Is your garage door not opening like it should? A broken garage door spring is a common issue that troubles many homeowners in Southlake, TX. It can stop your whole day. This problem is not just a bother. It is also a danger, so you should get it fixed as soon as possible. Knowing why springs break and how to do garage door spring replacement helps keep your home safe and your family protected.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are the key part of your garage door system. They do most of the work each time you open or close your garage door. These springs help lift and balance a significant amount of weight, allowing the door to move smoothly. If you did not have them, your automatic opener would not be able to function properly.
There are two kinds of springs used in a garage door. These are called torsion springs and extension springs. Both help in the same way, but they work differently, and you will find them in different spots. Knowing the type of garage door you have can help you repair or maintain it effectively.
Suppose you’re wondering about the cost to replace a broken garage door spring in Southlake, TX. It depends on the type of spring and the specific door system. Torsion springs typically cost more to replace than extension springs due to their more complex design and installation requirements.
The Role of Springs in Your Garage Door
The primary function of your garage door springs is to help the door feel light when you operate it. They are made to hold a lot of tension. This tension is used to lift the door’s weight. When you press the button on the opener, it is the springs that do most of the hard work, not the motor.
These springs enable you to lift the door by hand in the event of an emergency. But if spring breaks, the help is gone. The door will then feel very heavy. You may not be able to lift it at all.
Knowing when this part is wearing out is essential. If your overhead door opens to one side, is hard to open, or feels heavy, this means a professional should check your garage door system. They can tell you if the springs need to be replaced.
Types of Garage Door Springs in Southlake
In Southlake, most residential garage doors use one of two spring systems. Torsion springs are the most common type for modern homes. They are mounted on a metal bar directly above the garage door opening and are known for providing a smoother, more balanced operation.
The other type is extension springs, which are located on either side of the door and run parallel to the horizontal tracks. These springs stretch and contract to lift the door. While often cheaper, they can cause a jerky motion and are considered less safe if they break without a safety cable.
A garage door torsion spring is generally preferred for its durability and safety.
Feature | Torsion Springs | Extension Springs |
Location | Mounted on a bar above the door | Run along the sides of the door tracks |
Movement | Twist and unwind to lift the door | Stretch and contract to lift the door |
Durability | Typically longer-lasting and more durable | Shorter lifespan, more prone to wear |
Safety | Generally safer when they break | Can fly off dangerously if not secured with a safety cable |
How They Work
Garage door springs help open and close your door by holding and releasing the tension. When the garage door is closed, the springs are wound tightly. They keep a lot of force inside. When the garage door opener starts to raise the door, the springs loosen. This lets out the energy and helps lift the door’s weight. When you close the door, cables and gravity roll the springs back up again. They are then ready for the next use.
But all this winding and unwinding wears out the springs over time. A spring breaks usually when it has opened and shut about 10,000 times. Things like rust from wet air or poor care can make the springs break even sooner.
If a spring snaps, your new garage door may not function properly. The garage door panel could get stuck in place. This also puts a lot of stress on the opener system.
Common Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
How can you tell if you have a broken spring in your garage door? There are some clear signs, and you should not ignore them. You might hear odd sounds. The door might not open. These are signs that your garage door needs immediate attention.
If you do not address these garage door issues, you may incur additional costs and face potential dangers. When you notice any of these signs, consider calling a professional garage door repair service in Southlake, TX. Now, let’s look at what to watch for. Here are some clear signs to look out for when your garage door is experiencing a problem.
Visual and Functional Warning Signs
One of the most evident signs that you have a broken torsion spring on your garage door is a visible gap. Look at the spring that sits over the garage door. If there is a gap that looks to be 2 inches or more in the coil, the spring has snapped. With extension springs, you might see one of them hanging down or sticking out.
Besides what you can see, there will also be problems when you use the door. The garage door might start to go up and then quickly come back down. It might not open more than just a few inches. This often happens because the opener notices a balance issue. It will then stop working to prevent further damage to the garage door.
Other signs that you might have a malfunctioning garage door include:
- The garage door feels very heavy if you try to lift it yourself.
- You see a garage door cable that is loose or hanging down.
- The top part of the garage door looks bent or not straight when you open it.
- The garage door opens or closes in a jerky or rough manner.
If you notice any of these signs, your garage door or its components, such as the extension springs or garage door cable, may be damaged or worn out. It would be a good idea to have things checked to prevent any further damage.
Why You Might Hear a Loud Bang or Notice Imbalance
The loud bang you might get from your garage is one of the most surprising signs of a broken spring. This happens because the spring releases a significant amount of tension all at once when it snaps. The spring is made of hard steel and is wound up tightly. When it breaks, it sounds like a gunshot.
If you have two springs in your garage door and one of them breaks, the door will be off balance. You will notice that the door opens unevenly, with one side higher than the other. This causes a lot of strain on the spring that is still working, on the cables, and on the door openers.
If you continue to use the garage door in this manner, it can be hazardous. Operating the door in this manner can quickly damage the tracks, panels, and opener motor. It can also interfere with the garage door sensor, making the situation even more hazardous.
