Broken garage door springs can potentially be dangerous so you shouldn’t attempt to repair or replace them on your own. They are a complex piece of equipment that requires the expertise of a professional to diagnose and repair them.
If your garage door has a broken extension spring, you will need to replace it. You can do this yourself if you are handy and have the right tools, or you can hire a professional.
What Is A Garage Door Spring And Why Is It Important?
The part that helps balance the weight of the garage door and opens and closes it is a garage door spring. Whether the door is being raised manually or with an opener, springs store and release energy. The door can be challenging to operate with a broken garage door spring, which could also stress the opener and present safety risks. To ensure smooth operation, avoid damage to other parts, and improve the overall safety of the garage door system, garage door springs need to be regularly maintained and inspected.
What Is an Extension Spring?
An extension spring is a type of garage door spring that is mounted on both sides of your garage door. These springs are what allow your door to open and close smoothly. Extension springs are under a lot of tension, and if one breaks, it can be very dangerous.
What Is the Difference Between Extension and Torsion Springs?
Your garage door has two springs: a torsion spring above the door and an extension spring on each side. The door is balanced and easy to open and close because of torsion springs.
An extension spring is mounted on either side of your garage door, while a torsion spring is located above the door. Torsion springs help to balance the door and make it easier to open and close.
Torsion springs can be compared to twisting a wet cloth to remove all of the water. That is how they move. Imagine an accordion as an extension spring. Although they do it in distinct ways, they both load and unload to open and close the door.
What Are The Signs Of A Broken Garage Door Spring?
Your garage door’s performance and safety may be affected by a broken spring, which can result in noticeable problems. Signs of a broken spring include:
- Difficulty Opening the Door: Even with the opener, the door seems heavy or won’t rise.
- Loud Bang Noise: When the spring breaks, the abrupt release of tension may cause a snapping sound.
- Door Opens Unevenly: The door may seem crooked or become stuck while opening.
- Visible Gap in the Spring: Torsion or extension springs that are broken may show separation.
- Door Moves Quickly or Slams Shut: the door can fall rapidly instead of lowering smoothly, without proper tension.
Stop using the door if these signs occur and contact a professional to repair or replace the spring promptly and ensure safety.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
A garage door spring breaks for a variety of reasons. Over time, the steel can weaken and snap. If the springs are not properly lubricated, they can also break. And if there is too much weight on the door, the springs can give way.
Is It Safe To Open A Garage Door With A Broken Spring Manually?
Manually opening a garage door with a broken spring isn’t safe. The door is much more difficult to lift and control without the spring, which balances the weight of the door. Because of the added weight and chance of the door dropping suddenly, trying to open the door manually may cause injuries or damage. Using the door without a working spring may result in more harm to the door’s parts. Residential garage door spring repair technicians can properly repair or replace the broken spring.
Why Are Extension Springs Dangerous?
Extension springs are dangerous because they are under a lot of tension. Extension springs coil and uncoil to raise and lower your heavy garage door, so they can be packed with tension and torque. Usually, they snap when they are loaded, which is very dangerous.
When one breaks, it can burst and cause serious injury. Parts can fly around the garage and break items inside your garage, including your windows or windshield. It is important to always keep your fingers and other body parts away from the springs to prevent injury.
How Can I Safely Open My Garage Door If The Spring Is Broken?
Can you open a garage door with a broken spring? It’s really not a good idea but sometimes it’s absolutely necessary. Be careful and follow these specific steps to open it if you must. But it’s better to call an expert to do it safely.
Disconnect the Opener: To unplug the door from the automatic opener, pull the emergency release cord.
Seek Assistance: To safely lift a heavy garage door without a working spring, ask a qualified garage door technician for assistance.
Lift Evenly and Slowly: Using both hands, carefully lift the door from the bottom, and keep it level to avoid jamming or additional damage.
Secure the Door: Use a sturdy support, clamp, or locking device to prevent the door from suddenly falling open once it has been opened.
Until the spring is fixed, avoid operating the door. To avoid injury, have a garage door specialist to take care of it.
How Much Do Extension Springs Cost?
Extension springs typically cost a couple to several hundred dollars. Depending on the size of your door and the type of spring, the price may be higher or lower.
When You Should Replace a Garage Door Spring
If you have a broken extension spring, you will need to replace it as soon as possible. If you try to open your garage door with a broken spring, the door could come crashing down, which could seriously injure someone.
You can open a garage door manually, but garage doors and garage door systems are extremely heavy.
If you use your garage door on a daily basis, the springs are usually good for seven to nine years. However, that timeline varies greatly depending on things like frequency of use, climate, quality of garage door parts, maintenance, etc.
What Should I Do If I Cannot Open The Garage Door With A Broken Spring?
Avoid forcing your garage door open if the spring is broken because it could result in additional damage and safety hazards. If you must know how to open the garage door with a broken spring, detach the door from the opener and check it, then pull the emergency release cable. If the door seems too heavy, don’t proceed. To replace or repair the spring, call a professional Overhead Door expert. Trying to repair or operate the door on your own can be dangerous.
How Can I Prevent Garage Door Spring Problems In The Future?
Garage door spring issues can be prevented with routine maintenance. Plan regular inspections to identify wear and tear like fraying, corrosion, or spring gaps. Periodically lubricate the springs with a lubricant to lower friction and stop rust. Repeated opening and closing might accelerate damage. Make sure cables and tracks are in good working order to maintain the door’s balance. To extend the life of your garage door springs, have a qualified expert visit every six months to address small problems before they become bigger ones.
