The Dangers of a DIY Garage Door Spring Replacement

Repairing and adjusting a spring system should never be done by someone who isn’t qualified. To do this job safely, you need to have the right training, the skills and the tools.

Today, let’s learn about the dangers of a DIY garage door spring replacement.

Do all garage doors have similar spring systems?

Although there are many styles of garage doors, there are only two types of springs.

A torsion spring system is mounted at the top of a garage door. The single spring is secured in a tube, which is a safeguard in case of a break.

An extension spring system has a pair of springs, which are installed over the two horizontal tracks. Extension systems come equipped with safety cables, which are placed inside the springs during installation. One advantage of having a two-spring system is that it’s uncommon for both to break in unison.

Thanks to its spring system, your garage door should feel like it weighs less than 10 pounds when you lift it manually.

How long do springs last?

When it comes to the spring system, its lifespan is given in operation cycles. This unit of measure provides the expected longevity of the mechanical spring component of the garage door. Each time your door is opened then closed, you have completed one operation cycle.

Typical systems are estimated to last for 10,000 cycles. That will last you over 12 years if you use your garage door twice per day. We also carry select high-grade doors with double-life springs, which are estimated to last for 20,000 operation cycles.

Why is it so dangerous to DIY my spring replacement?

Unless you are a trained technician, you probably don’t have much experience with garage door repairs. Torsion and extension spring systems are under excessive tension, since they bear the full weight of a garage door. Large doors (which can measure up to 16 feet in width) and solid wood doors are much heavier than single-car garage doors. That means their spring systems are under even more tension.

To attempt a repair, you would need to know how the springs, drums, lifting cables and brackets all work together. With such an intricate system, we believe only professionals should work on springs.

If a spring breaks, can I still use my door opener?

Unless you are stranded in your garage, we do not recommend using your door opener when you have a broken spring. Although the motors are quite powerful with their ½ or ¾ horsepower, it’s dangerous to use them when a garage door isn’t weighted properly. Remember that a garage door can weigh up to 300 pounds. That means an opener can also push down that much weight, which can crush anything in its way.

My spring broke. What should I do?

If your door is broken, it’s safest to keep it in the closed position. If your garage door was open when the spring broke, you should close it if it’s safe to do so. Use your electric opener to shut your garage door, then unplug the opener.

Once the area is secured, please contact us for emergency repair service. Our qualified technicians will inspect your garage door and replace your broken spring. We will have your garage door working again in no time!

Can I prevent my garage door from breaking?

The best thing you can do is have your garage door inspected and maintained on an annual basis. Preventive maintenance can catch potential issues before they become serious. We recommend having your garage door serviced each fall to prepare it for harsh winter weather.

We also recommend inspecting your garage door on a regular basis. Be on the lookout for any broken, damaged or rusty components. If your door is in good condition, apply some lubrication to your door. Carefully rub oil or lubricant onto the springs, the hinges and the rollers. Oil protects springs from rust and extends their lifespan. It also reduces the unpleasant noise that’s created when coils rub.

Do you offer garage door maintenance?

Absolutely! At Doors & Things, we offer annual maintenance packages. Our qualified technicians will inspect, adjust and lubricate your garage door to make it work smoothly. If any parts need to be replaced, our technicians will consult with you before starting any additional work, so there will never be any surprises.

Contact us today for a free quote, no obligation quote on your garage door and door opener needs. Call us at 705-322-0136 to schedule an appointment. To see our full selection of garage doors, please visit our Design Center. This fun online tool lets you see our garage doors on your home!