Your garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. These tightly wound, high-tension springs bear the heavy load of the door, ensuring it opens and closes smoothly. However, when springs fail, they can cause serious disruptions—and even be dangerous. In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about garage door springs, including their types, common problems, and why professional repairs are essential.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs.
- Torsion Springs: These are mounted horizontally above the garage door and are wound tightly to generate torque. They provide controlled, smooth movement and are often found in modern garage doors.
- Extension Springs: These are located on either side of the door and stretch when the door operates. Extension springs are more common in older garage door systems.
Both types of springs are critical for balancing the door’s weight, ensuring it doesn’t fall suddenly or become too heavy for the opener.
Common Garage Door Spring Issues
Broken Springs
A broken spring is one of the most common issues homeowners face. You might hear a loud bang, similar to a firecracker, when a spring breaks. This happens because the tension in the spring is suddenly released.
👉 Signs of a Broken Spring:
- The door won’t open, or it feels extremely heavy.
- The opener struggles or stops midway.
- Visible gaps in the spring coil.
Worn-Out Springs
Garage door springs have a limited lifespan, usually rated for 10,000 cycles (a cycle is one open and close). Over time, they wear out and lose their tension, making the door less efficient.
👉 Prevention Tip: Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your springs and catch signs of wear before they fail.
Springs Out of Balance
If one spring weakens or breaks, it throws the entire door out of balance. An unbalanced door may not stay open or might close unevenly, putting extra strain on the opener and other components.
👉 Warning: Operating an unbalanced door can damage other parts of the system, leading to costlier repairs.
Rust and Corrosion
Rust can weaken garage door springs, reducing their lifespan. Corrosion often occurs when springs are exposed to moisture or not lubricated regularly.
👉 Prevention Tip: Apply a high-quality lubricant to the springs at least twice a year to prevent rust and keep them operating smoothly.
Why DIY Repairs Are a Bad Idea
Garage door springs are under immense tension, making them extremely dangerous to handle without proper tools and training. Attempting a DIY repair can result in severe injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or worse.
👉 Professional Advantage: Trained technicians have the expertise to replace or repair springs safely, using specialized equipment to handle the high tension. They’ll also ensure the entire system is balanced and functioning properly.
The Cost of Ignoring Spring Issues
Delaying a spring repair can lead to:
- Damage to the opener due to extra strain.
- Misaligned tracks or other mechanical failures.
- Safety hazards, including the door falling unexpectedly.
Addressing spring problems early saves you money and prevents potential accidents.
How We Can Help
At DD Garage Door Repair, we understand how vital springs are to the smooth operation of your garage door. Our experienced technicians provide fast, reliable spring repair and replacement services for residential and commercial doors. Whether it’s a broken spring or a maintenance check, we’re here to help.
Why Choose Us?
- 24/7 emergency services for urgent repairs.
- Serving Langley, Vancouver, Abbotsford, and the entire Lower Mainland.
- Affordable rates with top-quality workmanship.
Call Us for Professional Garage Door Spring Repair
Don’t let a broken spring derail your day. Give us a call at (778) 655-3179, or visit our website at ddgaragedoorrepair.com to schedule your repair.