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Need to replace a broken garage door spring? Not sure what exactly you need for your garage? Eden Garage Doors will answer all your questions

Wondering how to detect if your garage door spring is bad?

Eden Garage Doors do carry out routine assessments to identify parts of the door that require repair or replacement. Remember that a broken spring can be a hazard to you, your loved ones and other garage users. Here are some of the signs that warn you of broken door spring:

• An unusually heavy door

An intact spring should effectively lift the weight of the door making it to feel lighter and run smoothly. Contrary, when the door becomes unusually weighty and fails to open, it’s likely that the torsion spring is broken. Call a service provider to ascertain the cause of the problem.

• Loose door cables

Once you realize that your door cables are loose or slack, it’s time to have a professional checking the status of the springs. A majority of garage owners think that loose cables are broken hence needs to be repaired or replaced but the reality is that the springs are not functioning properly. Note that once the springs have no pressure or are broken, the cables slip out becoming loose or sagging. Contact a door repair expert to tightly wound or replace the springs.

• The door won’t open all the way

Though faulty sensors may result to the door opening halfway, broken springs may be a cause too. Broken springs will not effectively lift the weight of the door, making it to open only few inches.

• Crookedly hanging or sagging door

A crookedly hanging or sagging door is a sign of a broken spring. This applies more for the extension springs where by one is functioning well while the other is broken hence lifting only one side of the door.

• Loud noise or jerky door movements

When the spring is unwinding, it produces a loud banging noise difficult to ignore. On the other hand, if you notice some jerky movements when the door is opening is a sign of a broken spring.

Once you’ve identified that your torsion or extension spring is not functioning or worse broken, how do you open the door as you wait for the technician to arrive?

Here are some simple DIY tips:

• Get a helper to assist you in this process. If, you do not have one, please just be patient and wait for the repair man.
• Place two six foot ladders each on either side of the door to keep it open once it’s propped open.
• Get two pry bars that should be inserted on the opposite side of the door at the same time. Here, have your assistance taking part in the process.
• Grab the bottom part of the spray and push it up at the same time. Remember the door is not secured hence do not stand beneath it or over extend at backward as this could lead to serious injuries.
• Check just below the door and locate the vice grips attached to the track. Use the vice grips once the door is in complete open position.
• Move the two ladders in place for the door to rest on them and carefully remove the vice grips. However, it’s advisable to leave the vice grips in place to prevent the door from sliding out of place.

Getting bothered or confused whether it’s dangerous to replace garage door spring?

You’ve got a right to be confused with all the DIY spring replacement or repair steps materials available online. Before you decide to try any of the provided procedures, go through the dangers of DIY spring replacement:

• Wrong door problem diagnosis

Acting on assumptions on what could be wrong with the door can be dangerous. You may end up repairing the symptom but not the root cause of the problem which could be a broken spring. This may make your home vulnerable to intruders.

• Injuries and damage of properties

Handling a broken spring is a dangerous process that entails unwinding the broken spring and installation of the new one. When removing the old spring, you risk having the door slamming down on you or properties such us the car. The new spring may snap and break during installation causing serious body harm and damages.

• Dangers of making it worse

Right intensions coupled with wrong procedures are a recipe to disaster. DIY spring replacement may lead to serious damage of other door parts resulting to need for a major door repair. Always consider hiring a professional for spring replacement.

Just how long do garage door springs last?

Most people would want to prepare adequately for a replacement and avoid the drama. Generally, a spring should have a life span of about 10,000 cycles that are equivalent to about 3-5 years if the door is experiencing excessive traffic and 13 years if opened twice daily. However, whether the door springs live up to lifespan or not depends on the following factors:

• Door springs quality

High quality torsion and extension springs will tend to last more with high door performance compared to the generic or worse poor quality ones.

• Rust

Environmental factors and lack of maintenance may lead to rusting of the spring. Rust corrodes the coils causing increased friction hence premature breaking. Regular lubrication with WD 40 does the magic against rust.

• Excessive pressure

Most people prefer installing a single long spring on their door. This may be economical but it’s likely to shorten the lifespan of the spring. Installation of two torsion springs on either side of the door is highly recommended.

• Frequency of door use

High traffic in and out of the garage beyond the normal usage of the garage twice daily, reduces the lifespan of the spring.

Need to know what are the different types of garage door springs?

Eden Garage doors gives you access to quality varying types of door springs available in the market. Have a look at the major door spring types:

• Torsion springs

Torsion springs are the most commonly used and they use torque to lift the door weight. This basically means that they need to be winded with pressure to perform. The torque which is the twisting force causes the spring to coil or twist on the shaft in order to open or close the door. Contact us to access more types of torsion springs and guide you on the right size and length for your door.

• Extension springs

Extension springs are normally mounted on the upper horizontal tracks located on each side of the door. These springs create a counter balance by extending to lift the weight of the door. They are best for garages with low headroom that cannot accommodate the torsion springs. A right installation process enables the springs to perform well and last long. Call us for assistance.

