2025-01-10 7 min read Mike Johnson
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your daily routine. Every time your garage door opens and closes, the springs do the heavy lifting, literally. Understanding how they work, when they fail, and what to do when they need replacement can save you stress, money, and potential injury.
Your garage door relies on springs to counterbalance its weight. Without them, the door would be nearly impossible to open manually and would put tremendous strain on your opener motor. There are two main types of springs:
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door. They use torque, twisting force, to lift the door. When the door closes, the springs wind up, storing energy. When it opens, that stored energy is released to lift the door.
Torsion springs are the preferred choice for modern garage doors. They're safer, longer-lasting, and provide smoother operation than extension springs. Most residential doors use one or two torsion springs, depending on the door's weight.
Extension springs are mounted on either side of the door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract to provide lifting force. While less common in newer installations, many older Burbank homes still have extension spring systems.
Extension springs should always have safety cables running through them. If a spring breaks, the safety cable prevents it from becoming a dangerous projectile.
Springs don't last forever. The average torsion spring lasts about 10,000 cycles (one cycle = one open and one close). For a family that uses the garage door four times daily, that's about 7 years. Here are signs your springs may need replacement:
Look at your springs regularly. Gaps in the coils indicate a break. Rust, corrosion, or stretching are warning signs. With extension springs, look for elongation beyond normal operating length.
If your opener strains, the door only opens a few inches, or you hear the motor running without door movement, the springs may have failed. Do not repeatedly attempt to open the door, you'll burn out the opener motor.
When you disconnect the opener and lift the door manually, it should stay in place or lower very slowly. If it crashes down, the springs aren't providing proper counterbalance.
A breaking spring releases tremendous stored energy instantly, creating a loud bang that many homeowners mistake for a gunshot or falling object. If you hear this sound, inspect your springs before attempting to use the door.
If your door rises crookedly or seems heavier on one side, one spring may have failed while the other still functions. This puts extra stress on the remaining spring and is unsafe to operate.
We cannot stress this enough: garage door spring replacement is not a DIY project. The springs are under extreme tension, enough to cause severe injury or death if they fail during attempted repair.
Professional technicians: - Have proper tools designed specifically for spring work, Understand the physics and safety procedures involved, Can match the correct spring size and tension for your door, Carry insurance in case anything goes wrong, Complete the job safely in about an hour
The cost difference between professional service and a hospital visit is not worth the risk. If you're handy around the house, save your DIY energy for safer projects.
When you call Garage Door Burbank for spring replacement, here's what happens:
We'll inspect the entire door system, not just the springs. Often, a spring failure reveals other wear that should be addressed.
We'll select springs that match your door's weight and size. Proper matching is crucial for safe, smooth operation and maximum spring life.
We'll carefully unwind the old springs and remove them. This is the most dangerous part of the job and where proper technique is critical.
New springs are mounted and wound to the correct tension. We'll also lubricate them and check the entire system.
Before we leave, we'll test the door multiple times, check the balance, and ensure the opener operates correctly. We'll also give you tips for extending your new springs' life.
While springs will eventually wear out, proper care can extend their lifespan:
- Lubricate regularly: Apply garage door spray lubricant to the springs 2-3 times per year. This reduces friction and prevents rust. - Keep the door balanced: An unbalanced door strains springs unevenly. - Avoid excessive use: If you have a pedestrian door, use it when you don't need to open the large door. - Consider high-cycle springs: If you use your garage door frequently, invest in springs rated for 25,000+ cycles. - Address problems early: Strange noises or behavior mean something is wearing. Catching issues early prevents cascading failures.
In Burbank, professional spring replacement typically costs $150-300 for a single spring or $200-400 for a pair. This includes parts and labor. While some companies advertise lower prices, be wary of bait-and-switch tactics or substandard parts.
Factors affecting cost: - Spring type (torsion vs. extension) - Number of springs, Spring quality and cycle rating, Door weight and size, Additional repairs needed
At Garage Door Burbank, we provide upfront pricing before any work begins. No surprises, no hidden fees.
If your spring breaks unexpectedly:
1. Don't attempt to use the door. Operating with a broken spring can cause further damage or injury. 2. Disconnect the opener. Pull the manual release to prevent the opener from straining against the dead weight. 3. Keep the area clear. Don't let children or pets near the door. 4. Call for service. We offer same-day and emergency service for spring failures.
Garage door springs work tirelessly, day after day, until they don't. Understanding their importance and recognizing warning signs helps you address issues before they become emergencies. And when replacement is needed, trust the professionals, your safety depends on it.
Need spring replacement in Burbank? Call Garage Door Burbank at (747) 318-4623 for fast, professional service.