How Often Should Garage Door Springs Be Replaced?
Depending on their quality, use, and upkeep, garage door springs last about 7 to 12 years. The majority of springs have a 10,000 cycle rating, which is equivalent to a whole door opening and closing. Some springs deteriorate faster and need replacement every 5 to 7 years in homes with heavy garage door use. The lifespan of a spring can increase if it has routine maintenance. If you see indications of wear and tear, call a garage door repair technician to check it out and see if a replacement is needed.
Can I Replace A Broken Garage Door Spring Myself?
Because of the possible risks, it is not advisable to replace a broken garage door spring yourself. Because garage door springs are under a lot of strain, manipulating them incorrectly can cause major harm or more damage. Replacement can be risky and difficult without the proper equipment and knowledge. A qualified expert has the skills and tools necessary to replace the spring safely and ensure proper operation of the door and your garage door system.
How to Replace a Broken Spring
To repair a garage door with a broken spring, you will need tools, proper safety equipment, a ladder, and a lot of know-how. We’ll give you some basic step-by-step instructions here, but you should always conduct your own research and consult with professionals before attempting any repairs on your own.
Also, if you do decide to attempt any sort of garage door repair yourself, make sure to use all of the proper safety equipment and follow instructions very carefully.
- Start by disconnecting the garage door from the opener. This will ensure that the door doesn’t try to open while you are working on it.
- Next, prop up the door with a ladder so that it is level with the ground. You will then be able to remove the old springs and install the new ones.
- Use a socket wrench to loosen the bolts that hold the broken spring in place. Once the bolts are loose, carefully remove the old broken spring. To do this, you will need to disconnect the rod from the brackets that hold the broken spring in place. Once the rod is disconnected, you can remove the brackets and the broken spring.
- Next, you need to install the new extension spring. To do this, you will need to connect the rod to the brackets that will hold the spring in place. Once the rod is connected, you can install the brackets and springs. Make sure to adjust the tension on the new springs so that they are the same as the old ones. If you don’t do this, your door will not open and close properly.
- Finally, reconnect the garage door to the garage door opener and test it out to make sure it is working properly. Test the door using a remote garage door opener at a distance to make sure that you can safely get the garage door open and closed. If everything is working correctly, you can then reinstall the door.
Garage doors, garage door systems, and garage door springs can cause serious bodily harm to you or your loved ones, so this is not a job that should be taken lightly.
Be very careful when working with the broken garage door springs. Remember that a torsion spring or extension spring can be under a lot of pressure. If you are not confident in your abilities, we recommend that you hire professionals to do this job for you, like the ones at Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound. With over 100 years of experience in the garage door industry, they’ll fix your broken garage door right away.
What Tools Are Needed To Replace A Garage Door Spring?
Special tools are needed to replace a garage door spring, like clamps or locking pliers to keep the door in place, a socket and ratchet set to secure bolts, and winding bars to manage spring tension. A measuring tape, drill or screwdriver, and safety gear is needed for safe replacement. Hire a professional to mitigate the risks associated with high-tension springs.
Other Common Garage Door Repair Issues
In addition to broken springs, there are a few other common garage door repair issues that you may run into. These include:
Damaged Panels
Panels can become damaged due to weather damage, normal wear, and tear, or an accident. If your panels are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Noisy Door
If your door is making a lot of noise, it could be due to loose hardware or worn-out parts. It may also be due to the tracks not being properly lubricated.
Door Off Track
This is usually caused by a loose roller or a damaged track. It can also be caused by something blocking the path of the door, such as a piece of debris or a child’s toy.
Opener Issues
If your door opener is not working properly, it could be due to a number of different issues. These include a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, or a problem with the sensors.
If you are having any issues with your garage door, it is best to contact a professional for help. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound is a leading provider of garage door services in the Puget Sound area. We offer a wide range of services, including garage door repair, installation, and maintenance. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Do I Know If My Garage Door Needs A New Spring Or Just An Adjustment?
Determining whether your garage door needs a new spring or just an adjustment depends on what the issue is. If the spring is damaged, has gaps, or shows severe wear like fraying or corrosion, it probably needs replacement. A broken spring may also be the cause of a door that feels heavy or won’t stay open. If the door isn’t closing all the way, is slightly misaligned, or creates faint creaking sounds, adjustment might be enough. The safest way to identify the issue is to have a professional come out to inspect it.
Why You Should Hire a Professional
While you can replace a broken spring yourself, it is generally better to hire a professional for garage door spring replacement. This is because a professional garage door technician has the experience and tools necessary to do the garage door spring replacement correctly and safely. In addition, professionals can also help you troubleshoot any problems that you may have with your garage doors along the way.
Don’t Wait Any Longer to Fix Your Broken Garage Doors!
Garage door springs break for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is simply that they are old and have been used a lot. If you have a broken extension spring, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. If you try to open a garage door with a broken spring, whether that be an extension or torsion spring, it will likely be difficult and dangerous.
While you can replace the spring yourself, it is generally better to hire a professional. This is because professionals have the experience and tools necessary to do the job correctly and safely. In addition, professionals can also help you troubleshoot any problems that you may have with your door.
If your garage door spring is broken, contact Overhead Door today so we can send out one of our professional technicians to evaluate it. Don’t try to do it yourself because it could cause injuries. Our technicians have been repairing garage doors for over 100 years and have the expertise to handle any type of repair or we can replace it for you with a new door. Trust us to get the job done right the first time keeping your satisfaction top of mind.
If you need help finding a professional in your area, contact Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound today for a free garage door spring inspection.
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