Tag: garage door spring repair

Having to fix an unstable garage door is no picnic. Your day is thrown off, and there are moments when you feel like there’s no way to get things back on track without breaking the bank. A very significant culprit? Garage door spring. When you open and close your door, these springs take a lot of the strain. Your door could get jammed or even unsafe if they break or wear out. The plus side is that you can fix it or replace it. But the challenge is that how to repair the garage door springs? We will simplify everything for you in this guide. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of repairing and replacing garage door springs, drawing from the expertise of the team at Garage Doors Woodlands TX. We’ll cover the necessary tools, safety precautions, and proper techniques to ensure a successful and safe garage door spring replacement. What Role Does Garage Door Torsion Springs Play?  Garage door torsion springs are the primary components responsible for counterbalancing the weight of your garage door, making it simple to open and close. These springs are typically located above the garage door, and they work by storing and releasing energy as the door moves up and down. When a torsion spring breaks or becomes worn, it can cause the door to become significantly heavier, making it difficult or even impossible to operate manually. This is why it’s crucial to address any issues with garage door spring repair and replacement.  If you don’t fix the issue with these springs, over time, these springs can become worn, stretched, or even break, leading to a variety of issues, such as: Difficulty opening or closing the garage door Uneven or jerky door movement Potential safety hazards if the spring fails completely Remember, identifying the type of spring you have and understanding its function is crucial before attempting any repair or replacement work. What Preparation Do You Need for the Garage Door Repair or Replacement?  Before you begin the process of repairing or replacing your garage door torsion springs, there are a few important steps you should take to ensure your safety and the success of the project. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials To complete this task, you’ll need the following items: Tape measure Winding bars (also known as torsion spring winding rods) Pliers Safety glasses Gloves Replacement torsion springs (the correct size and type for your door) Wrench set (3/8″, 1/2″, 7/16″, 9/16″) Adjustable wrench Safety goggles Gloves Take Measurements Correctly Additionally, you’ll need to measure the existing springs to ensure you order the correct replacement parts. Garage Doors Woodlands TX recommends taking note of the following measurements: Spring length Inside diameter of the spring coil Wire diameter Number of spring turns Accurately measuring the size of your garage door is crucial for ensuring you purchase the correct replacement springs. You’ll need to measure the width and height of the door, as well as the inside diameter of the existing springs. How To Take The Exact Measurement Of The Spring?  To measure the wire diameter of your garage door spring, use a tape measure to check the length of 20 coils and 40 coils. Convert these measurements to decimals (e.g., 4-1/2 inches becomes 4.5). Then divide the measurements by 20 and 40, respectively. If the two results are the same, you’ve got the correct diameter. Next, determine the “hand” (wind direction) of the spring. If the end of the spring is pointing up on the right, it’s a right-hand spring; if it’s on the left, it’s a left-hand spring. Most doors with two springs will have one of each. To measure the broken spring, loosen the setscrews and slide the broken piece to meet the stationary section. Measure the overall length (excluding the cones). What Are Necessary Steps To Replace Or Repair The Garage Door Spring?  The necessary steps for garage door repair and spring replacement are as follows:  Remember that if you are doing it on your own, then follow the safety instructions effectively. However, if you are hiring the professionals, make sure that they follow the instructions given below. 1. Disconnect the Garage Door Opener The first step in the process is to unplug the garage door opener. This will prevent the door from accidentally opening or closing during the repair, which could be extremely dangerous. Next, you’ll need to disconnect the garage door from the opener. This is typically done by pulling the emergency release cord, which will allow you to manually operate the door. 2. Unwind The Torosion Spring (With Safety Measures) Before you start replacing your garage door springs, take safety seriously. First, clamp a pair of locking pliers or a C-clamp to the track just above one of the rollers to prevent the door from suddenly shooting up and causing injury.  When it comes to winding the torsion springs, never use makeshift tools like screwdrivers or pliers. These can easily slip and lead to serious injury. Instead, invest in a proper set of professional winding bars. If your winding cones have a 1/2-inch opening, you can even make your own winding bars using 1/2″ round bar stock from a hardware store. Always set your ladder to the side of the springs, so you’re never directly in front of them when winding or unwinding. Keep the garage door opener disconnected from power, and lock the door in the down position. Wear eye protection and thick gloves throughout the process. Finally, after winding the springs, step off the ladder and move it aside before testing the door balance. Never do this while on the ladder to avoid any accidents. Safety first! 3. Safely Remove The Old Spring  It’s crucial to wear safety glasses and gloves during this step, as the springs can suddenly release and cause serious injury. So, once the springs have been fully unwound, you can remove the old springs from the garage door. Be sure to note the orientation and placement of the existing springs, as

