Common Signs of a Broken Spring
Most of the time, you’ll notice damaged springs only when your garage door stops working. However, here are other signs of broken garage door springs:
- Loud Noise: A sudden, crashing sound from unwinding springs, even if the door hasn’t fallen.
- Rapid Fall: The door falls quickly due to a lack of counterbalance for gravity’s pull.
- Bent Door Panel: A bend at the top of the door, indicating a broken spring.
- Loose Cable: Slack cables may hang from the ceiling, signaling spring issues.
- Visible Gap: A gap in the spring, as springs should be tightly wound and connected end-to-end.
- Crooked Movement: The door moves unevenly along the track, even if it opens.
Recognizing these signs early can help prevent further damage.
Why Did My Garage Door’s Spring Break?
There are several reasons why a garage door coil spring may break, but the most likely culprit is simply wear-and-tear. All springs have a life-cyle, the number of times a door can open and close before the spring reaches the end of its life. Each open and close is one cycle; with use the spring will age and it will eventually break. Rusting can also cause a spring to break, as can improper maintenance.
Lifespan of Springs:
- Torsion springs: The Industry Standard is 10,000 cycles
- Extension springs: 10,000 cycles
Maintenance Tips:
- Lubricate garage door springs a few times a year
- Check the door balance every few months by lifting the door manually. If it doesn’t stay balanced in the center of the opening, the springs may need replacement or adjustment.
How long will a 10,000-cycle spring last?
- This will vary based on how often you use the door. If a door is opened and closed 4 times per day you can estimate that your spring will last 7 years.
- For homes with attached garages, the overhead door may be used more frequently than the home’s front door and you will find your springs lasting in the range of 3-5 years.
Identifying the Difference Between Torsion and Extension Springs
To ensure proper maintenance and repair, it is essential to identify the type of spring your garage door uses:
- Torsion Springs: These are installed horizontally above the door opening. Torsion springs consist of one or two tightly wound springs on a steel shaft with cable drums at both ends. When the door operates, the torsion springs wind and unwind, providing a balanced lifting force. They offer a smoother and more controlled operation, reducing the strain on the door opener and other components. Torsion springs are known for their durability and longevity, typically lasting longer than extension springs, making them suitable for heavier garage doors.
- Extension Springs: These are positioned on either side of the door, parallel to the horizontal tracks. Extension springs stretch when the door is closed and contract when it is opened, providing the necessary tension to lift the door. Each extension spring is connected to the door through a system of pulleys and cables. Most professionals prefer torsion springs, however, extension springs are a perfect solution for a low-headroom situation. It is important that extension springs have a safety cable. This is an additional cable that runs through the spring and prevents it from flying across the garage should it break.
Dangers of Broken Garage Door Springs
A broken garage door spring is not just an inconvenience; it can be hazardous. Here are some dangers associated with broken springs:
- Sudden Door Collapse: A broken spring can cause the garage door to fall unexpectedly, posing a risk of injury to anyone nearby and causing damage to vehicles or property. A sudden collapse of a heavy garage door can cause severe injuries or even fatalities if it lands on a person or pet.
- Unbalanced Door: A door with a broken spring becomes unbalanced, making it difficult and dangerous to operate. It may also cause strain on the garage door opener, leading to potential failure. If an extension spring breaks, it can whip around violently, posing a threat to anyone in its path if it does not have a safety cable running through it. Garage Door Opener Damage: Operating a garage door with a broken spring puts excessive strain on the opener, potentially leading to motor burnout and additional costly repairs. Pro Tip: Nothing damages a garage door opener quicker than a bad door; openers are designed to guide a door up in lieu of manual operation by a human. They are NOT designed to do the heavy lifting…that is the job of the springs.
- Potential for Injury: Attempting to manually open or repair a garage door with a broken spring can result in serious injuries. The high tension stored in the springs can cause them to snap unexpectedly.
Ensuring the Right Springs for Your Garage Door
Selecting the correct springs for your garage door is essential for ensuring the door operates smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Using the wrong springs can lead to operational problems, increased wear and tear, and potential safety hazards. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the key factors that must be taken into consideration when choosing the right springs for your garage door.
Dimensions of the Door
The dimensions of your garage door play a significant role in determining the appropriate springs. Larger doors are heavier and require stronger springs to balance the weight. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Height: Taller doors exert more pressure on the springs as they cover more vertical space. The height of the door affects the length and tension of the spring needed.
- Width: Wider doors distribute weight differently than narrower ones. A wider door may require multiple springs or springs with greater tensile strength to handle the load effectively.
Weight of the Door
One of the most critical factors is the weight of the garage door. The springs must be calibrated to counterbalance the specific weight to ensure smooth operation. Here’s how to address this factor:
- Accurate Measurement: Knowing the exact weight is crucial for selecting the right springs. Weigh your door using a bathroom scale and a lever arm. This must be done by a professional with the proper tools as all tension must be released from the springs to obtain an accurate weight.
