the garage door opener, it’s easy to identify a worn extension spring. Instead, examine the springs to determine their condition. If the springs have gaps between their coils, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
How to Replace Torsion Springs
Call a professional to understand a torsion spring replacement cost if your garage door needs a replacement. These springs are more dangerous to repair and replace. Working with them is possible if you know what you’re doing.
If you’re not attentive to the process, you may put yourself at risk of injury. The springs store a lot of energy, meaning you must keep it bottled up. Never let it lash out and risk your physical well-being.
Always remember that these springs are tense, regardless of where you are in the process. Once you’re ready, get a winding bar. It’s the necessary tool to twist or untwist the springs, adjusting the torsion amount.
You’ll see a winding cone at each end of the spring. Fit the winding bar there and twist the entire spring. You must turn the bar slowly while pressing them against the door to release the spring.
Keep the garage door closed while replacing the torsion springs. In most cases, garage doors have two torsion springs. If only one torsion spring breaks, you need to replace that one.
Wind the new springs up after unwinding and removing the springs from the door. Place them on the same part of the door to finish the process. Doing this allows your door to meet the safety standards meant for them.
How to Replace Extension Springs
An expert garage door company often considers extension springs easier to replace. You need not deal with dangerous tension when removing or replacing them. After opening the door, the springs lose the majority of their tension.
This makes it safer for you to work with. Secure the springs with clamps when you open the door and start working on them. That way, they won’t slide down.
Disconnect the springs from other components like the garage door cable, brackets, and pulleys. Once done, install the new springs.
Attach them to the safety cable and pulley to finish the repair process.
Should You Replace Your Garage Door Springs?
If you’re not experienced in garage door spring replacement, it’s better to call experts. Without the proper training or expertise, you risk your safety. Here are some reasons not to do it on your own:
1. Torsion Spring Dangers
As said above, torsion springs are dangerous to deal with. You might release the tension if you don’t use the right tools to remove the spring. This event can injure you, with the average garage door weighing between 200 and 500 pounds.
2,000 Americans get injured each year while repairing garage door springs and cables. Avoid broken fingers and lacerations as the springs uncoil. Paying a few hundred dollars to replace your garage door spring is cheaper.
2. Incorrect Garage Door Springs
Sometimes, examining your garage door isn’t enough to determine your spring type. Some experienced professionals feel challenged when picking the correct springs. Regardless, they have the proper measurements and equipment to find out.
Springs can vary in diameter, weight, and strength even with the same length. If you use the wrong parts, you’ll risk putting too much tension on the springs. It makes them wear out faster, causing your door to break or fall.
Don’t risk yourself if you can’t tell the difference between various springs except for the length.
Replace Your Worn Garage Door Spring
DIY Garage door replacement is best if you have training and experience. The same goes when replacing or repairing your garage door spring. Don’t risk your safety to save a few bucks.
Instead, why not call in some garage door experts like us? Request garage door repair as your first step.
