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.
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!
