How to Repair a Broken Garage Door Spring

Garage door springs are under tremendous tension and come in two main types:

• Torsion springs: Mounted above the door, these springs twist to provide lifting power.
• Extension springs: Located on either side of the door, they stretch to help lift the door.
  
  

Both types serve the same purpose: counterbalancing the weight of your garage door to make it manageable. Without functioning springs, even a small door can feel like a ton of bricks.

Springs do have a lifespan, measured in cycles, with one cycle equaling one full opening and closing of the door. Residential doors usually have springs rated for 10,000 cycles, which can translate to about 7 to 10 years of use depending on how often the door is used.

Understanding how springs work is the first step in recognizing problems before they become emergencies.

A broken spring rarely goes unnoticed. Most homeowners will see clear signs that something is wrong.

Here are the key indicators:

• Door won’t open: A spring carries most of the door’s weight. If it breaks, the door might not lift at all.
• Unusual noises: Loud bangs or pops can signal that a torsion or extension spring has snapped.
• Sagging or uneven door: A broken spring can cause the door to tilt or sag to one side.
• Slow operation: The door may move sluggishly or feel unusually heavy.
• Gaps or stretched coils: Visible damage on the spring itself is a clear sign it needs attention.
  
  

Ignoring these signs can lead to further damage to your garage door system or even personal injury.

Many homeowners think they can save money by fixing a spring themselves. While it may seem simple, garage door springs are extremely dangerous to handle without proper tools and training.

• High tension: Springs store thousands of pounds of energy. Improper handling can cause serious injury or death.
• Heavy components: Even a small door can weigh hundreds of pounds, making mistakes costly.
• Specialized tools: Professional technicians use winding bars and safety equipment that most homeowners do not have.
• Risk of damaging the door: Incorrect installation can throw the door off balance, causing more repairs down the line.
  
  

DIY repairs may be tempting, but the risks far outweigh the potential savings. When in doubt, hire a professional garage door repair company.

Steps Professionals Take for Garage Door Spring Replacement

When you call a reputable garage door company for garage door spring replacement, they follow a careful, step-by-step process:

• Safety inspection: The technician assesses the door, checking for additional issues that could complicate the repair.
• Removal of the old spring: The broken spring is carefully unwound and removed using proper tools.
• Selection of the correct spring: Professionals match the spring to your door’s weight, size, and usage frequency.
• Installation of the new spring: The new spring is installed and tensioned properly to ensure smooth operation.
• Testing: The door is tested for balance, speed, and safety features to confirm everything works correctly.
  
  

Professionals not only make the repair safe but also ensure the longevity of your door system.

Once your springs are repaired or replaced, proper maintenance can extend their life.

Regular maintenance includes:

• Lubrication: Apply garage door lubricant to the springs, rollers, and hinges every six months.
• Inspection: Check for wear, rust, or gaps in the spring coils.
• Balanced door: Test the door by disconnecting the opener. If it stays in place halfway, the springs are balanced.
• Openers and hardware: Make sure the opener, cables, and tracks are functioning properly.
  
  

A little maintenance goes a long way in avoiding unexpected garage door spring repair calls.

While minor adjustments like lubrication can be done by a homeowner, any broken or heavily worn springs should be handled by a professional.

Calling a garage door repair company is especially important if:

• You notice loud popping sounds or broken coils.
• The door is suddenly too heavy to lift manually.
• You see rust or corrosion affecting spring integrity.
• There are repeated issues despite previous repairs.
• You are unsure about the correct spring type or tension.
  
  

Professionals have the tools, training, and experience to handle these repairs safely and efficiently.

If you need safe and reliable garage door spring repair in Fresno, contact Cristo’s Garage Door today at (559) 320-5158. Our team is trained to handle both residential garage door replacement and commercial garage door replacement, ensuring your door operates safely and efficiently. We pride ourselves on fast, friendly service that keeps your home or business secure.

In addition to spring repair, we offer full garage door repair and service, and we can help with new residential or commercial garage door installation. Call us today and let our experienced team handle your garage door needs with professionalism and care.