Broken Garage Door Spring Repair: Safety, Cost, and Prevention Tips

Garage doors are an essential part of our homes, providing security, protection, and convenience. But, they can also pose a danger when they malfunction, especially if the garage door spring breaks. The garage door spring handles lift the weight of the door, and when it fails, the door can become heavy and difficult to open, or even fall suddenly. In this article, we will discuss Broken garage door spring repair and what you need to know to keep your garage door working safely and efficiently.

What causes garage door springs to break?

Garage door springs have a delimited lifespan and will eventually wear out and break. The average lifespan of a garage door spring is about 10,000 cycles, which decodes to 7 to 10 years of normal use. But, the lifespan can be influenced by various factors, such as the frequency of use, the weight of the door, the quality of the springs, and the environmental conditions.

One of the most typical reasons for garage door spring defeat is wear and tear. As the spring cycles up and down, it slowly loses its tension and becomes weaker over time. Eventually, it will come to a point where it can no longer support the weight of the door and will break.

Another common cause of Broken garage door spring repair failure is rust and corrosion. Springs made of steel are prone to rust, especially in areas with high humidity or salt air. Rust weakens the metal and makes it more brittle, which increases the risk of breakage.

Lastly, improper maintenance can also contribute to garage door spring failure. Lack of lubrication or the use of the wrong type of lubricant can cause the springs to wear out faster and break prematurely.

How to identify a broken garage door spring?

When a garage door spring breaks, you will usually hear a loud bang or pop. The door may also suddenly become heavy and difficult to lift or refuse to open altogether. You may notice that the door appears to be uneven, with one side higher than the other.

If you suspect that your garage door spring has broken, do not attempt to lift the door manually or use the garage door opener. The door is likely to be very heavy, and attempting to lift it could result in injury or damage to the door and opener.

Instead, call a professional garage door repair service to inspect the door and diagnose the problem. A trained technician will be able to identify the broken spring and recommend the best course of action for repair.

How to repair a broken garage door spring?

Repairing a broken garage door spring is not a DIY project and should only be performed by a trained professional. Attempting to repair or replace the spring yourself can be dangerous and could cause further damage to the door and opener.

When you call a garage door repair service, the technician will typically follow these steps to repair the broken spring”

• Inspection: The technician will first inspect the door and identify the broken spring. They will also inspect the other components of the door, such as the cables, hinges, and rollers, to ensure that they are in good condition.
  
• Spring replacement: The technician will then remove the broken spring and replace it with a new one of the same size and type. They will also balance the tension between the two springs, if your door has a two-spring system, to ensure that the door operates smoothly.
  
• Lubrication: After the spring replacement, the technician will lubricate all the moving parts of the door, including the springs, cables, rollers, and hinges. Proper lubrication helps reduce wear and tear and extends the life of the door.
  
• Safety check: Finally, the technician will perform a safety check to ensure that the door is functioning properly and safely. They will test the door’s balance, alignment, and auto-reverse feature to make sure that the door can be opened and closed without any issues.
  

How much does a broken garage door spring repair cost?

The cost of broken garage door spring repair can vary depending on the type of spring, the size of the door, and the extent of the damage. On average, the cost of repairing a broken garage door spring ranges from $150 to $350.

If your door has a two-spring system, both springs should be replaced at the same time, even if only one spring is broken. This is because the remaining spring will likely wear out soon and will need to be replaced anyway. Replacing both springs at once can save you time and money in the long run.

It is essential to mention that garage door spring repair is not a job for a DIY fan. Attempting to repair or replace a garage door spring without proper training and equipment can be dangerous and could result in injury or further damage to the door and opener.