Don’t Risk Injury: Learn How to Fix Your Garage Door Spring Safely
Garage door springs are essential for the smooth operation of your garage door, bearing the weight and tension every time it opens or closes. Over time, these springs can wear out or break, leading to a potentially dangerous situation. Recognizing the signs of a worn-out spring and understanding its role in your garage door system is vital for any homeowner. Attempting to fix a broken garage door spring on your own can be risky. Without the right tools and knowledge, you could easily injure yourself. That’s why relying on a professional garage door repair service is essential. These experts have the experience and equipment to safely repair or replace your springs, ensuring your garage door continues to function correctly. Regular maintenance and timely repairs keep your garage door in good working order and protect your home’s security. Don’t risk injury or further damage—let the professionals handle the repair so you can know your garage door is safe and reliable. Types of Garage Door Springs Garage door springs are a crucial part of your garage door system, helping to lift and lower the door smoothly. There are two primary types of garage door springs: Torsion Springs Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door and work by twisting as the door opens and closes. These springs are known for their durability and can last long with proper maintenance. They provide a steady and balanced movement, making them a popular choice for many garage doors. Extension Springs Extension springs are located on either side of the garage door and stretch out when the door is in operation. These springs are usually more affordable but may require more frequent maintenance. They work by extending and contracting to help lift the garage door. Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring Recognizing the signs of a broken or failing garage door spring is essential for homeowners who want to address the issue before it becomes a more severe problem. Some typical signs of a broken garage door spring include: Loud Bang One key sign of a broken garage door spring is a loud bang or noise coming from your garage. This noise occurs when the spring snaps under tension, indicating that your garage door spring needs immediate attention. Garage Door Won’t Open or Close If your garage door suddenly refuses to open or close, a broken garage door spring is likely the problem. Since the springs do most of the heavy lifting, a broken spring can prevent the door from moving, making it essential to get a professional garage door repair service involved. Uneven Garage Door Movement Uneven or jerky movement when opening or closing your garage door is a sign that your garage door spring might be broken. The springs work together to lift the door evenly, so the door can become misaligned when one breaks. Visible Gaps in the Garage Door Spring Check the springs above your garage door for any visible gaps or breaks. A broken garage door spring will have noticeable gaps, signaling it’s time to call a garage door repair expert. Garage Door Feels Heavy If your garage door feels unusually heavy when you try to lift it manually, it’s a strong sign of a broken garage door spring. The spring helps balance the door’s weight, so without it, lifting the door becomes much more complicated. Cables Hanging Loose on the Garage Door Sometimes, when a garage door spring breaks, the cables attached to the door may come loose or hang down. This is a clear sign that your garage door spring is broken and needs to be repaired or replaced immediately. Safety Precautions Before Starting the Repair Garage door spring repair can be dangerous, as the springs are under significant tension and can pose a severe risk of injury if not handled properly. Before attempting any repairs, homeowners should take the following safety precautions: Tools Needed for Garage Door Spring Repair Repairing a garage door spring requires a specific set of tools and equipment. The following items are typically needed for the job: Step 1: Releasing Tension from the Garage Door The first step in repairing a broken garage door spring is to release the tension from the door. This can be dangerous, as the springs are under significant stress and can unwind rapidly if not appropriately handled. To release the tension, follow these steps: Step 2: Removing the Broken Spring With the tension released from the garage door, the next step is to remove the broken spring. This process will vary depending on the type of spring used in the door system. For torsion springs For extension springs Step 3: Choosing and Installing a New Spring After the broken spring is removed, the next step is to select and install a replacement. It is essential to ensure the new spring is the correct size, strength, and type for the specific new garage door system. When selecting a replacement spring, keep the following factors in mind: Once the appropriate replacement spring has been obtained, follow these steps to install it: Step 4: Reattaching the Garage Door With the new spring installed, the next step is to reattach the garage door to the system. This process will vary depending on the specific door and hardware configuration but generally involves the following steps: Step 5: Testing the Garage Door The final step in the garage door spring repair process is to test the system to ensure it functions properly and thoroughly. This includes: Mistakes to Avoid During Garage Door Spring Repair While garage door spring repair can be manageable for many homeowners, several common mistakes should be avoided to ensure a successful and safe outcome. These include: When to Get a Professional for Garage Door Spring Repair While many homeowners may be capable of tackling a garage door spring repair independently, there are certain circumstances where hiring a professional garage door technician may be advisable. These include: FAQs On How To Fix A Garage Door Spring Is it possible to