parma ohio garage door repair - spring repair
Garage Door Spring Repair: Understanding the Essentials
Garage door springs are among the most vital yet overlooked components of your garage door system. They carry the heavy burden of balancing and lifting the weight of the door, allowing it to open and close smoothly. When a spring fails, the entire system is compromised, leaving homeowners with a door that is difficult—or even dangerous—to operate. Understanding the causes of spring damage, how to identify the signs of failure, and what steps to take next is critical for maintaining both safety and convenience.
What Causes Garage Door Springs to Break?
Garage door springs are under immense tension and face constant wear and tear. The most common cause of failure is normal usage over time. Springs have a limited life cycle, typically rated for about 10,000 cycles, with one cycle being a full open and close. Depending on how often you use your garage door, this could last anywhere from 7 to 12 years.
Other causes include rust and corrosion, which weaken the coils and make them prone to snapping. Poor maintenance, such as failing to lubricate the springs, can also shorten their lifespan. Additionally, if your garage door is unbalanced or improperly installed, the springs may bear uneven weight, leading to premature failure.
How to Identify a Broken or Failing Spring
Recognizing the signs of a failing spring early can prevent bigger problems. One of the clearest indicators is when your garage door won’t open or close properly. You might notice the door feels unusually heavy, jerks as it moves, or stops halfway. A loud bang in the garage can also signal a spring snapping under tension.
Another common sign is visible gaps in the spring coils. A healthy torsion spring should be tightly wound; if you see a separation, it means the spring has broken. In extension springs, you may notice the cables hanging loosely on the sides of the door.
What to Do When a Spring Breaks
If your garage door spring breaks, the safest step is to stop using the door immediately. Operating the door with a broken spring puts tremendous strain on the opener and other components, potentially causing further damage or even injury.
The best course of action is to call a professional garage door repair service. Trained technicians have the tools and experience to safely replace the springs, balance the door, and ensure smooth operation. Attempting to lift the door manually should be avoided, especially if it’s a double door, as it can weigh over 200 pounds.
What Not to Do
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is trying to repair or replace garage door springs themselves. These springs are wound tightly and hold extreme tension, which can cause severe injury if released incorrectly. DIY spring repair without proper training and tools is risky and often results in costly damage.
Another mistake is to ignore regular maintenance. Skipping lubrication or balance checks shortens spring life and increases the chance of sudden failure. Likewise, relying on the opener to “muscle” the door open with a broken spring can burn out the motor.
Conclusion
Garage door spring repair is not just another household chore—it’s a matter of safety and efficiency. By understanding the causes of failure, recognizing the warning signs, and knowing what to do and what not to do, homeowners can protect their doors and avoid unnecessary risks. The takeaway is simple: leave spring repairs to the professionals, but stay proactive with regular maintenance to keep your garage door working flawlessly.
The 3 Most Common Garage Door Springs
Torsion, Extension, and Wayne-Dalton TorqueMaster
When it comes to garage door functionality, the springs are the unsung heroes. They do the heavy lifting, counterbalancing the weight of the door to make it possible for you or your opener system to raise and lower it safely. Among the different types available, three stand out as the most commonly used in residential setups: torsion springs, extension springs, and the Wayne-Dalton TorqueMaster system. Each has unique characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks that homeowners should understand before choosing or servicing their garage door.
Torsion Springs
Overview
Torsion springs are the most popular and widely used garage door springs today. They are mounted horizontally on a metal shaft above the garage door opening. When the door is closed, the springs are wound tightly, storing potential energy. As the door opens, the springs unwind, providing the torque needed to lift the heavy door.
Advantages
Torsion springs are known for their strength, durability, and balance. They distribute weight more evenly across the door, which reduces wear and tear on other components like the opener and cables. This also means smoother and quieter operation. With proper maintenance, torsion springs generally last longer than extension springs—often between 15,000 and 20,000 cycles.
Drawbacks
The main downside is that they are more complex and expensive to install or replace. Because of the high tension they store, torsion springs can also be extremely dangerous for anyone attempting DIY repairs without professional tools and training.
Extension Springs
Overview
Extension springs are mounted on either side of the garage door, parallel to the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract as the door moves, creating a counterbalance effect. These springs are often seen in older homes or more budget-friendly garage door setups.
Advantages
Extension springs are typically less expensive than torsion springs and can be easier to install. For homeowners on a budget, they provide an affordable option that still gets the job done.
Drawbacks
However, extension springs come with several disadvantages. They generally have a shorter lifespan (around 10,000 cycles), and because they stretch rather than twist, they can cause uneven lifting and jerking movements. This uneven motion places more stress on the cables, pulleys, and the opener. Safety is also a concern; if an extension spring breaks and safety cables are not installed, it can snap violently and cause damage or injury.
Wayne-Dalton TorqueMaster Springs
Overview
The Wayne-Dalton TorqueMaster system is a proprietary spring setup designed to look cleaner and safer than traditional springs. In this system, the springs are enclosed inside a metal tube, hiding them from view and reducing the risk of injury if a spring fails.
Advantages
The biggest selling point is safety and aesthetics. The enclosed design means homeowners don’t see bulky, exposed springs, and it prevents broken pieces from flying out if a spring snaps. For many, the TorqueMaster system looks more modern and requires less frequent visual inspections.
Drawbacks
Despite the safety benefits, TorqueMaster springs tend to be less durable than torsion springs and have a shorter lifespan. Replacement and repair can also be more costly and complicated since the system is proprietary. Many homeowners eventually switch from TorqueMaster to traditional torsion springs for better performance and longevity.
Conclusion
Torsion, extension, and Wayne-Dalton TorqueMaster springs each play the same essential role—helping you lift your garage door with ease—but they differ in design, safety, lifespan, and cost. Torsion springs are the industry standard for durability and smooth operation, extension springs are a cost-effective solution for lighter use, and the TorqueMaster system offers safety and aesthetics but with some trade-offs in longevity and repair complexity.
If you’re unsure which spring system your garage door uses—or if you suspect a spring issue—consulting with a professional garage door technician is the safest and smartest way forward.