6 min read
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. These tightly wound metal components do the heavy lifting.literally.counterbalancing the weight of your door so it can open and close smoothly. When springs fail, your garage door becomes nearly impossible to operate. Here's everything you need to know about garage door spring repair.
There are two main types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Most modern garage doors in Colorado Springs use torsion springs, which are mounted above the door and wind up to store energy. Extension springs, found on older doors, are located on either side of the door and stretch to provide lifting force.
Torsion springs are generally preferred because they're safer, last longer, and provide smoother operation. A typical residential garage door uses either one or two torsion springs, depending on the door's weight and size.
How do you know if your garage door springs are failing? Watch for these warning signs:
The door feels heavy: If your door suddenly feels much heavier to lift manually, the springs may be losing tension or partially broken.
The door won't stay open: Springs that can't hold tension will cause your door to fall when partially opened.
Visible damage: Look for gaps in the spring coils, rust, or stretched-out sections.
Loud bang: A broken spring often announces itself with a loud bang.the sound of the spring unwinding suddenly.
Crooked opening: If your door opens unevenly or seems tilted, one spring may have failed while the other is still working.
Garage door springs are under enormous tension.enough to seriously injure or even kill someone if they snap unexpectedly. This is not a DIY project, even for experienced home repair enthusiasts. Here's why:
Extreme danger: Torsion springs store enough energy to cause severe injuries. Without proper tools and training, attempting to repair or replace them is extremely hazardous.
Special tools required: Proper spring replacement requires specialized winding bars, vise grips, and other tools that most homeowners don't have.
Precise calibration: Springs must be wound to exact specifications based on your door's weight. Incorrect tension can damage your door or opener.
Warranty protection: DIY repairs typically void any warranty on your door or opener. Professional service ensures you stay protected.
When you call a professional for spring repair, here's what typically happens:
1. Assessment: The technician inspects your springs and the entire door system to diagnose the problem.
2. Recommendation: They'll explain what repairs are needed and provide a clear quote before any work begins.
3. Safe removal: The technician safely releases the tension from the old springs and removes them.
4. Installation: New springs are installed and wound to the correct tension for your specific door.
5. Testing: The door is tested multiple times to ensure smooth, safe operation.
6. Maintenance: A good technician will also lubricate other components and check for any additional issues.
Spring replacement costs typically range from $150 to $350, depending on:
- The type of springs (torsion vs. extension) - Whether one or both springs need replacement (we recommend replacing both at once) - The size and weight of your door, Emergency vs. scheduled service
While it might be tempting to only replace the broken spring, we strongly recommend replacing both springs at the same time. If one spring has failed, the other is likely near the end of its lifespan too. Replacing both now saves you from another service call in the near future.
Quality garage door springs are rated for 10,000 to 20,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and close). For a typical household using their garage door 2-4 times per day, this translates to about 7-14 years. You can maximize spring lifespan by:
- Regular lubrication: Apply garage door lubricant to springs every 3-6 months. - Balance checks: Have your door's balance checked annually. - Temperature awareness: Springs can become brittle in extreme cold. Avoid excessive use during freezing weather if possible. - Professional maintenance: Annual tune-ups help catch problems early.
If you notice any signs of spring problems, don't wait. Operating a door with failing springs puts additional stress on your opener and other components, potentially causing more damage. And if a spring has already broken, don't attempt to use your door at all.call a professional immediately.
At Garage Door Company Colorado Springs, we offer same-day spring repair service throughout the Pikes Peak region. Our technicians carry springs for most common door sizes on their trucks, so we can often complete repairs in a single visit. Call us today if you suspect spring problems!