Garage Door Spring Repair

Garage Door Spring Repair Service in Akron, Canton and Surrounding Areas

Quality Garage Door Spring Repair by Prestige Door

Understanding Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs come in two primary types: torsion springs and extension springs. The choice between the two depends on your garage door’s size, weight, and the system’s design.

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are mounted on a stationary metal shaft located above the garage door opening. They utilize torque to do the heavy lifting. As the door lowers, cables attached to the bottom corners of the door cause the springs to wind up, storing energy. When the door is opened, this energy is released, helping to lift the door. Torsion springs are known for their efficiency and longevity. They can be a single large spring or a pair depending on the door’s width and weight.

Extension Springs

Extension springs are installed on both sides of the garage door, running parallel to the track. They stretch and contract as the door operates, using the principle of extension to balance the door. These springs are typically used in residential garage doors and require safety cables to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in case of a breakage.

The Importance of Garage Door Springs

Garage door springs are a critical component of your garage door. They are the first parts to be checked when the garage door does not function properly. In fact, they malfunction more often than any other part of the garage door. Whether it be through torsion or extension, these are the parts that raise and lower the door. Even more, they go through 10,000 cycles in their lifetime. Garage door spring repair is no small issue, these are critical aspects to the proper functioning of your garage door. The door simply cannot open or close without them.

The traditional choice for garage doors are extension springs, which sit above the garage door’s horizontal track. Extension springs are far more affordable than their counterparts, tension springs. Home builders use them more for this reason. Their nature insists that extension springs have a safety cable to support them in the event they break. Torsion springs, by contrast, attach to the wall above the garage door and operate by twisting spring coils around the shaft as the garage door moves.

Older homes with less room in the garages may have torsion springs mounted in the rear of the garage. These are referred to as rear-mounted torsion springs. Torsion springs function by balancing the door. They take the same amount of pressure to open and close. Freshly balanced springs should stop on each section when the rollers are placed on either side of the radius.

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Common Problems and Solutions

Garage door springs are under constant tension and can wear out over time. Here are some common issues:

Spring Breakage: This is the most common problem. If a torsion spring breaks, you might hear a loud bang from the garage. For extension springs, the safety cable will prevent it from flying off. In either case, the door will become very heavy to lift. Replacing garage door springs can be dangerous and is best left to professionals.
Rust: Rust can decrease the lifespan of your springs by increasing the friction on the coil while it winds. Regular lubrication helps prevent rust.
Improper Adjustment: Springs need to be properly adjusted to ensure smooth operation. If the door is too heavy or too light, it may require a tension adjustment.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your garage door springs. Here are some tips to keep them in top condition:

Lubrication: Annually lubricate the springs with a silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction and prevent rust.
Inspection: Regularly inspect the springs for signs of wear or corrosion. Look for gaps in torsion springs or elongated coils in extension springs.
Balance Test: Periodically perform a balance test on your garage door. Disconnect the opener and manually open the door halfway. A well-balanced door will stay in place, indicating healthy springs.

Professional Help

Given the high tension under which garage door springs operate, DIY repairs can be risky. It’s recommended to seek professional assistance for installation, maintenance, or repair of garage door springs. Professionals have the right tools, knowledge, and experience to safely and effectively service your garage door springs, ensuring the longevity and functionality of your garage door system.

Is It Time to Replace Your Garage Door Springs?

Even if it isn’t time for a garage door spring repair, it may be time for a garage door spring re-balancing. Springs will usually need to be re-balanced within the first two years of being installed. If the weather is cold, you will need to re-balance them sooner. Some big garage door repair companies will generally consider a spring that needs re-balancing as “failing.” Here at Prestige Door, we know better. Sometimes, a spring needing a bit more tension is not necessarily failing.

There are two tests that can be used to determine if your springs are okay and your garage door is in balance. First, the door should stay in an upright position when released from the opener. A little bit of movement is normal. Too much and the springs may need to be replaced. You can also try putting the door in a mid-level position. When in that position, the door should rest. It should not move up or down supported only on the strength of the springs.

The garage door needs to have a natural resting point above the line made by the track. If there are loose cables on the drum, the garage door could fall off the track. Still, you do not need to do a bunch of tests. There is one sure-fire way to tell if your garage door springs need repair: you have a heavy garage door and your springs are more than 4 years old.

Why Garage Door Spring Replacement is Critical

Springs don’t lift your garage door in a vacuum. They do it with the help of other components. From the drums to the cables, rollers, tracks, and even your hinges – it all plays a part in the safe and effective functioning of your garage door. And the springs play a vital role in this process. When they fail, you may face additional damage to other components.

More than anything, it is essential that you do not try to do a DIY attempt at garage door spring repair. Torsion springs are the most dangerous, but even extension springs can be dangerous if not handled properly. These springs lift doors that are hundreds of pounds. Still, don’t avoid the problem. For garage door spring repair in Akron, Canton, or the surrounding areas in Northeastern Ohio, contact us today!