Think about how often you use your garage door. It’s probably more times per day than you’d initially realize! From heading out to work in the morning to bringing in your groceries to embarking on a vacation, you rely on it daily. So when a broken garage door spring puts that important entry point on hold, it can be both inconvenient and dangerous. Aside from the plain frustration of something around your home not working, you also risk injury to yourself or damage to your home if you try to force things back into working order. So, in this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if you run into a broken garage door spring.
What Is a Garage Door Spring, and Why Is It So Important?
A garage door spring is one of the most important parts of your garage door system. While it might seem like your garage door opener is doing all the work, the springs are actually responsible for lifting and lowering the heavy weight of the door.
Garage door springs are typically located in one of two places: torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the closed door, while extension springs run along the sides of the door tracks. Without functional garage door springs, your garage door would feel almost impossible to lift and could even become unsafe to use.
How to Know If You Have a Broken Garage Door Spring
The first step to fixing your garage door issue is confirming that you’re dealing with a broken garage door spring. Look out for these telltale signs to signal that you need garage door spring repair:
- The garage door won’t open or feels extremely heavy when lifting manually.
- You hear a loud bang from the garage; this often means the spring snapped.
- The door appears uneven or misaligned while moving.
- You can see a visible gap or break in the spring.
If you notice any of these issues, stop using the door immediately. It’s important to wait until it has been properly fixed before you use it again, in order to prevent injury or additional damage to your garage door system.
Types of Garage Door Springs Explained
Understanding the different types of garage door springs helps you to better understand your garage door system. It may also help you communicate more clearly with your garage door repair team, and make more informed decisions about repair or replacement. Here are the two types of garage door springs:
- Torsion Springs: These springs are mounted above the door, are common in modern systems, and last longer than other springs. A single-spring garage door system uses just one torsion spring, while a double-car garage door (or a dual-spring system) generally uses two torsion springs.
- Extension Springs: These springs are located along the sides of the garage door system, parallel to the horizontal garage door tracks. They are usually found in older garage doors. An extension spring garage door setup typically uses two springs, one on each side of the door.
When it comes to garage door spring replacement, we recommend choosing quality parts from trusted brands like LiftMaster and Clopay to extend the life of your system. If you choose to work with our team of experts at A Plus Garage Doors, you can rest assured that we only use the highest-quality garage door parts and products for our customers.
Should You Try to Fix a Garage Door Spring Yourself?
While it’s tempting to try and fix garage door spring problems yourself, we really don’t recommend it. Garage door springs are under high tension and require specialized tools and experience to handle safely. So, if you’re wondering how to replace garage door spring parts, keep in mind: a small mistake could lead to injury or expensive repairs. Hiring a professional team of garage door specialists is the way to go; it ensures the repair is done safely and correctly.
How to Adjust Garage Door Springs Safely
If your garage door seems off-balance, you might find yourself wondering how to adjust garage door springs. Again, while minor adjustments might seem easy, working on the components of your garage door without proper tools and expertise is risky business.
Improper adjustments can lead to further damage or unsafe conditions. Our trained technicians at A Plus Garage Doors can safely balance and adjust your springs to ensure smooth operation.
What Is the Average Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost?
One of the most common questions we hear from our customers is about garage door spring replacement cost. The price of your replacement will depend on several factors:
- Type of spring (torsion or extension)
- Quality and brand of the replacement parts
- Labor and local service fees
In Utah, the typical garage door spring replacement cost ranges from $150 to $350 for a single spring. Dual spring systems or higher-end components will cost more, but they tend to offer better longevity and safety. If you’re concerned about the cost of repair for any garage door service, chat with our team about our financing options.
Understanding Garage Door Spring Repair Cost
Over the course of our time working in the garage door industry, we’ve come to know that garage door spring repair cost is a worthwhile investment to keep your system running safely. Professional repairs make sure that the correct springs and tension are used, which greatly reduces the chance of future breakdowns.
Why Professional Repairs Are Worth It
- Correct sizing and professional installation
- Warranties on parts and labor
- Proper safety protocols followed
- Fast and efficient service
When to Call for Emergency Garage Door Repair
If your door is stuck open or your vehicle is trapped thanks to a broken garage door spring or other issue, it’s time to call for emergency garage door repair. At A Plus Garage Doors, we offer fast, reliable emergency services across Utah and Nevada, aiming to provide you peace of mind and rapid solutions.
Preventing Future Garage Door Spring Issues
A broken garage door spring can often be avoided with regular garage door maintenance. To properly maintain your garage door, we recommend the following steps:
- Schedule annual professional inspections.
- Lubricate springs every six months with silicone-based lubricant.
- Address minor issues before they become major problems.
Routine maintenance extends the life of your springs and prevents costly repairs.
Trust A Plus Garage Doors for Reliable Spring Repairs
Dealing with a broken garage door spring is stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. A Plus Garage Doors proudly serves Utah and Nevada homeowners with expert repairs and trusted service. Contact us today to schedule your spring repair or inspection!
