Have you ever wondered why your heavy garage door moves smoothly? Let’s look at garage door springs. They play a big part but are often not noticed.
Garage door springs help balance your door’s weight. This makes the door easy to move with the motor. They handle up to 80% of the door’s weight. These springs are high-tension and come in two types. Torsion springs are mounted above the door. Extension springs are next to it. Torsion springs create torque as they unwind. Extension springs stretch and shrink, helping lift the door.
To keep your garage door springs working well, regular check-ups are a must. This includes setting the tension right and oiling them. But, if they break, the door won’t work and could be unsafe. This means you’ll need to fix or replace them right away. Doing the right maintenance stops bad things from happening and makes springs last longer.
Key Takeaways:
- Garage door springs are critical for balancing the weight of garage doors, making them light enough to be moved by the motor.
- Torsion springs and extension springs are the two primary types, each offering distinct advantages.
- Regular maintenance, including inspections and lubrication, is crucial to prolong the life of garage door springs.
- Timely professional repair or replacement of broken springs ensures safety and operational efficiency.
- Impact Doors is a reliable provider offering high-quality, long-lasting garage door springs and maintenance services.
The Importance of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs are crucial for a safe, efficient garage door. They carry most of the door’s weight. This makes opening and closing the door easier, by hand or with an opener. A good spring means a smooth-running door, less wear on the motor, and no accidents from the door moving too fast.
But, garage door springs can break over time. This happens due to many reasons, like wear and tear. If a broken garage door spring happens, your door might not move or could fall down suddenly. This is very dangerous. You might hear a loud noise when the spring breaks or see the spring is snapped. It’s important to fix this quickly to keep your garage door safe and working right.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
Several things can cause a broken spring garage door. Natural wear and tear is a big reason. Torsion springs last about 10,000 cycles. Extension springs last about the same. Rust, not enough care, and too much use can make springs wear out faster. Keeping springs oiled and checked helps them last longer.
In 2014, garage doors injured almost 18,000 people in the U.S. This shows why it’s so important to take care of your garage door and replace springs when needed. Using better springs, like Ponderosa’s High Cycle Springs or Super Life Springs, makes them last longer and work better.
Don’t try to fix a diy garage door spring repair yourself. It’s too dangerous. Garage door springs are very tight. Without the right skills and tools, you could get hurt badly. So, if your spring breaks, get a professional to help.
For more information about garage door springs and how to maintain them, visit our page on garage door repairs in Narangba.
How Can You Make Garage Door Springs Last Longer?
Keeping your garage door springs in good shape is key. Regular garage door spring maintenance is important for this. It’s smart to check the springs every 12 to 18 months. Also, make sure they’re well-lubed and properly tightened.
Start by looking for rust or wear on the springs. Places that are cold and wet can make rust happen faster. Putting lubricant on the springs twice a year helps. Use white lithium grease or silicone products to stop rust and cut down friction.
If your door doesn’t stay open at chest level when opened by hand, it might need re-tensioning. You should get a professional garage door spring service to adjust it. This ensures everything’s done safely and correctly.
Garage doors that are used a lot may need new springs sooner. They are usually good for around 10,000 opens and closes. If you open and close your door four times a day, the springs could last about seven years. But, heavy doors or more frequent use can wear them out quicker. Having a pro check things regularly helps catch small problems early.
Different springs have different life spans and traits:
| Type of Spring | Average Lifespan | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Torsion Springs | 15,000 – 20,000 cycles | Higher lifespan, provides torque, suitable for heavier doors |
| Extension Springs | 10,000 cycles | Shorter lifespan, expands and contracts, suitable for lighter doors |
Regular garage door spring maintenance helps. So does seeing a professional garage door spring service. This way, your springs last longer, and your garage door works well. Plus, it keeps things safe.
How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?
Learning how long garage door springs last is key. Their life hinges on use and care. Whether torsion or extension springs, both types have a lifespan based on these factors.
