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One of the most integral parts of your garage door system is the springs that help to open and close the door. Your garage door gets a lot of use throughout the years as so many people use the garage door as their primary access to their home. That consistent use can cause significant wear and tear and eventually lead to issues with the garage door if not properly maintained.
If your garage door springs breaks, it can be a stressful moment. Many homeowners worry about the cost and risk of having a broken garage door. For garage door spring repair, it’s best to let a professional handle the work. The good news is that there are a lot of reliable professionals that can help repair your garage door and repair it quickly.
But what exactly is the cost for garage door spring repair? This article will provide an in-depth look at the cost of repairing garage door springs and everything you need to know when the garage door springs break.
How Do Garage Door Springs Work?
Many modern-day garage doors have two types of spring systems: torsion springs and extension springs. The springs are a part of the garage door system as a whole and not part of the garage door opener system, although the garage door cannot function without springs. Torsion spring systems are a single coil that runs parallel to the door and serves as a counterweight to the garage door’s weight. Extension spring systems are two springs that run parallel to the overhead door track and do the work of lifting and lowering the door.
Torsion and extension springs are kept under pressure when the door is shut. When you open your garage door, energy is released, and the released energy assists in lifting the door up. Torsion springs are kept under pressure by the design of being tightly coiled and compressed by a metal cable drum that works to compress the coil as the door is lowered. Extension springs pressure is created by stretching the coils when the door is lowered.
Without springs, your garage door would be near impossible to open and close as the door itself can weigh several hundred pounds. If your springs break, it can be extremely dangerous as the door can slam down suddenly if lifted in the air. The importance of regular maintenance on your garage door helps ensure no one is injured and prevents the springs from breaking suddenly.
What is the Cost to Repair Garage Door Springs?
Over time, garage door springs will wear out, and the springs will break. Springs have a limited lifespan; eventually, you will need to replace or repair them if they break or prevent them from breaking in the future. The average cost of repairing your garage door springs is between $150 and $300 for materials and labor. The springs typically run around $30 to $70 each, and commercial grade springs can cost up to $300 or more, and you will usually need to replace all springs at once.
In most repair instances, repairing a broken spring usually means replacement. Still, a professional can help determine if you need to balance the door or simply lubricate the springs, which can cost around $50 to $100. There are a number of factors that can contribute to the cost of repairing your broken springs. When considering garage door spring repair and the costs, you want to think about the other factors that can considerably change the price.
Garage Size – If your door is large, you may need commercial grade springs which can cost $100 to $500 per spring and anywhere between $150 to $300 for labor.
Spring Types – Garage doors have two types of springs that are used to open and close the door, and the cost varies for each one.
- Torsion Springs – The torsion springs are horizontally mounted over the garage door, and the torsion springs compress to tighten. The torsion springs cost, on average, $150 to $300 for replacements.
- Extension Springs – Extension springs stretch as the garage door closes and is the most common type of springs found on garage doors today. The replacement cost average around $100 to $200 to replace.
Spring Type Conversion – If you want to switch from extension to torsion springs to invest in springs that may last longer and are safer, the cost can average between $400 and $800.
Replacing Cables – Your garage door operates with the spring and a cable. The cable serves as a backup if the springs fail, but they can wear out before the springs do. It’s important to have these inspected regularly and it may be worth it to repair the cables in addition to your springs. The signs to look for that your cables may need to be replaced include:
- Garage door lifting unevenly
- Whining sounds when the garage door moves
- The garage door falls off the tracks
If you need to replace the cables, the costs can vary between $75 and $100. Professionals may offer a discount if you repair your springs and cables simultaneously.
Labor Costs – Labor takes around 1 to 2 hours, and costs can range from $75 to $150 for a standard garage door spring repair. The labor costs for commercial grade spring repairs can be higher and range from $150 to $300. Replacing the springs requires special tools and can be a very dangerous job. It’s best to leave it up to a professional to repair.
Emergency Repair Services – Many professional garage door repair services offer 24-hour emergency repair. If you need to have your garage door springs replaced immediately, there may be a late-night or holiday times fee.
