Your garage door’s springs are key to smooth, balanced operation, providing seamless access to your abode. These springs, be they in the form of torsion springs or extension springs, bear the door’s weight and assist in opening and closing. Over time, and especially without regular professional maintenance, they may wear out, break, slip, or sustain damage, potentially causing additional problems with your garage door.
What are the types of garage door springs?
Garage doors are typically lifted by one of two types of springs: torsion springs or extension springs.
Torsion springs
Garage door torsion springs are typically installed on support structures above the garage door opening. They function by twisting and storing energy as the door closes. As the door is opened, the door’s torsion springs unwind, releasing the stored energy and helping lift the door.
Torsion springs are typically used for heavier doors, such as those made of wood or larger ones with an overhang design. These springs also tend to be more durable than extension springs, as they need to carry tension loads for extended periods of time. Hence, torsion springs are the most common spring type used for modern garage doors.
Extension springs
Extension springs, on the other hand, are usually installed on both sides of the garage door, just above the tracks. On a garage door system with extension springs, the springs are fully stretched while the door is closed, and the springs contract when the door is opened, providing the necessary lift.
Extension springs are often used for lighter doors, such as single-panel or aluminum doors. Since they’re not subject to heavier constant loads, extension springs are generally more affordable but have a shorter lifespan than torsion springs, especially with heavier usage.
Both types of springs serve the same purpose: to balance the garage door and prevent the garage door opener from working too hard. Regular maintenance and spring replacement are crucial to ensuring the springs continue functioning properly, as damaged or worn-out springs can result in a malfunctioning door and safety hazards.
Signs its time to replace a garage door spring
If your garage door is having trouble moving, worn or broken garage door springs are often the culprit. Catching the signs early can prevent costly damage and save you money on repairs.
Here are seven common signs that your door springs are due for a garage door spring replacement.
The garage door won’t open or close easily
One of the clearest signs that your garage door springs need replacement is when the door struggles to open and/or close. You might also notice that the door only opens partially or comes to a sudden halt during operation. These issues are likely because the springs are worn out or damaged. The torsion springs or extension springs carry the door and provide the necessary pull for the door opener to move it. When they are no longer able to support the door’s mass due to wear, the door will not operate as smoothly.
When any of these issues occur, it’s advised to stop using the door and schedule a garage door spring replacement immediately to avoid damaging your garage door system further.
The garage door won’t stay open
Another key sign that your garage door springs need to be replaced is when the door won’t stay open or rises only a few inches before quickly falling back down. This issue occurs because the springs are no longer able to maintain the necessary force to hold the door’s weight. The stored energy in the springs is what helps hold the door in place, but when the springs weaken or break, that energy is lost, and the door no longer provides the necessary lift.
In some cases, this problem can be fixed by tightening the springs, but if the springs are old or have been compressed for too long, replacement is the only option. Failing to change the springs promptly could lead to more damage to the garage door opener or other parts of the door system.
There’s visible damage to the springs
It’s easy to spot damaged garage door springs when there are visible signs of wear, such as:
- Cracks or breaks in the metal
- Stretching or uneven length
- Rust and/or corrosion
- Loose springs that are no longer securely wound or attached
If any of these signs are present, it’s likely that the springs have already sustained significant wear and need to be replaced. Torsion springs and extension springs are both vulnerable to rust and corrosion, particularly in environments with high humidity. Rusting or fraying of the springs can lead to complete failure and may cause the door to malfunction. If you notice these signs, call a professional to schedule a garage door spring replacement.
There are loud noises or unusual sounds
Although some noise is normal in a garage door system, especially when it’s operating in cold weather, persistent loud sounds are usually a sign that something is wrong with the springs. These banging, popping, or snapping noises are produced as the metal coils snap or shift under stress, which is a sign that the springs are either losing their structural stability or have already failed. If the sounds are coming from the springs located above the door, it could indicate that the spring is winding or unwinding improperly.