Why Broken Springs Are Dangerous
A broken garage door spring is not just a small problem. It is a big safety risk. The springs support the entire weight of the garage door. If they break, the door gets very heavy and can be unsafe. This may cause further damage to your property.
It also puts your home’s security at risk. There is also a chance someone could get hurt. Being aware of these dangers can help you handle a broken garage door properly and keep everyone safe.
Risk of the door collapsing
Your residential garage door is very heavy. It can weigh a few hundred pounds. The springs are the only parts designed to support all this weight. If one of these springs breaks, the door’s weight can come crashing down because nothing holds it up after that.
If a spring breaks when the door is open, the door can drop fast. This poses a significant danger to people, pets, and cars that come into contact with the door. The force can damage the garage door panel and break anything in its path.
Even if the door is down when the spring breaks, opening it yourself or with the opener is not safe. The door might fall as soon as you lift it since nothing is keeping it up.
Potential for personal injury
The biggest reason to be careful with a broken garage door is that you or someone else could get hurt. The springs can be hazardous because they contain a lot of tension. It is not just the springs you have to worry about. The door itself is heavy, and if it were to fall, it could cause injury to people. All the components of the garage door system must work together. When they don’t, the risks get much higher.
That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the risks associated with DIY garage door repair. Without the right training or gear, you could put yourself or your family at risk. A seemingly simple job could end with someone in the hospital. It is always safer to call a garage door repair expert when your garage door breaks. Learn more about the risks of DIY here: DIY Garage Door Repair Risks Southlake, TX: What to Know.
Damage to other garage door components (opener, cables, tracks)
A broken spring in your garage door can cause a chain of problems. The garage door opener helps move the door, but it is not made to hold all its weight. If you use the opener when the spring is broken, the motor will work too hard and may stop working permanently. What started as a minor broken garage door spring replacement in Southlake, TX, can become a big problem..
Your garage door’s cables and tracks can also become damaged. When the balance and weight change suddenly, cables may break or slip off the drums. Tracks might also bend or twist. This can be a problem for both commercial overhead doors and home garage doors.
Sometimes, the damage will be so severe that you need to replace the garage door rollers or even the panels. Fixing a broken spring promptly is the best way to prevent these serious issues from occurring. To learn more about selecting the right professionals for your garage door repairs, check out our full guide: Choosing the Right Garage Door Repair Company in Southlake, TX.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional vs. DIY Spring Repair
When a spring breaks on your garage door, you might think it’s a good idea to try the garage door repair on your own and save some money. However, this job is not something most people should undertake on their own. It is better to let a professional handle the work. They have the right tools for the job, along with the necessary know-how and safety protocols required for these replacement services.
Hiring someone trained in this work ensures the job will be done quickly and safely. They will rebalance the garage door and help prevent further damage. This is why calling a professional is the smarter and safer move for you and your garage.
Safety Risks of DIY Repairs
Trying to replace a garage door spring on your own is very risky. The torsion springs have a lot of tension in them. If the spring or a winding bar comes loose, it can fly off quickly and cause injury or damage to your home.
You cannot do this kind of job using just the tools you have at home. People who fix this type of problem have special winding bars and other tools. These help them work on the garage door correctly. Without these tools, it is easy to lose control and make mistakes.
For your peace of mind and to keep your family safe, it is best to call a pro. You do not want to get hurt just to save a few dollars. Hiring an expert ensures that the garage door is fixed correctly, your home is secure, and you receive excellent service.
Advantages of Expert Technicians and Proper Tools
Hiring professional garage door specialists from a trusted garage door company offers numerous benefits. When you hire an experienced technician, they can quickly find the problem and know the best way to fix your door. The technician will bring the correct replacement spring that is suitable for your door’s size and weight. Forbes notes that the cost of changing springs can vary, but with a professional, you pay for the right parts and receive sound installation, which will last a long time.
Expert technicians do more than fix one part. They check the entire system, ensuring that the door, tracks, cables, and sensors are all functioning correctly. They adjust what needs to be changed so you get smooth operation again. Because they know what to do, your garage door can be working fast, often with same-day service.
Benefits of hiring a professional include:
- Getting the right tools and good parts.
- Knowing how to balance the door so it works well.
- Checking the safety of the whole system.
- Warranty on parts and labor for excellent customer service.
Preventing Future Garage Door Spring Problems
The best thing you can do for a broken spring is to prevent it from happening in the first place. By doing regular garage door maintenance, you spot problems early. This helps you get more use out of the springs and prolongs the life of your garage door.
A little care now goes a long way. If you follow easy tips and set up tune-ups with a pro, you can help get a reliable garage door. This can save you from surprise costs if a broken spring causes your garage door to stop working.
Routine maintenance tips (lubrication, inspection)
You can perform some simple maintenance tasks yourself to keep your garage door functioning correctly. Every few months, add a silicone spray to the springs. This helps prevent rust and ensures the parts don’t wear out too soon. Working on your garage door in this way can help you maximize its performance.