We use our garage doors every day, but most of us don’t think about what makes them work. The springs are key; they help lift and lower the door smoothly. With proper care, garage door springs can last 7 to 12 years, depending on the type. For most of our clients, it worked for 25 years. If your springs snap or lose tension, it can leave your garage door unbalanced, hard to operate, and even unsafe. So, can garage door springs be repaired, or do they need replacement? Let’s take the insight from the experts of Garage Door Woodland Tx.  What to Understand Before Moving Forward There are two main types of garage door springs. The first is extension springs, which run along the sides of the door and help lift it from the bottom. The second is torsion springs, which sit on a bar above the door and work to balance the weight. You really need to look at them and assess whether the damage is minor or excessive.  How long your springs last really depends on how often you use your garage door, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Typically, springs are designed to last about 10,000 cycles—that’s around 10,000 times you open and close the door. In general, you can expect them to last between 7 and 10 years. Some companies offer “lifetime” springs that are supposed to last up to 25,000 cycles or more, and many actually sell springs rated for 29,000 cycles. If you start noticing issues like your garage door not balancing properly or hearing squeaking sounds, that could be a sign the springs are wearing out. It’s a good idea to inspect them once a year for any visible damage, or sooner if you notice anything unusual. When To Repair The Garage Door Spring?  Some people prefer replacing their garage door springs even if there’s just a small crack or signs of wear because they feel the risk is too high if the spring breaks completely. For example, if you have torsion springs above the door, the risk of a serious issue is generally lower. In such cases, you might just need a repair, so it’s a good idea to call a garage door spring repair service near you. Remember that the risks may be higher with other types of springs, like extension springs along the sides of the door, which can make it impossible to open the door if they fail. It’s also common for people to replace the springs on both sides of the door at the same time, especially if they’re dealing with issues like corrosion or damage to the torsion spring. In some cases, if the spring is misaligned but not fully broken, a repair might be enough rather than a full replacement. Cost can also play a role in the decision to repair rather than replace, but keep in mind that while repairing may seem cheaper upfront, replacing the spring may be a more reliable option in the long run. When To Replace The Garage Door Spring?  As we told you before, most of our clients prefer to replace the garage door than repair it. So if you want to replace your garage door spring, focus on the three factors: Is One of Your Garage Door Springs More Worn Out? If you see one spring on your garage door seems more damaged than the other, it’s a sign you might need to replace both. Garage door springs work together to balance the door’s weight, and when one weakens or breaks, the other is likely not far behind. Replacing just one spring can throw off the balance, leading to uneven wear and potential safety hazards. It’s always best to replace both springs at the same time to ensure smooth operation and avoid unexpected issues down the road. How Long Has It Been Since You Replaced Your Garage Door Springs? Like any other part of your garage door system, springs don’t last forever. If your springs are approaching 10 years old, they’re probably close to the end of their lifespan. At this point, replacing them is the smart move because waiting to repair them just delays the inevitable. However, remember that it happens generally, but some people even take their garage door springs to 25 years with proper care and maintenance.  Are You Experiencing Severe Balancing Issues? Your garage door should open and close smoothly and evenly. If one side of the door feels like it’s sagging or not moving as easily as the other, that could be a sign that something’s wrong with the springs. It’s time to call a garage door spring repair and replacement service to assess whether you need a repair or a full replacement. Don’t Take The DIY Risk  It’s really important not to attempt repairing or replacing garage door springs on your own. These springs are under a lot of tension and can be dangerous if mishandled. Trying to do it yourself could lead to serious injuries or worse. Always call in a professional of the Woodlands Garage Door Service​ to handle the job safely. Even though problems can pop up unexpectedly, paying attention to how your garage door is working can help prevent bigger issues. If you start hearing unusual sounds from the springs or notice the door acting weird, don’t wait for a breakdown—get it checked out. Fixing it sooner rather than later can save you money and hassle. If you’re unsure whether your springs need repairs or replacements, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!