If you’ve been noticing that your garage door isn’t opening or closing as smoothly as it used to, there’s a good chance that the garage door spring may have broken. This can be a big problem if the spring breaks while the door in motion, which can lead to serious injury. But how do you tell if your garage door spring is broken? How do you know when it is time to replace it? Find that out and more in this article!
What is a Garage Door Spring?
Garage door springs are coiled metal springs that help to open and close a garage door. They’re located on the garage door track, which is what holds them in place. Because of their job, garage door springs are under a lot of tension and are often the part of the garage door that requires the most upkeep. There are many different types of garage door springs available but most are made of either steel or aluminum. Garage door springs help support large doors, making them safe for people to use without being too heavy for person to operate alone.
Where are the Garage Door Springs Located?
Garage door springs are located just below the tracks at the bottom of your garage door. The springs are mounted inside the tracks, so if you can see them through the window, then they have already snapped. There are usually two garage door springs on each side of the door and are part of the system that works with pulley, cables, rollers, and garage door opener to lift your garage door when you open it.
Can I Fix my Garage Door Spring?
If your door requires torsion springs, then replacement can be extremely dangerous. Even if your door uses extension springs, installation can be difficult and lead to other damages, like stripped gears in the opener. While some homeowners will DIY an extension spring for the garage door, hiring a trained garage door technician to help with repairs will lead to fewer complications.
In fact, garage door accidents are responsible for 20,000 to 30,000 injuries every year and are one of the most dangerous parts of your home.
How Much Does a Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost?
The cost of a garage door spring replacement depends on a number of factors. A garage door opener is expensive, but it’s not the most important part of your system. The most important part is your springs and cables, which are critical to getting your doors up and down safely every day. The size, weight, type and manufacturer of your door will affect the cost because a heavier door uses more energy when opening or closing than a lighter one does. The cost also depends on what type of spring you need to replace. Most residential doors use torsion or extension spring systems, which are fairly standard across manufacturers by may have slight variations in size and design depending on when they were made.
Depending on the size of your garage and type of spring, the average garage door spring replacement will cost between $100-$300. Call us today to find out more about costs for replacing your garage door spring in Oklahoma City.
The Major Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
1. Your Garage Door Won’t Open or Close Smoothly
The first major sign of failing garage door springs is that the garage door itself will seem to not open or close as well as it should be. This is a sign that the garage door springs have become weakened and need to be replaced immediately. The tension the springs provide allows the garage door to open and close smoothly. If one of these breaks, it could lead to a dangerous situation for you and your family.
Failing garage door springs can also cause balancing issues in your garage door system. This balancing issue can cause issues with your roller track & opener as well. If you notice these balancing issues, call a technician as soon as possible before new issues pop up!
You Can Hear a Loud Banging Noise In Your Garage
If you hear banging coming from inside your garage when operating the door, this could mean that their is something wrong with either one or both of your springs. If you hear this banging noise, get a professional to inspect it immediately as a loud bang is often accompanied by the door suddenly falling, making it dangerous for anyone who may be working nearby or underneath it.
What Causes a Garage Door Spring to Break?
There are a number of problems that can cause your garage door spring to break, including:
- Rust
- Frigid OK winter weather temps
- A lack of maintenance
- Smaller or cheaper springs (cutting corners leads to springs that don’t last)
- Normal wear and tear
Can I Improve My Garage Door’s Spring to Extend the Lifespan?
Eventually, your garage door springs will need to be replaced. However, you can get the most out of your parts by proper maintenance. For garage door springs, you should:
- Clean twice a year
- Use WD-40 every few months to prevent rust
- Yearly service call to keep everything balanced
Does My Garage Door Spring Need Repair?
At Overhead Door of Oklahoma City, we are proud to serve Oklahoma City and surrounding areas with fantastic garage door service. If you are looking for garage door spring replacements or repair, call us today to schedule your consultation or service appointment.
