When it comes to maintaining your home, the garage door is often overlooked. Yet, it plays a crucial role in the safety and security of your property. One of the most important components of a garage door system is the spring. Garage door springs are responsible for carrying the heavy weight of the door, allowing it to open and close smoothly. Over time, these springs can wear out, requiring replacement to keep the door functioning properly. Learning how to replace garage door springs can be essential for homeowners who want to avoid potential hazards associated with malfunctioning doors.
However, replacing a garage door spring can be dangerous if not done correctly. Garage door springs are tightly wound and hold a tremendous amount of tension, making DIY repairs risky without the proper knowledge and tools. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to replace garage door springs safely, the common hazards to avoid, and why professional assistance might be the best option. By following these detailed instructions and safety precautions, you can maintain the functionality of your garage door while ensuring your own safety.
Understanding Garage Door Springs
Types of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs come in two main types: torsion springs and extension springs. Knowing the difference between these types is crucial when figuring out how to replace garage door springs.
- Torsion Springs: These are mounted horizontally above the garage door and twist or coil to lift the door. Torsion springs are commonly found in modern garage door systems due to their durability and balance. They are typically safer than extension springs but still require a lot of tension to operate.
- Extension Springs: These are located on either side of the garage door and stretch to open and close it. Extension springs are often found in older garage door systems and are considered slightly more dangerous than torsion springs due to their potential to snap during use.
Regardless of the type, both torsion and extension springs wear out over time and need to be replaced to keep the garage door functioning properly.
Signs That Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement
Understanding when to replace your garage door spring can save you from unexpected failures and hazards. Here are the most common signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement:
- Visible wear and tear: Fraying, rust, or gaps in the coil indicate that the springs are worn out and need to be replaced.
- Loud noises: A loud banging or popping noise during the opening or closing of the garage door suggests that the spring may be damaged or broken.
- Difficulty lifting the door: If the door becomes heavy to lift manually, it’s a sign that the springs are losing their tension.
- Door closes too fast: A door that slams shut could indicate that the spring is not supporting the weight properly anymore.
Once you identify the signs of wear, it’s essential to replace the springs promptly to avoid dangerous situations, such as the garage door falling or damaging other components.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace Garage Door Spring Safely
Tools You Will Need
Before starting, gather the necessary tools to complete the task safely. Here’s a list of essential tools:
- Winding bars (for torsion springs)
- Adjustable wrench
- Socket wrench
- Clamps or locking pliers
- Safety glasses
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Ladder
- Tape measure
Step 1: Safety First – Disconnect the Garage Door Opener
The first and most important step in how to replace garage door springs is to disconnect the power to the garage door opener. This prevents any accidental opening or closing of the door while you work. Pull the manual release cord to disconnect the garage door from the opener. This step ensures that the door will not move while you are working on the spring system.
Step 2: Secure the Door in Place
Use clamps or locking pliers to secure the door in place. Position them on the track just below the bottom roller to prevent the door from slipping or falling during the repair process. This is a critical step for safety since the door could fall without the support of the springs.
Step 3: Loosen the Broken Spring
If you’re working with torsion springs, you’ll need to loosen the broken spring before removing it. Use a winding bar to unwind the spring slowly, being careful not to release it too quickly, as the tension can be dangerous. Once the tension is released, remove the spring from the shaft.
For extension springs, carefully release the tension by disconnecting the cable from the pulley system. Be cautious while handling the spring, as the release of tension can be unpredictable.
Step 4: Measure and Purchase the Correct Spring Replacement
It’s important to purchase the correct spring for your garage door system. Measure the length, inside diameter, and wire size of the broken spring before buying a new one. Ensure that the replacement spring matches the exact specifications of the old one, as using the wrong spring could damage your garage door system or cause it to function improperly.
Step 5: Install the New Garage Door Spring
After acquiring the correct replacement spring, it’s time to install it. For torsion springs, slide the new spring onto the torsion tube and reattach it to the end brackets. Wind the spring with the winding bar, ensuring that the number of turns is correct for your door size and weight. For extension springs, reconnect the spring to the pulley system and attach the cable.
Step 6: Test the Garage Door Balance
Once the new spring is installed, test the balance of the garage door by manually lifting it halfway. The door should remain in place if the spring is properly balanced. If it slides up or down, the spring may need further adjustment.
Step 7: Reconnect the Garage Door Opener
Once everything is secure and functioning properly, reconnect the garage door opener to the door and restore power. Test the automatic operation of the door to ensure that everything is working smoothly.