Garage door springs last for about 10,000 cycles. A cycle is one full open and close. For a typical home using the door four times daily, this means seven years.
How Long Do Torsion Springs Last?
Torsion springs are tough and work well. They last for 10,000 cycles too. This usually means they can work well for seven to ten years, with around four daily uses. High-quality garage torsion springs can go up to 50,000 cycles. That could mean 14 to 20 years of use.
Do Extension Springs Wear Out?
Extension springs are on the garage door sides. They don’t last as long as torsion ones. Their stretching action causes them to wear down quicker.
They also last about 10,000 cycles. Yet, weather and the door’s weight can affect their lifespan. For example, cold, moisture-heavy climates speed up rust. Heavier doors mean more work for the springs, reducing their lifespan.
But, you can make springs last longer with upkeep. Lubrication and checks by pros help a lot. If you hear squeaking or see the door off track, it might be time to get them checked. Homeowners should always get a pro for this. Springs under tension can be very dangerous.
What Happens When Garage Door Springs Break?
When a garage door spring breaks, it can cause a lot of trouble. The door might suddenly close by itself or get stuck. This is dangerous and needs quick action to avoid harm or further damage.
Don’t try to open the door if the spring is broken. It could hurt the motor or worse, hurt you. It’s risky to fix it yourself. If you have to lift the door, get someone to help because it’s very heavy.
The door won’t stay open by itself if the spring is broken. You’d have to lift it manually and make sure it’s safely secured on the tracks. Always shut the door right after you move your car in or out.
Experts like Garage Door Specialists, Inc. are there to fix it safely. With over 40 years of experience, they know how to avoid further damage. They use the right tools and knowledge to prevent the door from falling.
Most garage door springs last for about 10,000 cycles. Keeping an eye on them, especially when it’s cold, is good. For doors used a lot, stronger springs that last for 20,000 cycles are better. Regular lubrication and checks help make them last longer. This way, they’re less likely to break suddenly.
How Much Do Garage Door Spring Replacements Cost
The garage door spring replacement cost varies a lot. It depends on the spring type, door weight, and where you live. Costs usually range from $400 to $600. It’s important to get professional help because springs are under a lot of tension.
| Spring Type | Cost Range (AUD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Torsion Springs (Self-Replacement) | $65 to $85 | Complex installation |
| Extension Springs (Self-Replacement) | $25 to $40 | Less complex but risky |
| Professional Replacement Service | $400 to $600 | Includes labour and warranty |
| Complete Kit for Extension Springs | $75 or more | Includes door rollers |
| Labor Rates for Repairs | $75 to $150 | Per service call |
| Commercial Garage Door Springs | $100 to $500 plus $150 to $300 for labor | Variable depending on size and type |
Choosing a professional garage door spring service is wise for safety and durability. Garage door springs often cost between $150 and $350. The average is about $250. Regular checks can prevent springs from breaking. But ignoring them or letting them rust can cause them to fail early.
Garage Door Spring Repair Near You
Looking for a local garage door spring repair service is important. These experts inspect, adjust tension, and replace springs. They use top-notch materials and stick to safety rules. This is key when dealing with torsion springs known for smooth operations. Don’t let a broken spring cause you inconvenience—call us today at (07) 5451 4022 to schedule your repair and get your garage door back in top shape.
Take Advantage of Our Impact Doors Service and LIFETIME Guarantees
Impact Doors enhance garage door safety and functionality. This is vital when thinking about maintenance or upgrades. Many services offer LIFETIME guarantees on springs and work. They show trust in their products’ quality. Choose services praised for reliability and excellent customer support.
Experts suggest yearly checks on garage door springs. High-quality springs last up to 15 years. They come with a 10-year warranty. In emergencies, pros in Brisbane fix issues fast. This keeps your garage door running well.
Changing a garage door spring costs between $395 to $510. Prices vary by spring type, size, and door dimensions. It’s smart to replace both springs at once. DIY repairs are risky.