Do you sometimes wonder whether garage door springs do wear out?

Absolutely they do under go wear and tear just like other movable door parts. It’s important to perform routine checks on the springs in order to notice when they are worn. Some of the symptoms of a worn spring include:

• An undeniable loud banging noise from the door during the opening or closing process.
• A garage door that is sagging or not hanging straight.
• Increasingly resistant door or jerky movements when opening or closing.
• Noticeable gaps on the torsion springs. It’s advisable to get familiar with the anatomy of a torsion spring as it shouldn’t have any gaps. The presence of the gaps is a sign that it’s worn or broken a situation that warrants calling a technician right away.
• The door feels bulky when opening or closing unlike other times.
• Sagging door cables that in normal circumstances should be tightly held in place.

How to prevent garage door springs from becoming worn out?

Though garage doors will go through the normal process of wear and tear, it’s important to know that this can be delayed. Here are ways of preventing the premature spring wear and tear:

• Regular preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance refers to general door servicing. This entails removing of the dirt particles that stick to the grease and clog on the movable parts. After the cleaning of these parts lubrication is done to prevent excessive friction. The same applies to the springs as they should be lubricated using WD40 to prevent friction. Contact a professional at Eden Garage Doors for preventive maintenance.

• Safeguarding against rust

The presence of rust on the springs leads to increased friction and corroding of the coils. Frequent use of the right lubricant on the springs helps in eliminating chances of rust formation. Ensure that you consult an expert before using a lubricant on the springs or any part of the door.

• Right installation process

Improper spring installation may result to premature wear and tear. That’s why DIY installation is highly discouraged. Engage an experienced technician to install the extension or torsion springs on your door.

• Right door spring size and length

Garage doors differ greatly in terms of height and weight depending on the material used in making them. Therefore, each door will require the proper size and length of the spring that can adequately lift its weight. A garage door repair professional can help in choosing the right spring for your door.

Need to know what causes garage door springs to break?

If this has been your question, you’re on the right path as you can easily prolong the lifespan of your spring. Door springs lift the weight of the door when opening or closing. Therefore, it’s easy to guess the number of times the springs have to swing into action depending on the frequency of the door use. Here are some major causes of a broken door spring:

• Frequent use of the door

Normally, a quality spring is designed to last for about 10,000 cycles that are equivalent to 13 years. This becomes a reality if the door is opened and closed twice daily. However, some doors of the garage experience a high traffic hence being opened and closed multiple times in a day. This increases the springs’ rate of wear and tear leading to premature breaking.

• Rust formation

When the accumulation of rust on the door springs continues unchecked, the friction increases and the springs are generally weakened. This eventually leads to shortening of springs’ lifespan.

• Poor door service practices

Though door maintenance should be carried out at least once a year, it’s important to spray the springs with the lubricant. This should be done thrice in a year failure to which shortens the lifespan of the springs.

• Wrong spring length and size

Wrong spring length or size installed on the door will only last for a very short period. To avoid this, engage a technician for spring buying and installation process.

What do garage door springs do? You mean the functions of the door springs?

Well, a garage door can’t function properly without springs. The door springs perform the following roles:

• Maintains the door balance

Whether extension or torsion, it’s vital to have two springs installed on the door each on either side. This helps in balancing the door as its weight is lifted equally and at the same time when opening or closing.

• Guarantees safety

The springs hold the safety cables and the entire door tightly in place such that it doesn’t fall off.

• Ensures high door performance

Garage doors become lighter hence running smoothly and effectively when the springs are functioning properly.

And how long does it take to replace garage door springs?

Well, this will depend on the factors below:

• The quality of springs installed.
• The installation process whether right or wrong.
• Daily garage traffic.
• The right type, size and length of the spring installed for the door.

In a nutshell, a garage door spring is likely to last for about 10,000 cycles or 13 years on a standard daily door use. Call us for more information.

Should I replace both garage door springs?

This is a confusing area for many garage owners as it apparently appears economical to replace one spring. At Eden Garage Doors, we recommend replacing both springs if your door has two and only one is broken. Replacement of two springs brings about the following benefits:

• Eliminates inconveniences as the other spring is likely to break soon after.
• Saves money spent for installation services.
• Enhances your safety and that of your loved ones.
• Improves the performance of your garage door.

Require hiring a repair man and wondering how much does it cost to replace a spring on a garage door?

Replacement fees depend on the following factors:

• The type and condition of the garage door.
• The type of the door springs to be installed.
• Whether you’re replacing one or both springs.
• The distance of the location of the garage from that of the provider.
• The service provider hired to perform the spring replacement.

On average, door springs replaced by a professional is likely to cost anywhere between $200 and $400. Contact Eden Garage Doors for an accurate free quote.