When your garage door stops working correctly, one of the most common causes is a broken garage door spring. Replacing a garage door spring can seem like a daunting task, but understanding how to replace a garage door spring properly can help you save money and avoid potential issues down the line. While this job requires caution, it’s something that can be done if you have the right tools and follow the proper steps carefully.
In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about replacing garage door springs. From determining if your garage door springs are damaged to understanding the cost implications and the time it takes to complete the job, this comprehensive guide will ensure you’re well-prepared. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or simply want to be informed before calling a professional, this guide will provide all the essential information on how to replace garage door springs safely and efficiently.
Is Replacing the Garage Door Spring Yourself Safe?
One of the first questions many homeowners ask when dealing with a broken garage door is, “Can I replace the garage door spring myself?” While it is technically possible for a skilled DIY enthusiast to replace garage door springs, the potential risks are significant. Garage door springs are under intense tension and, if handled improperly, can cause serious harm, from severe cuts and fractures to life-threatening injuries.
Understanding the Function of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs—both torsion springs (located above the garage door) and extension springs (along the sides)—are critical components that bear the weight of the garage door. These springs help lift doors that can weigh hundreds of pounds, and the tension stored in them can be released violently if the spring is accidentally broken or disengaged improperly.
What to Consider Before Replacing Garage Door Springs Yourself
- Safety Risks
- The primary concern with replacing garage door springs is the potential for serious injury. Since the springs are tightly wound and carry significant energy, any mistake in unwinding or installing them could lead to dangerous consequences. When the spring is mishandled, it can snap back suddenly, causing severe injuries to your hands, face, or body. In rare cases, accidents can be fatal.
- Furthermore, the garage door itself can be extremely heavy. Without the spring providing the necessary tension to support the door, it can come crashing down unexpectedly. This can damage property, cause injuries, or result in other safety hazards.
- The primary concern with replacing garage door springs is the potential for serious injury. Since the springs are tightly wound and carry significant energy, any mistake in unwinding or installing them could lead to dangerous consequences. When the spring is mishandled, it can snap back suddenly, causing severe injuries to your hands, face, or body. In rare cases, accidents can be fatal.
- Required Tools
- Replacing a garage door spring involves specialized tools designed to handle the high tension of the springs safely. These include:
- Winding bars: These are necessary for adjusting torsion springs.
- Clamps: To keep the door securely in place while you work.
- Sturdy ladder: A stable, non-slip ladder is crucial for accessing the garage door safely.
- Wrenches and sockets: Needed for loosening and tightening bolts and brackets.
- Protective gear: Such as gloves and safety goggles to protect against debris and sharp edges.
- Winding bars: These are necessary for adjusting torsion springs.
- If you lack these specific tools or aren’t familiar with their proper use, attempting to replace the spring yourself can be both difficult and dangerous.
- Replacing a garage door spring involves specialized tools designed to handle the high tension of the springs safely. These include:
- Experience and Skill Level
- Replacing garage door springs is a task best suited for those with mechanical experience or a strong background in DIY garage door repairs. It requires precision and attention to detail. Misaligning the spring or misjudging the tension can lead to operational issues or safety concerns.
- If you have no prior experience with garage door systems or similar mechanical projects, this is not a beginner-level task. Attempting it without the necessary expertise increases the risk of injury or damage to the door. Even seasoned DIYers often leave this task to professionals due to the risks involved.
- Replacing garage door springs is a task best suited for those with mechanical experience or a strong background in DIY garage door repairs. It requires precision and attention to detail. Misaligning the spring or misjudging the tension can lead to operational issues or safety concerns.
- Time and Patience
- Replacing a garage door spring is not a quick task. It requires time, patience, and a clear understanding of each step. Rushing through the job or skipping critical safety checks can increase the danger. A professional, on the other hand, will typically complete the job efficiently and with fewer risks.
- Replacing a garage door spring is not a quick task. It requires time, patience, and a clear understanding of each step. Rushing through the job or skipping critical safety checks can increase the danger. A professional, on the other hand, will typically complete the job efficiently and with fewer risks.
Should You DIY or Hire a Professional?