Track Radius
The track radius, or the curve of the track, significantly influences the type and configuration of the springs required for your garage door. This curvature affects how the door moves along the track and, consequently, the tension properties of the springs needed. Here’s a more detailed look at why the track radius is crucial:
- Standard Radius: Most residential garage doors have a standard track radius, typically 12 inches. However, never assume that you have a standard track radius.
- Customized Radius: Some garages might have customized track radii to fit specific architectural or operational needs. In such cases, it’s essential to have springs that are precisely calibrated to the unique track configuration. This ensures smooth operation and prevents undue wear on the door mechanism.
Lift Type
The type of lift system installed on your garage door affects the spring configuration needed. There are three main types of lift systems:
- Standard Lift: This is the most common type, where the door opens by rolling up and back along horizontal tracks. Standard torsion springs or extension springs are used in this setup.
- High Lift: This type of system raises the door higher before it starts to roll back, providing more overhead clearance. High-lift systems require springs with different tension properties to accommodate for the different hardware utilized for this application.
- Vertical Lift: In this system, the door moves straight up without curving back. It is common in commercial settings. Vertical-lift systems require springs that can handle the unique vertical movement, typically stronger and with higher tension.
Drum Size
The size of the cable drum is also required to accurately identify the correct spring size for your door. Doors with extension springs will not have cable drums. The size of the pulley, usually 3 or 4 inches, will not impact the spring size. The drum is also dependent on the lift type.
Balancing the Door
Proper balancing of the garage door is crucial for smooth operation. Incorrectly balanced doors put undue stress on the opener and other components, leading to potential failures. To ensure proper balance:
- Tension Adjustment: Torsion springs need to be wound to a specific tension to counterbalance the door weight accurately. This is done using winding bars; a specific and necessary tool for spring installation and adjustment. Extension springs must have the right level of stretch.
- Professional Calibration: It’s advisable to have a professional install and calibrate the springs to ensure the door is perfectly balanced. This reduces wear on the door opener and enhances safety.
Material and Durability
Garage door springs are typically made from galvanized steel or oil-tempered steel. Each material has its own set of advantages:
- Galvanized Steel Springs: These are resistant to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for humid environments. They require regular lubrication to maintain their longevity.
- Oil-Tempered Springs: These springs are heat-treated for enhanced durability and are less prone to snapping. They are preferred for their strength and long-lasting performance.
Cost of Replacement Springs
The cost of replacement springs varies depending on the type, the size, and the quality of the springs. The cost of replacement springs varies depending on the type, the size, and the quality of the springs. Other factors that can influence the price include the material used, the brand, and whether the springs are custom-made or standard. Investing in high-quality springs can ensure better durability and performance over time.
Can I Replace a Garage Door Spring Myself?
While it is certainly possible to replace a garage door spring yourself, know that it can be both tricky and dangerous. The smallest error in the replacement process or the installation of incorrect parts could cause your garage door repair to come crashing down quite literally — potentially injuring you or a family member. It’s a big risk that may well make it worth calling in a pro. This is why most replacement springs will come with a note recommending professional installation. Professional winding bars are required for all torsion spring replacements. Even with the proper tools spring replacement is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted without the instruction from a seasoned professional or by the professional themself.
How Do You Open the Garage Door While It’s Broken?
It is best to call a professional and schedule a service appointment. Attempting to operate a door with a broken spring is not recommended, as the following can occur: injury, damage to the door, damage to the electric opener, or the door can get stuck or wedged in the track. Any advice offered on how to operate a door with a broken component is unique to the situation. A reliable professional will not provide a blanket solution or process as your safety is the priority. Call your local professional, they will ask you questions about the door that will allow them to offer you the safest advice.
Additional Considerations
- Garage doors are sold as packages; they will include the proper spring size at the time of purchase.
- The person installing the door is the best person to determine which type of springs to use for the specific application; torsion or extension.
- Once your door is installed the existing spring is all that a professional will require to determine the size of the springs.
- This is why when a spring breaks and a customer is repairing themself we ask that they bring the existing spring into our shop.
- For torsion: We measure the spring’s length, diameter, and wire size. We cut the new spring to these exact specifications to ensure proper spring replacement.
- For extension: We measure the spring using a micrometer and ask you some questions about your door; width x height, material (wood or steel), and number of springs per side (1 or 2).
- The only instances where this “identical replacement” fails is when the customer has had the spring replaced and the person doing the work did not use the correct size spring. This is why it is crucial to use a reputable company that offers a warranty for their work.
Contact Forest for Your Spring Repair Needs
Choosing the right springs for your garage door involves considering multiple factors, including the door’s height, width, weight, track radius, and lift type. Ensuring that you have the correct springs not only guarantees smooth and efficient operation but also significantly reduces the risk of accidents and prolongs the lifespan of your garage door system. Given the complexity and potential dangers involved, it is always best to consult with a professional garage door technician who can accurately assess your needs and install the appropriate springs. Properly selected and maintained springs are key to a safe, functional, and durable garage door.