Check your springs regularly by inspecting them often. Check for gaps, rust, or if they appear too stretched. With extension springs, ensure the safety cables are still in good condition and not worn out.
Here are some tips:
- Lubricate your springs, rollers, and hinges twice a year.
- Test the garage door balance by turning off the opener and manually lifting the door. At halfway open, it should not move.
- Listen for sounds that are grinding or squeaking.
- Keep the tracks clear and clean, with no dirt on them.
For more tips to keep your garage door in top shape, read our blog: Complete Garage Door Maintenance Checklist, Southlake, TX.
Scheduling professional tune-ups
While working on your garage door by yourself can be helpful, it will not replace a professional tune-up. A trained technician has the right tools and skills to perform a comprehensive check and adjust things you may not know how to do. They will inspect the spring tension, test safety features, and ensure your door is properly balanced.
You should plan to get a tune-up once each year. This is one of the best services you can do for your home. It allows you to identify minor issues before they escalate into big, costly problems. The pro can determine if a spring is weakening and advise you when it’s time to replace it, so your garage door doesn’t break when you least expect it.
Many garage door services in the Southlake area offer competitive prices for regular check-ups. Most of the time, you can obtain a free estimate before deciding on the repairs to have done, allowing you to plan for them in your budget.
Recognizing early warning signs
Knowing what to watch and listen for can help you catch a broken spring before it fully breaks. If your garage door starts to move more slowly, makes squeaking or grinding sounds, or appears to be working too hard, this may indicate that the springs are losing their strength.
Observe how your garage door operates. If it looks crooked or moves unevenly, that is a sign of garage door issues, and it is often due to the springs. You may also notice that the garage door panel appears to be stretched or stressed.
If you notice any of these signs with your garage door, do not wait for the spring to break. Call a professional to check it. Addressing the problem early is safer, easier, and usually less expensive than an emergency fix.
To summarize, it is essential to understand how garage door spring replacement works. This helps keep you safe and ensures your garage door operates smoothly. If you spot the usual signs of a broken spring, you can stop bigger problems before they happen. Doing these repairs by yourself can seem like a good idea, but the risk is high, and it may not be worth it.
Getting help from professionals like First Responder Garage Doors ensures that your repairs will be safe and efficient, providing you with genuine peace of mind. Don’t let a broken spring ruin your day. Take care of your garage door, and if you need assistance, contact us promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
A skilled technician can often complete a garage door spring replacement in one to two hours. Many companies give same-day service or emergency garage door repair for Southlake residents. This helps ensure your garage door repair in Southlake, TX, is completed quickly and with excellent customer service.
Most reputable companies offer a free estimate for garage door replacement. However, to provide an honest and accurate price, they need to inspect the garage door at your location. This helps them check the weight, size, and type of spring in the garage door. That way, you get low prices and the right parts for your garage door. Sometimes, you even get a lifetime warranty.
Yes, many companies offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair and replacement services. They work on garage door problems at any time, for both residential homes and commercial establishments with overhead doors. This helps homeowners and business owners get a reliable garage door fixed or have replacement services, regardless of the time of day.
If you notice that you have a broken garage door spring, do not use the garage door until it is repaired. This is not safe. Unplug your garage door opener right away. The best course of action now is to contact your garage door specialists. They have the right tools, and they know how to fix your broken garage door the right way. Give them a call, and let them take care of your garage door system.
No, you should not try to fix a garage door spring on your own. The springs in your garage door have a lot of tension, which can cause injury. For your peace of mind and safety, it is better to call a professional for Southlake garage door repair. They know how to take care of your residential garage door and will help keep you and your family safe.
Standard garage door springs are designed to withstand approximately 10,000 open and closed cycles. Typically, the lifespan of your garage door springs is around 7 to 10 years. The lifespan of your garage door springs can be extended with regular garage door maintenance from a trusted garage door company. This way, your garage door continues to function correctly, and you can avoid more significant problems later.
Repair companies in Southlake and the Fort Worth area work with many garage doors. They offer both torsion springs and extension springs. Most people get advice from them on which spring to use for their garage door. The garage door torsion spring is the most commonly used type in most homes. It is the most common and lasts for a long time. When you need garage door repair in Southlake, using a torsion spring is a good choice for your garage door.
You can tell the spring in your garage door is broken when you hear a loud snap. You might also see a gap in the spring. The door could be crooked, feel really heavy, or not open at all. If your garage door is not working correctly, it is a clear sign that you need a garage door spring replacement. A malfunctioning garage door is not ideal, so it is best to fix it soon.
The most common reason for this is regular use over the years. Your garage door is used frequently. This can wear out the springs, making them break. Things like rust and sudden changes in temperature, such as hot or cold weather in places like Fort Worth, can also cause problems. If you neglect garage door maintenance, it may deteriorate further. Spring breaks can sometimes lead to further damage.
The top signs that you have a broken spring in your garage door are easy to spot. You may hear a loud bang when it breaks. There will be a gap in the spring, and the garage door cable may no longer be connected. The door might not lift, or it could rise and appear off-balance. If you notice any of these issues, contact a garage door repair specialist immediately.