As a homeowner, you probably don’t think much about your garage door springs until one breaks. But those humble garage door springs play a vital role in allowing your heavy garage door to operate smoothly and safely. Ignoring the warning signs that your springs need repair can lead to serious safety hazards and expensive repair bills down the road.
The Importance of Well-Functioning Springs
Garage doors are extremely heavy – the average door weighs hundreds of pounds. The torsion springs and extension springs create a counterbalance system that allows you to easily open and close that heavy garage door. When a spring breaks, the door becomes extremely difficult to operate manually. Worse, a broken spring can cause the door to slam shut unpredictably, risking injury and damage.
Signs You Need Garage Door Spring Repair
So how can you tell if your torsion springs or extension springs are on their last legs? Some common red flags include:
- The garage door fails to open/close fully
- You hear loud creaking/cracking noises when operating the door
- The door feels extremely heavy when opening/closing
- The safety cable has snapped on one side
- There are visible gaps or spaces between the coils on the springs
If you notice any of these warning signs with your garage door spring system, it’s important to have it serviced right away by a professional garage door repair company before further damage occurs.
The Different Spring Types
When repairing or replacing garage door springs, there are a few different varieties that may be used depending on the type of door and setup:
Torsion Springs
These are the most common, mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. Made of sturdy steel, torsion springs support the weight through torsion force when the springs wind or unwind.
Extension Springs
Used on older model garage doors, extension springs stretch and provide lifting support through tension force. They run parallel to the horizontal tracks.
The spring material also varies. Some common options include:
- Galvanized steel springs
- Oil-tempered springs
- Powder coated springs
Each has pros and cons in terms of durability, cost, and environmental resistance.
The Garage Door Spring Repair Process
Having your garage door springs repaired or replaced is not a DIY job unless you have proper training. The process involves a lot of high tension that can be extremely dangerous if not handled correctly by a garage door professional.
First, the technician will disable the garage door opener by unplugging it and using locking pliers on the track to temporarily immobilize the door. From there, they’ll use specialized winding bars to carefully adjust the spring tension until it’s released.
The old springs are then swapped out for new ones rated for your specific door height/weight. The winding bars are used again to properly tension and set the new springs. Finally, the safety cables, track brackets, and other hardware are inspected and adjusted as needed before reconnecting the opener.
It’s a very methodical process requiring the right tools and experience to do safely. Attempting a garage door spring repair yourself can easily lead to injuries from the springs.
Proactive Spring Maintenance
The best way to avoid unexpected garage door spring breakdowns is through proactive maintenance and care. While springs inevitably wear out over time, their life expectancy can be extended through:
- Avoidance of excessive opening/closing cycles
- Checking for obstructions or debris in the tracks
- Lubricating the rollers, pulleys, and hinges annually
- Having a garage door professional inspect/adjust the system yearly
Why Choose Our Garage Door Repair Company?
When it comes to garage door spring repair in Aliso Viejo, you want a team of true experts. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Maximum 2-hour response time
- Same day service available
- Open weekends/holidays for emergencies
- Experienced, highly trained technicians
- Upfront pricing – no hidden fees
- Warrantied work and parts
- Full suite of services – repairs, maintenance, installations
We take pride in providing the best garage door spring repair and replacement services in Aliso Viejo and surrounding areas.
Don’t risk your safety or void your warranties!
Call (888) 506-3860 to schedule service today! We’ll fully inspect your system and have those springs repaired or replaced quickly and affordably.
FAQs
How much does a garage door spring repair typically cost? The cost can vary depending on factors like the spring type, door size, and labor. On average, expect to pay $100-$300 for torsion spring repair and $50-$200 for extension spring repair, including parts and labor.
How long do garage door torsion springs usually last? With normal usage, torsion springs typically last 5-7 years before needing replacement. Extension springs have a slightly shorter lifespan of around 5 years on average.
Is it safe to use my garage door opener if a spring is broken? No, it’s not safe to continue using your automatic opener if a spring is broken. The door will be extremely heavy and could come crashing down, risking serious injury. Disable the opener and have the springs repaired immediately.
What type of garage door spring do I need – torsion or extension? This depends on the specific garage door model you have. Torsion springs are found on most modern sectional garage doors, while extension springs are used on older one-piece doors. Check your owner’s manual or have a professional inspect it.
How can I maintain my garage door springs for a longer life? Regular lubrication, avoiding excessive open/close cycles, clearing debris from tracks, and having yearly professional inspections/adjustments can maximize your springs’ lifespan. Rust, corrosion, and lack of maintenance accelerate spring wear.








