The garage door has evolved into an alternative main entrance for many homeowners across the US as it is more convenient to enter their homes after parking their vehicles. Many homeowners are so fond of their garage doors working fine that they forget that their parts, just like those of any machine, are bound to fail and require replacements or repairs sometime in the future. If your garage door has stalled and is inoperable, the most probable cause is a broken or malfunctioned spring. It’s integral to promptly fix the issue and regain the garage door’s functionality by calling a garage door pro near you like Jacob’s Garage Door Repair. This will ensure that your home is secured again in the shortest time possible.
Can Replacing a Garage Door Spring be a DIY Job?
A broken or malfunctioned garage door spring will almost mean a need for replacement. It’s never a good idea to try replacing the spring on your own, and caution should be exercised even when doing inspections on the garage door. The springs, especially the extension types, maybe under high pressure and cause severe injuries to an inexperienced person. Hiring an expert will be the simplest and most efficient way to get your garage door up and running as they are equipped with all the required expertise and tools.
How Much will a Pro Charge for a Garage Door Spring Replacement?
The total cost of replacing your garage door springs will depend on factors such as the garage door size, number of doors, type and number of springs, location, and prevailing labor rates. The overall national cost of replacing both springs in a single-door garage will be anywhere from $190-$350 for a superb job. You might have to pay up to $500 for a multi-door garage.
Tip: If one garage door spring was the cause of the garage door malfunction, it’s highly recommended that you replace both springs simultaneously to maintain optimal balance and boost the longevity of both.
Types of Garage-Door Springs
Garage door springs work by offsetting the door’s heavyweight during the regular opening and closing processes. There are typically two types of springs that you can install in garage doors;
- Torsion Springs: They are located along the metal shaft directly above the garage door opening between two large metal drums on either side. Torsion springs are the most popular and can carry more weight than extension springs. They are also the most durable; they can last between 10,000-20,000 cycles, depending on their use and maintenance.
- Extension Springs: They run parallel to the horizontal door tracks and are located at either end of the garage door. Extension springs make use of kinetic energy and work by simply stretching when the garage door is closed and bouncing back when it’s opening, thus lifting the heavy door. They are long, skinny, and typically have a shorter lifespan than torsion springs. They can last anywhere between 8,000-15,000 cycles, depending on the frequency of use and maintenance.
How to Tell if your Garage Door Spring has Snapped?
Your garage door springs are made to last around 10,000 opening and closing cycles; this could be an equivalent of 8-10 years before a replacement is needed. However, just like the many parts of any moving system, they are prone to wear and tear and may be damaged sooner than the expected time. The good thing is that it’s pretty easy to diagnose a broken or malfunctioning spring. They are also the most likely garage door parts to malfunction. Some of the most crucial signs to watch out for include;
- The garage door is not opening
- The door hauls when opening or closing
- The door crashes down instead of slowly closing
- The door won’t stay up by itself
- The opener motor seems to be working, but the door isn’t moving
- Hearing excessive noises or squeaking when opening or closing the door
- Visible gaps in the springs
- The door goes up slower than usual
Garage door springs are always under constant intense pressure, and anything that may serve to weaken it should be avoided. For instance, if the springs are constantly exposed to moisture, they will rust and quickly wear out, speeding up the need for a replacement. It is recommended that you lubricate them at least once a year with a suitable lubricant to avoid this. You should also avoid buying substandard replacement springs if you’re keen on ensuring their durability.