While the idea of replacing a garage door spring yourself may seem like a cost-saving option, it’s important to weigh the risks against the potential savings. Here are a few considerations:
- Cost vs. Safety
- Hiring a professional typically costs between $200 to $400, depending on the type of spring, labor, and location. While this is an added expense, it ensures the job is done correctly, reducing the risk of injury or damage to the garage door system.
- DIY enthusiasts may spend less on materials, but any mistake could lead to much more costly repairs—or hospital bills. Additionally, if something goes wrong with the replacement, the door may fail to operate, or it may damage the garage door opener or other components, leading to further costs.
- Hiring a professional typically costs between $200 to $400, depending on the type of spring, labor, and location. While this is an added expense, it ensures the job is done correctly, reducing the risk of injury or damage to the garage door system.
- Peace of Mind
- A professional technician brings expertise, experience, and the proper equipment. They will also typically offer warranties on both labor and parts, which adds an extra layer of security.
- By hiring a professional, you can avoid the stress of troubleshooting issues if something goes wrong and the added pressure of ensuring every detail is correctly handled.
- A professional technician brings expertise, experience, and the proper equipment. They will also typically offer warranties on both labor and parts, which adds an extra layer of security.
- Legal and Insurance Considerations
- In some cases, attempting a DIY repair on your garage door might affect any warranties you have on the door or the opener. Additionally, if you injure yourself while attempting the repair, you might not be covered under homeowner’s insurance, leaving you financially liable for any medical bills.
- Professional installation companies are insured, meaning if they make a mistake or cause damage, their insurance will cover it. This provides an extra layer of financial protection.
- In some cases, attempting a DIY repair on your garage door might affect any warranties you have on the door or the opener. Additionally, if you injure yourself while attempting the repair, you might not be covered under homeowner’s insurance, leaving you financially liable for any medical bills.
While it’s possible to replace a garage door spring yourself, it is not without significant risks. The combination of high tension, heavy parts, and specialized tools makes this a potentially dangerous task, particularly for those with little or no experience. Before attempting to replace a garage door spring on your own, carefully consider your comfort level with mechanical tasks, the tools at your disposal, and, most importantly, your safety. For many homeowners, hiring a professional is a safer and more convenient option, ensuring that the job is done efficiently and with minimal risk.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Coil Spring on a Garage Door?
The cost to replace a garage door spring can vary depending on the type of spring, labor, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself. The average cost for replacing a garage door spring ranges between $100 to $300 if you hire a professional, but doing it yourself can significantly lower this cost.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Replacing a Garage Door Spring
- Type of Spring: There are two primary types of garage door springs—torsion springs and extension springs. Torsion springs are more expensive but generally last longer, while extension springs are cheaper but wear out more quickly.
- Labor Costs: If you choose to hire a professional, labor costs can vary by location and the complexity of the job. On average, labor costs range from $100 to $200.
- DIY Costs: If you’re replacing the spring yourself, the cost of the spring alone typically ranges between $30 to $100. Keep in mind that you may need to purchase additional tools if you don’t already own them.
Replacing your garage door spring yourself can save money, but it’s important to factor in the time and effort required, as well as the risks involved. Always weigh the benefits of saving money against the potential dangers.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Garage Door Spring?
The time it takes to replace a garage door spring depends on your experience level and whether you’re working with a torsion or extension spring. On average, replacing a garage door spring can take between 1 to 2 hours for a professional, while a DIYer may take longer, especially if it’s their first time.
Factors That Impact the Time to Replace Garage Door Springs
- Type of Spring: Torsion springs, which are mounted above the garage door, generally take longer to replace than extension springs, which run along the sides of the door.
- Experience Level: If you’re experienced in garage door maintenance, the replacement process will go faster. For those unfamiliar with the process, it may take several hours as you work slowly and carefully.
- Availability of Tools: Having the proper tools on hand can speed up the replacement process. If you need to stop midway to acquire additional tools, this will extend the time required.
Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, it’s important to allocate enough time to complete the replacement safely without rushing.
How to Know If Garage Door Springs Are Bad
Recognizing the signs of a failing garage door spring can help you avoid unexpected issues and costly repairs. When your garage door springs are going bad, there are several warning signs to watch out for.
Common Signs of a Bad Garage Door Spring
- Difficulty Opening the Door: If your garage door is struggling to open, or it feels unusually heavy when you lift it manually, this is a sign that the spring may be worn out or broken.