Because the garage door springs are built to lower and lift your garage door’s heavy weight, a professional should do repair and replacement. Attempting to repair your garage door springs on your own can is very dangerous and can result in serious injury or death.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
It’s important to understand why your garage door springs can break to ensure your garage door is safely able to continue to work efficiently. The springs are designed to hold the enormous weight of the door. The small springs can withstand the weight through pressure, extension, and energy transfer. Depending on how often you use your garage door, your garage door springs can last for years. They can last even longer with proper knowledge of what causes them to break. Here are some common reasons your garage door springs might have a shorter lifespan.
Rust – Rust can corrode and weaken your garage door springs and cause them to fail and break more quickly. Lubrication made for springs applied at least two times a year can help extend the life of your garage door springs.
Failure to Do Regular Maintenance – Garage door springs are not made to last forever, but with regular maintenance, they can last much longer than without maintenance. Proper regular maintenance can help you prevent your springs from breaking by checking them to see if there is any damage.
Normal Wear and Tear – Your garage door springs will experience normal wear and tear throughout the life of your garage door. The more your use your garage door, the sooner the garage springs are likely to break.
How to Tell if Your Garage Door Spring Is Broken
Whether you’re in your garage when a garage door spring breaks or not, you need to know how to tell if your garage door spring is broken. Here are some signs that may indicate your garage door springs broke, and they need attention.
- If your garage door doesn’t open, and you can hear the motor working and making noise
- You hear a loud pop like a firework when you try to open the garage door
- The cables appear to be loose or handing crooked
- The door will not stay open
- The garage door closes too fast
- If you inspect your springs and notice rust or corrosion
- If your garage door is off the track or hanging crooked
What to Do if Your Garage Door Springs Break
Knowing what causes broken springs and the cost of repairs is one thing. But what are you supposed to do when your garage door springs break? If you have a broken spring in your garage door, you will need to replace it as soon as possible, especially if it’s your main entrance to your home.
When your garage spring breaks, avoid opening your garage door with your opener, and all professionals advise against opening your door at all. Using your opener to try and open your garage door can cause more damage, leading to even more repairs.
If you need your garage door open for any reason, you will need to open it manually. Opening your garage door manually can be dangerous as the door is extremely heavy. If not done correctly, you could get seriously injured. If you need to open your garage door, here’s how to do it safely.
- Never Do It Alone – Never attempt to open the door on your own. You will need to get someone to help you open the heavy door to prevent injury and make it generally easier.
- Take Precaution – Opening the door, you want to be especially careful and take precautions as you would lifting any heavy object. Try to be mindful of your hand positions to avoid pinching and causing you to drop the door.
- Disengage the door from the Opener – Disengage your garage door from the opener while the door is touching the ground to prevent it from slamming shut.
- Carefully Life the Door – Raise the door carefully until it is completely raised and on the horizontal rails. If you feel at any point the door is too heavy, and you are struggling, immediately cease trying to lift the door and gently return it to the ground. Call a professional to help you repair the door.
Professional Repair vs. Do It Yourself Repair: Which is Better?
While saving money is at the forefront of every homeowner’s mind when making decisions to repair or replace anything in a home, when it comes to garage door spring repair, this type of repair is best left to the professionals.
The repair requires specialized tools and expertise to get the job done safely. If you don’t know what you’re doing or the risks that come with a DIY repair, you can cause yourself or others serious injury or even death. Even if you are successful, there is a higher chance that it could be done incorrectly and cause further damage to your garage door over time.
Having a professional repair your garage door springs can save effort and reduce the chances of you becoming injured. The costs are relatively reasonable compared to many other home repairs you may face. A professional goes beyond the repair and can assess the overall function of your garage door to ensure it’s working correctly and will continue to do so.
Your garage door springs are essential for your door to open and close, successfully giving you access to your home at the touch of a button. If you neglect the regular care and maintenance of your garage door, your garage door can break, causing dangerous conditions and jeopardizing the safety of everyone in your home. Have a local professional you trust to inspect your garage door at least two times annually to give you peace of mind in knowing your garage door is safe.
