Broken Garage Door Spring Repair or Replacement
The springs are among the most important components of a garage door system — they play a prominent role in the safe, efficient raising and lowering of the door. If your garage door fails to open or close properly when you activate the opener, there’s a good chance a broken spring is the culprit. Springs can wear out over time, especially in heavy-use environments. Broken springs must be repaired or replaced to ensure the appropriate garage door function.
Understanding the Garage Door Spring Types
There are two garage door spring varieties:
- Torsion: Torsion spring systems feature a spring bar mounted on a header installed inside the garage door opening that provides a controlled motion during opening and closing. Torsion springs will last for approximately 15,000-20,000 cycles and produce less wear on the door opener than extension springs.
- Extension: Unlike torsion springs, extension springs expand fully during door opening or closing. Although they are generally less expensive than torsion springs, they also have a shorter lifespan — approximately 10,000 cycles. Extension springs also have more moving parts and often require more frequent maintenance and repair service.
Telltale Signs of Broken Garage Door Springs
How can you tell if you need a broken spring repair or replacement? Check for the following signs:
- Door stops while opening: If your garage door only goes up a few inches and then stops, this often indicates the activation of a built-safety feature that goes into effect when a spring isn’t working properly.
- Loud noise: When a spring breaks, the release of built-up tension often produces a loud “bang” that may sound like your garage door was struck with a heavy object or that someone is trying to break in.
- Bent garage door: Attempting to open a garage door with a broken spring can cause the top section of the door to bend.
- Closes too fast: A broken spring can create an imbalance that can cause the door to fall faster than normal during closing.
- Crooked opening/closing: Most garage door systems have one spring on either side of the opening. If one of the springs breaks, the broken side may move in a “herky-jerky” manner, and the door could become stuck in the tracks.
The Risks of a DIY Broken Spring Repair/Replacement
Attempting a broken spring replacement/repair job on your own can be tricky — even dangerous. Garage door springs are wound tightly, which produces a lot of tension. They can snap easily when moved or touched, which can result in a serious injury. We do recommend trying to open the garage door if the spring is broken. The safer option is to enlist the services of a garage door professional to handle a broken spring repair task.
Frequently Asked Questions
When a spring breaks in your garage door, you’ll likely have some immediate questions that we’ll be happy to answer.
Can I replace a broken garage door spring myself?
While you can replace a broken garage door spring yourself, we advise you to call a professional who can safely repair or replace it. Garage door springs operate under significant tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly.
What are the signs that my garage door spring needs repair?
The signs that your garage door spring needs repair include:
- A loud bang from your garage
- Your garage door won’t open
- Your door feels heavy when you manually move it
- There’s a gap in the spring above your door
- The door slams shut when you close it
If you believe your garage door spring has broken, you should stop using your garage door until it has been repaired or replaced. Leave the door in its current position and keep people and vehicles away from it. You should refrain from attempting to lift the door manually or touching the spring, too.
How long does it take to repair a garage door?
Most professional garage door repairs take a few hours, although this can vary depending on:
- The type of repair you need
- The availability of parts
- The equipment that’s available
- The skill and experience of the technician
What’s the difference between torsion springs and extension springs?
The main difference between torsion springs and extension springs is that torsion springs use torque force to operate your garage door, while extension springs use tension. Other differences between torsion springs and extension springs include:
- Location: Extension springs are mounted vertically to the sides of the garage door, while torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the door.
- Safety: Torsion springs are often considered safer than extension springs, since they’re contained within a metal shaft that contains the pieces should the spring break.
- Lifespan: Torsion springs generally have a longer lifespan than extension springs.
At Blankenship, we do not sell extension springs.
Contact Blankenship Garage Doors for Your Broken Spring Replacement Needs in Central Oregon
If your garage door spring broke, you need a broken spring repair or replacement in Central Oregon, contact the garage door pros at Blankenship Garage Doors. Our experienced garage door techs can perform a fast, efficient repair or replacement and have your door working like new in no time. Contact us to schedule a convenient service appointment today!