Common Hazards to Avoid When Replacing Garage Door Springs
Replacing garage door springs can be a hazardous task if not done correctly. Here are some key dangers and how to avoid them:
1. Lack of Proper Tools
- Hazard: Using incorrect or makeshift tools, such as screwdrivers or pliers, to replace garage door springs is extremely dangerous. Garage door springs are under high tension and can cause severe injury if mishandled.
- Prevention: Always use the correct, specialized tools, such as winding bars, to safely manage the tension in the springs. These tools are designed to handle the load and reduce the risk of the spring slipping and unwinding violently.
2. Working Alone
- Hazard: Attempting to replace garage door springs by yourself increases the risk of accidents. Garage doors are heavy and require precision during installation, making it difficult to secure parts alone.
- Prevention: Always have an extra person assist you. An extra set of hands can help stabilize the door, hold components in place, and manage the heavy lifting, greatly reducing the risk of accidents.
3. Ignoring Safety Gear
- Hazard: Garage door springs can snap suddenly, releasing significant force. Flying debris or a snapping spring can result in eye or hand injuries if you’re not properly protected.
- Prevention: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses and heavy-duty gloves, when handling garage door springs. This equipment can protect you from unexpected hazards like flying parts or sharp edges.
4. Underestimating the Spring Tension
- Hazard: Many people wrongly assume that a broken spring is harmless, but even a damaged spring can retain dangerous levels of tension that could cause injury.
- Prevention: Approach the replacement process with extreme caution. Always follow the correct steps to release the tension safely before attempting to remove or replace the spring. Do not assume the spring has no tension, even if it appears damaged.
5. Not Testing the Door Balance
- Hazard: Failing to test the door balance after replacing the spring can lead to further damage. A poorly balanced door may strain other parts of the garage door system, causing premature wear or failure.
- Prevention: After installing the new spring, thoroughly test the door balance by manually opening and closing the door. It should move smoothly without heavy resistance. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure the door is properly balanced and avoid overloading other components.
Garage door spring replacement is a task that should be approached with caution and careful preparation. By using the proper tools, enlisting help, wearing protective gear, understanding the risks of spring tension, and testing the door balance, you can reduce the likelihood of accidents and ensure a successful repair.
When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Spring Replacement
While learning how to replace garage door springs can save money, it may not be suitable for every homeowner. If you’re not comfortable working with high-tension springs or if your garage door system is complex, hiring a professional may be the safest option. Garage door repair professionals have the training and tools necessary to replace springs without risking personal injury or property damage.
If you’re in the Vestavia Hills area, Southern Home Creations offers expert garage door spring replacement services to ensure your system is functioning safely and efficiently. Our team of professionals can quickly diagnose and repair any issues with your garage door springs, saving you time and effort.
FAQs about How to Replace Garage Door Spring
- Is it safe to replace a garage door spring on my own?
Replacing a garage door spring can be dangerous if not done correctly. The springs are under high tension, and improper handling can lead to serious injury. It’s recommended to call a professional if you’re unsure about the process or don’t have the right tools.
- How much does it cost to replace a garage door spring?
The cost of replacing a garage door spring can vary depending on the type of spring and the labor involved. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $350 for professional spring replacement services.
- How long do garage door springs typically last?
Garage door springs generally last between 7 to 10 years, depending on the usage and quality of the spring. High-cycle springs can last even longer with regular maintenance.
- What happens if I don’t replace a broken garage door spring?
Continuing to use a garage door with a broken spring can cause significant damage to other parts of the door system, such as the opener or tracks. It also poses a safety risk, as the door could fall or become stuck.
- Can I use any type of spring to replace my garage door spring?
No, it’s important to replace your garage door spring with one that matches the size, type, and weight capacity of your current system. Using the wrong spring can lead to improper function and additional damage.
Conclusion
Replacing a garage door spring is an important task that ensures the safety and functionality of your garage door system. Whether you’re working with torsion or extension springs, knowing how to replace garage door springs safely is crucial to avoiding common hazards. While DIY replacements are possible with the right tools and knowledge, it’s important to remember that professional help is always available. Ensuring that the springs are installed correctly will extend the life of your garage door and protect your home from accidents.
If you’re unsure about tackling the job yourself, Southern Home Creations is here to help with expert garage door spring replacement services. Contact us today for a professional consultation and let us take care of your garage door needs.
End Note
Southern Home Creations specializes in providing high-quality garage door spring replacement and maintenance services. With decades of experience serving clients in the Vestavia Hills area, we are committed to delivering excellent craftsmanship and reliable customer support. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a raised panel garage door or need professional assistance with garage door services, we have you covered. For more information, check out our full range of services and contact us to schedule an appointment today. Learn more about our company’s values on our About Us page.