If you notice that your garage door is sagging or won’t open properly, your spring might be broken. Then you have two options: call a professional or try to repair it yourself.
Replacing a spring can be dangerous, so it’s best to leave this task to the pros. Read on to learn more about why replacing your garage door springs isn’t always a good idea and how you can avoid common mistakes when working with these components.
Cost
Garage doors springs wear out after thousands of times raising and lowering your garage door. Once they do, you’ll need to replace them.
The cost to repair broken garage doors springs depends on a few factors. The type of spring and the labor required will impact the price.
Torsion springs are the most dangerous to replace because they remain under pressure and are prone to snapping, especially if you don’t know how to handle them. Typically, you’ll pay between $75 and $150 to replace each unit.
Extension springs are cheaper than torsion springs, but they have more exposed parts that can be damaged. They’re rated for 8,000 to 15,000 cycles, which means they’ll last 7 to 12 years before they need replacing.
The number of garage doors and the size will also influence the price. If you have a large garage with multiple doors, it’s best to replace all the springs at once. This will help to keep the balance of your garage door and prevent it from breaking again.
Time
Garage door springs are a complex system that is under constant pressure to lift heavy doors. This makes it very difficult to repair them without the necessary skills and expertise.
The best way to determine if your garage door needs repair is by listening for signs that it might be about to break down. If you notice a squeaking or loud garage door, call a professional as soon as possible.
Besides the obvious, you can also look for signs that your garage door springs may need replacement. Moisture can weaken a spring by causing rust and corrosion.
To prevent this from happening, lubricate your springs at least once per year with a silicone-based lubricant or WD-40 White Lithium Grease. Keeping them lubricated will help your springs last longer and reduce the amount of wear they receive.
Safety
When your garage door springs break, it can have serious consequences for both your safety and property. This is why it’s so important to take steps to ensure that your garage doors are operating properly and safely.
When it comes to garage doors, springs are one of the most vital components because they help to lift and lower the door. These heavy springs can weigh as much as 400 pounds, so it’s essential to make sure that you take your garage door’s safety seriously.
To avoid any potential injuries, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced technician to perform the repair. This will ensure that everything is done in a safe manner, so you can enjoy the benefits of your garage door without worrying about injury or damage.
Preparation
Garage doors spring repair is a relatively easy task for a skilled DIYer, but the process requires careful consideration and the right tools. Working with springs under tension is dangerous and should be avoided by anyone who does not have extensive DIY or professional experience.
The first step is to gather all the necessary tools for the job. These include two or more 10-inch vise grips, an adjustable wrench, and a set of winding bars.
Measure the length of your old springs, and be sure to order the correct size. If you order incorrect springs, it can be difficult to fit them properly, and your door may not function as it should.
Use the winding bar to alternately wind both springs into each of the holes on the winding cone. The springs should gradually unwind over several downward one-quarter turn revolutions until no more force is required to open your garage door.