2024-02-15 7 min read Garage Door Avalon Team
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. These powerful components do the heavy lifting—literally—making it possible for your door to open and close smoothly. Understanding how they work and recognizing when they need replacement can save you from inconvenient breakdowns and potential safety hazards.
Your garage door can weigh anywhere from 150 to 400+ pounds. Without springs to counterbalance this weight, operating the door would be nearly impossible. There are two main types of garage door springs:
Located above the door opening on a metal shaft, torsion springs store energy by twisting. When you open the door, the springs unwind and release stored energy to help lift the door. When closing, the springs wind up again, creating the resistance that prevents the door from crashing down.
Torsion springs are the preferred choice for most modern garage doors because they: - Provide smoother, more controlled operation - Last longer than extension springs - Are safer (no exposed springs on either side) - Offer better balance for heavier doors
These springs are mounted on either side of the door, parallel to the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract as the door moves. While less expensive than torsion springs, extension springs: - Have a shorter lifespan - Can pose safety risks if they break (should have safety cables) - May cause uneven door movement - Are being phased out in favor of torsion systems
Garage door springs don't last forever. Most are rated for about 10,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and close). For a typical household, this translates to 7-10 years of use. Here are signs your springs may need replacement:
If your door struggles to open or stops partway, the springs may be worn or broken. The opener motor isn't designed to lift the full weight of the door—it relies on springs for most of the lifting.
A broken torsion spring will have a visible gap in the coils, usually 1-2 inches wide. This is the most obvious sign of spring failure.
When springs lose tension or break, they can't control the door's descent. A door that crashes down or closes faster than normal indicates spring problems.
If one spring weakens or breaks while the other remains intact, the door will tilt to one side. This uneven appearance is a clear warning sign.
A breaking spring often produces a loud bang—like a firecracker going off. If you hear this sound, don't attempt to operate the door until it's been inspected.
Springs that are wearing out may cause the door to move unevenly or jerkily rather than smoothly.
We can't emphasize this enough: garage door spring replacement is dangerous and should only be performed by trained professionals. Here's why:
Torsion springs are under tremendous tension—enough to cause serious injury or death if mishandled. Even extension springs store significant energy and can cause harm if they snap while under load.
Proper spring replacement requires specific tools, including winding bars, that most homeowners don't have. Using improvised tools dramatically increases the risk of injury.
Springs must be precisely calibrated to the door's weight and size. Incorrect spring tension leads to: - Poor door balance - Strain on the opener - Premature spring failure - Potential safety hazards
Improper installation can damage other door components, turning a routine spring replacement into a much more expensive repair.
When you call Garage Door Avalon for spring replacement, here's what to expect:
1. Safety Assessment: We'll assess the situation and ensure it's safe to proceed 2. Tension Release: Carefully releasing any remaining tension in the old springs 3. Old Spring Removal: Safely removing the worn or broken springs 4. Proper Sizing: Selecting the correct springs for your specific door 5. Installation: Installing new springs with precise calibration 6. Balance Testing: Ensuring the door is properly balanced 7. Safety Testing: Verifying all safety features work correctly 8. Cleanup: Removing old springs and leaving your garage clean
While springs will eventually wear out, proper maintenance can extend their lifespan:
- Regular lubrication: Apply garage door lubricant to springs every few months - Balance checks: Have your door balanced annually - Prompt repairs: Address minor issues before they stress the springs - Quality springs: When replacement is needed, opt for higher-quality springs with longer cycle ratings
Since springs typically last 7-10 years, it's wise to budget for eventual replacement. Some homeowners choose to replace both springs when one fails, even if the other appears functional. This approach: - Ensures even door operation - Prevents a second service call when the other spring fails - Provides peace of mind with matching components
At Garage Door Avalon, we understand that spring failures rarely happen at convenient times. That's why we offer emergency service for broken springs. A broken spring leaves your garage door inoperable, which can be a major inconvenience and security concern.
If you suspect your springs are failing or have already broken, don't try to operate the door. Call us at ${businessInfo.phoneFormatted} for prompt, professional spring replacement service. We'll get your door back in operation quickly and safely.