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 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?
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.
Think of torsion springs as twisting a wet rag to get all of the water out. That’s how they move. Think of an extension spring as an accordion. They both load and unload to make it easier to open and close the door, just in different ways.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 you need help finding a professional in your area, contact Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound today for a free garage door spring inspection.
