6 min read Garage Door Maywood Team
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. These powerful components do the heavy lifting.literally.bearing the weight of the door (often 200+ pounds) and making it possible for the opener to move the door with minimal effort. When springs fail, your door becomes inoperable, and understanding why this happens and what to do about it can save you time, money, and frustration.
Garage doors use one of two types of spring systems, each with distinct characteristics and maintenance requirements.
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. When the door closes, the springs wind up, storing energy. When the door opens, the springs unwind, releasing that stored energy to help lift the door. Most residential doors have one or two torsion springs, depending on the door's weight and size.
Torsion springs are preferred for their: - Smooth, controlled operation, Longer lifespan (typically 15,000-20,000 cycles) - Better balance and support, Safer failure mode (they stay on the shaft when they break)
Extension springs are mounted on either side of the door, parallel to the horizontal tracks. They stretch when the door closes and contract when it opens. Extension springs are common on older doors and smaller, lighter doors.
While less expensive than torsion springs, extension springs have drawbacks: - Shorter lifespan (typically 10,000 cycles) - Can become dangerous projectiles if they break without safety cables, Provide less smooth operation, Require more careful balancing
Recognizing the warning signs of failing springs can help you schedule repairs before a complete failure leaves you stranded.
If your door suddenly won't open, or the opener struggles to lift it more than a few inches, a broken spring is likely the cause. The opener alone isn't designed to lift the full weight of the door.it needs properly functioning springs.
A broken torsion spring will have a visible gap of a few inches where the coils have separated. You can usually see this by looking at the spring mounted above the door. If you notice a gap, don't operate the door.call for professional service immediately.
When a torsion spring breaks, it makes a loud bang, similar to a gunshot or firecracker. This sound is caused by the sudden release of stored energy. If you hear this noise, check your springs before attempting to operate the door.
Disconnect your opener and try lifting the door manually. A properly balanced door should feel relatively light (10-15 pounds of effort) and stay open on its own at about waist height. If the door feels extremely heavy or won't stay open, the springs may be failing or improperly adjusted.
Springs that are wearing unevenly or losing tension can cause the door to move jerkily or at an angle. This puts stress on the tracks, rollers, and opener, potentially causing additional damage if not addressed.
While many home repairs can be DIY projects, garage door spring replacement should always be performed by trained professionals. Here's why:
Garage door springs are under tremendous tension.enough to lift hundreds of pounds. If improperly handled, a spring can release this energy suddenly, causing severe injury or death. Professional technicians have the training, tools, and experience to handle springs safely.
Proper spring replacement requires winding bars, specifically sized for the springs, along with clamps, winding cones, and other specialized tools. Using improper tools increases the risk of injury and damage.
Springs must be matched precisely to your door's weight and size. A spring that's too weak will wear out quickly and strain the opener. A spring that's too strong can damage the opener and make the door difficult to control. Professionals can calculate the correct spring specifications and ensure proper balance.
Many garage door manufacturers require professional installation to maintain warranty coverage. DIY repairs may void your warranty, leaving you unprotected if other components fail.
When you call a professional for spring replacement, here's what typically happens:
1. Inspection: The technician will inspect the entire door system, not just the springs 2. Assessment: They'll determine the correct spring specifications for your door 3. Securing the door: The door is clamped in place to prevent movement during repairs 4. Spring removal: Using proper techniques, the old springs are safely removed 5. New spring installation: New springs are installed and properly tensioned 6. Balance adjustment: The door is balanced and tested for smooth operation 7. Safety testing: Auto-reverse and photo-eye sensors are tested 8. Lubrication: All moving parts are lubricated 9. Final inspection: Everything is checked before the technician leaves
While springs will eventually wear out, these practices can maximize their lifespan:
- Regular lubrication: Apply garage door lubricant to springs twice yearly - Balance checks: Have balance adjusted as needed to prevent uneven wear - Timely repairs: Address small issues before they stress the springs - Quality replacements: When springs are replaced, use high-quality components - Upgrade to high-cycle springs: If you use your door frequently, consider springs rated for more cycles
Spring replacement costs vary based on: - Spring type (torsion vs. extension) - Number of springs, Door size and weight, Spring quality (standard vs. high-cycle) - Additional repairs needed
While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, quality springs and professional installation provide better value through longer life and safer operation.
At Garage Door Maywood, our certified technicians perform spring replacements daily. We use only high-quality springs rated for your specific door and back our work with a comprehensive warranty. If you suspect your springs are failing or have already broken, contact us for fast, safe, professional service. We offer same-day emergency service because we know a broken garage door can't wait.