Broken Garage Door Spring: Expert Tips and Solutions
Experiencing a broken garage door spring can be both highly inconvenient and potentially dangerous. The weight of the garage door, which is supported by the springs, becomes exceedingly difficult to manage without proper assistance. Attempting to manually lift the door or using your garage door opener to force it open while trying to make repairs is strongly discouraged. Due to the heavy weight and tension, this poses a significant risk of serious injury and can damage your garage door opener’s motor.
It is highly advisable to seek professional help to avoid these hazards and ensure the job is done safely and efficiently. Trusty Garage Door Repair offers expert services, providing peace of mind knowing that your garage door will be repaired correctly and safely.
Why You Shouldn't Replace Springs Yourself
Replacing a garage door spring is not a DIY task. While YouTube videos might make it seem straightforward, the reality is far more complex and dangerous. This job requires professional expertise, special tools, and a thorough understanding of proper hand placement and body positioning to avoid serious injuries or damage.
Garage door springs are under immense tension, and mishandling them can lead to severe injuries, such as severed fingers or worse. Even a minor mistake during the replacement process can result in significant harm or costly damage to your property.
Moreover, improper repairs can compromise the functionality and safety of your garage door, leading to further issues down the line. Professional technicians from Trusty Garage Door Repair possess the necessary knowledge and specialized tools to ensure a successful and safe spring replacement.
Instead of risking your safety, trust the experts to handle the job. They have the experience and equipment to perform the task efficiently, your garage door will operate flawlessly and securely, that’s our promise.
Types of Broken Garage Door Springs
There are various types of garage door spring systems, including torsion springs and extension springs.
Torsion Springs
These springs are mounted above the garage door opening on a spring bar/torsion tube, with drums at each end. Cables attach to the bottom bracket of the garage door and wind around the drums as the door opens and closes.
Extension Springs
These springs are mounted on the sides of the garage door and attached to the track through a series of pulleys and cables. Extension springs provide the power to open the garage door while the cable and pulley system do the lifting. Incorrect installation or adjustment can result in unsafe operation.
Other manufacturers, such as Wayne Dalton, use an internal spring system where the spring is inside the spring bar/torsion tube, and the cables wind around plastic drums at the ends. We recommend switching to a standard torsion spring system when replacement is required, as it is more reliable.
Identifying Your Spring System
When it comes to garage door systems, understanding the type of spring mechanism your door uses is crucial for maintenance and safety. One of the advanced systems available is the EZ torque system. This system utilizes standard torsion springs but applies the torsion in a unique way, offering improved performance and safety.
If your garage door is currently equipped with an extension spring system, you have a couple of options. You can either replace the old extension springs with new ones or upgrade to a torsion spring system, which is generally considered safer and more reliable.
Extension springs, while common, pose a significant risk. They are under a lot of tension, and if they break, they can turn into dangerous projectiles. The force released when an extension spring snaps can cause severe property damage, serious injury, or even death.
Upgrading to a torsion spring system, like the EZ torque system, mitigates these risks. Torsion springs work by twisting and storing energy in a much more controlled manner. When they break, they usually stay in place, reducing the risk of injury and damage.
While extension springs are still in use, torsion springs, particularly those in systems like the EZ torque, offer a much safer and more efficient alternative for your garage door mechanism.
Single vs. Two-Spring Systems
Single Spring Systems
Usage
Commonly used by builders for lighter garage doors.
Advantages
Simpler and more cost-effective.
Disadvantages
If the spring breaks, the door becomes inoperable, potentially trapping your vehicle inside the garage.
Two-Spring Systems
Balanced Lifting
Power
Provides more even lifting power, distributing the workload evenly across both springs. This balance makes the door easier to open and close.
Reduced Stress
Significantly reduces stress on other components, including the garage door opener, resulting in less wear and tear and extended lifespan for the entire system.
Safety and Convenience
If one spring breaks, the other can still function, allowing manual operation of the door until repairs are made. This prevents the inconvenience and potential danger of a completely inoperable door.
Maintenance and Replacement
If you already have two or more torsion springs, you can replace only the broken ones or all at once.
It is highly recommended that all springs be replaced simultaneously, as they tend to wear out at similar rates. This ensures that your system remains balanced and functional, avoiding uneven stress and premature wear on new springs.
While single-spring systems may be adequate for lighter doors, two-spring systems offer enhanced performance, safety, and longevity for your garage door. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of all springs will help keep your garage door operating smoothly and safely.
Why Choose Trusty Garage Door Repair?
Trusty Garage Door Repair is an experienced and reliable garage door spring repair and replacement service provider in Plano, TX. Our team of professionals is highly trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of garage door spring repair and replacement. We strive to provide top-notch service and satisfaction to our customers.
Our technicians use the latest tools and technology to ensure quick and efficient repairs. We take extra care when working on garage door springs to ensure safety and prevent further damage. Quality you can trust. We use premium parts and back our work with a guarantee, delivering expert garage door repairs.
Our customer service staff is always available to answer questions or concerns, and we offer 24/7 emergency service to meet your needs promptly. Trusty Garage Door Repair is committed to providing quality repair and replacement services at competitive prices, ensuring customer satisfaction.
For safe, efficient, and reliable garage door spring repairs, choose Trusty Garage Door Repair.