One side of the door is lower than the other
A garage door that isn’t level or has an uneven appearance is a sign that one or more of the garage door springs may be damaged. If one side of the door is lower than the other, you may have a malfunctioning spring on your hands. A broken or malfunctioning spring on one side will cause the door to become unbalanced, resulting in an uneven door opening.
In cases like this, the springs may need to be replaced to make sure the door operates evenly. Continuing to use a misaligned door can put extra stress on various parts of the door system, leading to more significant damage.
The door has trouble closing completely
If your garage door is not closing fully or leaves a gap at the bottom when it shuts, it could be a sign that the springs or cables are worn out and cannot handle the weight properly. A garage door that won’t close all the way can lead to a security risk, as it leaves your garage and home vulnerable to break-ins or pests.
In these cases, it’s important to have the springs replaced, and other parts of the garage door system should be inspected to guarantee they are all functioning properly. Failing to replace a broken spring can worsen the problem and lead to higher repair costs in the future.
The spring tension is off or uneven
Another sign that your garage door springs need replacing is when the tension on the springs feels off. This issue typically happens when there is uneven wear, with one of the springs more worn than the other. Door springs should have equal pull to lift the door evenly. If one spring is significantly weaker or damaged, the door will be unbalanced and harder to lift.
Replacing a garage door spring will typically solve the issue of uneven tension. It’s best to call a professional to handle a job like this, as trying to adjust the tension without proper knowledge and tools can be dangerous.
Why is a DIY spring replacement dangerous?
A DIY spring replacement for your garage door is an inherently dangerous task, and attempting it without professional assistance can lead to serious injury or tragedy. Tension and extension springs are designed to bear the full mass of the door, which can be hundreds of pounds. If these springs are improperly handled, they can release their potential energy suddenly and forcefully, potentially causing the door and its surrounding structure to snap. This can result in severe injuries, such as broken bones, lacerations, or even fatalities.
Additionally, specialized tools and professional knowledge are required to adjust the tension of old springs safely. Without the proper equipment and understanding of how to control the tension, a DIYer risks making the situation worse. Improper installation can lead to the garage door becoming unbalanced, causing additional damage to the door and garage door opener. A poorly installed spring can also damage or place unnecessary strain on other components of the garage door system, leading to more expensive repairs in the long run.
Another risk is the lack of experience in understanding spring size, tension, and alignment. Using the wrong spring size or installing it in the wrong position can cause the door to malfunction or even collapse. DIY replacement also fails to take into account the safety cables, which are designed to catch broken springs and prevent injury. Professionals make sure that these safety mechanisms are put in place properly. For all these reasons, garage door spring replacement is a job best left to experienced, qualified professionals.
Why should you reach out to Rainbow Garage for spring replacement?
Replacing garage door springs requires precision, safety, and expertise — qualities that Rainbow Garage Door Service’s skilled professionals deliver with unmatched efficiency. Our trained technicians have the right tools, experience, and understanding of spring replacement to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.
Additionally, attempting a DIY replacement can lead to costly mistakes. Professional installation saves you time and money, and guarantees that the springs are properly tensioned and installed for safe and smooth operation.
At Rainbow Garage Door Service, we understand the immediate impact of a broken spring, which is why we offer quick and efficient spring replacement services. We also prioritize customer satisfaction and work to hold every service call to the highest standards of professionalism. Our team performs thorough assessments, and we always offer honest advice on whether spring replacement is the best course of action.
By choosing us, you can rest assured that your garage door springs will be replaced safely, professionally, and with minimal disruption. Avoid the risks and complexities of DIY replacement by trusting our experienced technicians.
Don’t wait to replace broken garage door springs
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to think about replacing your garage door springs, as faulty ones can cause serious damage to your door system and pose a safety risk to you and your family. Don’t wait for the situation with your torsion or extension springs to worsen.
Contact us today to schedule professional garage door cable or spring servicing. We’ll effectively take care of your garage door spring replacement so you can enjoy peace of mind.