- Visible Gaps in the Spring: If you notice any gaps in the coils of the torsion spring, this is a clear indication that the spring is broken and needs to be replaced.
- Loud Noise or Bang: When a garage door spring breaks, it often makes a loud banging noise, similar to a gunshot. If you hear this sound, it’s likely that the spring has snapped.
- Door Closes Too Quickly: If your garage door closes faster than usual, it’s a sign that the spring may not be holding enough tension, indicating wear or damage.
- Cables Hanging Loose: Garage doors with extension springs often have cables running along the sides. If these cables are loose, it can indicate that the spring is no longer functioning properly.
Knowing how to recognize these warning signs can help you address issues with your garage door springs before they cause further damage or create safety risks.
How to Replace Garage Door Spring: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re confident in your ability to handle the replacement safely, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to replace garage door spring.
1. Gather Necessary Tools
Before you start, gather all the necessary tools, including:
- Winding bars
- Wrenches
- Clamps
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Socket wrench set
2. Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
To avoid any accidental operation, disconnect the garage door opener. This will ensure that the door doesn’t move while you’re working on it.
3. Secure the Garage Door
Use clamps or locking pliers to secure the garage door in place. You don’t want the door to move or fall while you’re replacing the spring.
4. Release the Tension
If you’re working with torsion springs, use winding bars to release the tension before attempting to remove the springs. This is the most dangerous part of the process, so proceed carefully.
5. Remove the Old Spring
Once the tension is released, you can begin removing the old spring. Be sure to pay attention to how the spring is installed, as this will help guide you when installing the new spring.
6. Install the New Spring
Install the new spring in the same position as the old one, making sure to align it properly. Use the winding bars to add tension to the spring, following the manufacturer’s specifications.
7. Reconnect the Garage Door Opener
After the new spring is installed, reconnect the garage door opener and remove any clamps or pliers you used to secure the door.
8. Test the Door
Test the garage door to ensure that it operates smoothly. If the door is balanced and opens and closes without issue, the replacement was successful.
FAQs About Garage Door Springs
1. How do I know if my garage door springs need replacing?
Signs that your garage door springs may need replacing include difficulty in opening or closing the door, a loud bang when the spring breaks, visible gaps in the spring, or if the door feels unusually heavy when you try to lift it manually.
2. Is it safe to replace garage door springs?
Replacing garage door springs can be dangerous due to the high tension they are under. If not handled correctly, they can cause serious injuries. It’s often recommended to hire a professional to ensure safety.
3. How do you know if coil springs need to be replaced?
You can identify worn or broken coil springs by checking for obvious signs like gaps in the spring, a sagging door, or unusual noises when the garage door is operated. If the door opens unevenly or suddenly closes, the springs may need to be replaced.
4. What causes garage door springs to break?
Garage door springs can break due to normal wear and tear over time, rust, lack of proper maintenance, extreme temperature changes, or poor-quality springs that wear out faster than expected.
5. What does a broken spring on a garage door look like?
A broken garage door spring may have a visible gap in the coils, appear stretched or distorted, or have snapped completely. Often, you’ll hear a loud bang when the spring breaks.
Conclusion
Knowing how to replace garage door spring can help you save money on repairs and prevent further damage to your new garage door system. However, it’s essential to recognize the risks involved and proceed with caution if you decide to tackle the replacement yourself. While DIY replacement is possible, hiring a professional can ensure the job is done safely and correctly, particularly if you lack the experience or tools.
If you’re in need of a garage door spring replacement or any other garage door repair, Trusty Garage Doors is here to help. With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we offer reliable, safe, and affordable services to keep your garage door functioning smoothly.
End Note
Trusty Garage Doors is a reliable and professional source for all your garage door repair and installation needs in Texas. We specialize in long-lasting garage door repairs, ensuring your home remains safe and functional. Whether you need assistance with a garage door spring replacement or a complete garage door repair, we’ve got you covered. Visit our website for more information or contact us today.
Explore our about us page, read customer reviews, or check out our garage door blog for more insights. Have specific questions? Visit our FAQs page or see if we service your area by checking our service areas. For professional garage door repairs in McKinney, garage door services, and garage door spring replacements, trust Trusty Garage Doors to get the job done right.