Our garage doors are used multiple times a day, often serving as the main entryway to our homes. However, we tend to overlook their importance until something goes wrong. That’s why semi-annual maintenance checks are recommended to keep them in good working condition.
Out of all the problems that can occur with garage doors, a broken spring is one of the most common and serious ones.
Garage door springs are responsible for lifting the heavy weight of the door and keeping it balanced. When a spring breaks, the entire system gets thrown off balance, making it difficult or even impossible to open the door. This can be a major inconvenience and potential safety hazard for homeowners.
This post will explore the causes of a broken garage door spring, what happens when it breaks, and how to handle it. Let’s dive right in:
What Causes a Garage Door Spring to Break?
Garage door springs are under a lot of tension, constantly lifting and lowering the heavy weight of the door. Over time, this repeated stress can cause the spring to wear out and eventually break. The average lifespan of a garage door spring is around 10,000 cycles, which can vary depending on the quality and type of spring used.
Other factors that can contribute to a broken spring include:
- Rust or Corrosion: If the garage door spring is not properly maintained, rust and corrosion can weaken it, making it more susceptible to breakage.
- Extreme Temperatures: Cold weather can cause metal garage door springs to become brittle and more likely to break. On the other hand, hot weather can cause them to expand, putting extra strain on the spring.
- Poor Installation: If the spring is not installed correctly, it can cause unnecessary stress and wear on the spring, leading to breakage. This is why it’s important to hire a professional for garage door installation.
Regular tune-ups and maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your garage door springs and prevent them from breaking prematurely. Lubrication, balancing the tension of the springs, and checking for any signs of wear and tear are all steps professionals will take to keep your garage door functioning smoothly.
How to Identify a Broken Garage Door Spring
There are two types of garage door springs: torsion and extension. Torsion springs are located above the garage door, while extension springs are found on either side of the door. Both types of springs function differently but have the same purpose of counterbalancing the weight of the door.
If either type of garage door spring is broken, you may experience one or more of these signs:
- The Door is Stuck: If your door won’t open or close, broken garage door springs may be the culprit. Without the support of functional garage door springs, the weight of the door can make it difficult to move.
- Loud Noises: If you hear loud popping or banging sounds when opening or closing your garage door, it could be a sign of a broken spring. The sudden release of tension in the garage door spring can cause this noise.
- Uneven Opening and Closing: If one side of your garage door is higher than the other when opening or closing, it could indicate a broken spring. This can cause the door to be crooked and may even damage the tracks over time.
- Visible Damage: If you notice any visible signs of damage, such as gaps or separation in the spring or a loose cable, it’s likely that your garage door spring is broken. I
In any of these scenarios, it’s best to call a professional for garage door spring replacements. Attempting to fix broken garage door springs on your own can be dangerous and should only be done by trained professionals.
Steps to Fix a Broken Garage Door Spring
Although DIY garage door spring repairs may seem like the cost-effective option, it’s important to note that garage door springs are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous to work with. It’s always best to leave the repairs to a professional technician with the necessary tools and experience to avoid injury.
A professional technician will follow these steps to fix a broken garage door spring:
1. Assess the Situation
The first step is for the technician to assess the situation and determine the extent of the damage. They will inspect the garage door and its components – including the garage door opener, springs, cables, rollers, and tracks. This thorough inspection will help them identify any potential underlying issues that may have caused the spring to break.
Next, they will assess which type of spring system is used for your garage door – either torsion or extension. This information will help them determine the best course of action for the garage door spring replacement.
2. Secure the Garage Door
Before starting any repair work, the technician will secure the garage door in place to prevent it from falling or moving unexpectedly. This is done by either clamping the garage door in place or using locking pliers to hold the tension in the spring system.
It’s important to take this precautionary step, as a sudden garage door movement can cause serious injury or damage. Once the door is secured, the technician will then proceed with safely releasing and removing the broken garage door springs.
3. Remove and Replace Broken Spring
The next step is to remove the broken spring from the garage door. This involves unclamping or releasing the tension in the spring system and carefully detaching it from its mounting brackets. The technician will use safety equipment such as gloves and eyewear during this process to protect themselves.
Once the broken spring is removed, the technician will then replace it with a new spring that is the appropriate size and type for your garage door. They will also check and adjust the tension of the spring system to ensure it is in proper working condition. This step requires precision and expertise, as an incorrectly installed or adjusted spring can lead to further issues with your garage door.
4. Test and Tune-Up
Once the new spring is installed and the tension system is properly adjusted, the technician will then test the garage door to ensure it opens and closes smoothly. They may also perform a tune-up of other components, such as rollers, tracks, and hinges, to ensure they are functioning correctly.
If any issues are found during the testing or tune-up process, the technician will address them and make any necessary repairs. This is a crucial step to ensure the safety and functionality of your garage door.
In Need of Garage Door Spring Replacement?
If your garage door spring breaks, the team at Prolift Garage Doors has you covered. Our experienced garage door technicians are ready to provide prompt and professional garage door spring replacements. We understand the inconvenience and potential safety risks associated with a broken garage door spring, and we’re here to address the issue efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our services!