Replacing a broken spring is a job for the pros!

Replacing a broken spring is a job for the pros!

You’re relaxing at home, when suddenly you hear a huge bang or thump coming from your garage. What is it? You go to investigate, but you see nothing on the ground or at eye level. So, you look up – and there it is. A broken spring above the garage door. You’re pretty handy, so you figure you’ll have it fixed in no time – how hard could it be, replacing a broken spring? You’ll tackle the job over the weekend when you have more time.

If you think this is going to be an easy job, think again. Before you decide that fixing a broken garage door spring is something you can handle, consider this – the spring system holds the entire weight of your garage door, and that weight can be up to 136 kg (300 pounds). When you’re thinking in terms of that kind of weight, you might want to reconsider trying to do the job of replacing the spring on your own. Keep reading to learn more.

What spring systems are used on garage doors?

TORSION:

  • This type of spring system is contained in a tube, and located over the garage door.
  • A broken spring won’t fall off – it will stay suspended within the tube.

EXTENSION:

  • This type of spring system is installed over horizontal tracks.
  • If a spring should happen to break, and a safety cable has been installed, the safety cable will keep the spring in place, so it won’t detach and fall to the garage floor.

Both types of spring systems serve the same purpose – to reduce the weight of the door as it moves up and down, by acting as a counterweight. This is why when you need to lift your garage door manually, with the springs in place, you’ll only be lifting about 4.5 kg (10 pounds) as opposed to the full weight of the door.

What is the usual life of a garage door spring?

A garage door spring will usually last for 10,000 cycles, or 5‑7 years. A cycle is equivalent to one opening and closing. We also offer double‑life garage door springs that will last for about 20,000 cycles. Now, this might sound like you’re going to get a lot of use out of your springs, but think about how often you open and close your garage door. use the garage door when you leave for work, and when you get home. Your kids probably use it several times a day. If you have a renovation project on the go, you could use the garage door a dozen or so times in any given day. It’s really not all that hard to reach 10,000 cycles within five years.

So why shouldn’t I tackle that broken spring myself?

You know how when your garage door is closed, the lifting cable is taut? With a torsion system, the spring is connected to a tube, which is attached to a drum, which winds the cables. The cables are attached to brackets that are located at the lower part of the door. It’s pretty much the same with an extension spring system, except that there is no tube.

Now, if you have a two‑car garage, which means you have a door that’s about 4.9 meters (16 feet wide), that adds up to a lot of weight. If one spring breaks, the door is going to become much heavier. It’s fairly rare for two springs to break at the same time, but it can happen, and then you’re dealing with even more weight. Trust us, you don’t want that coming down on you.

No biggie, I’ll just use my electric opener!

Well, in a way, it’s not a biggie. Garage door openers, depending on the strength of the motor (½ or ¾ HP), are meant to lift 110 kg (250 pounds) or more. The thing is, when they lift that much going up, they’re going to also exert that much weight going down. And if you’re standing with your foot on the threshold, there is not going to be a good outcome.

So what now?

If you have a broken spring, and an electric door opener, close the garage door and take the plug out of the outlet. Then contact us right away – this is an emergency repair, and you don’t want to compromise your safety or that of your family. Now, if you have another emergency at the same time (which is unlikely), and you absolutely have to leave the house by way of the garage, use the door opener – but only if there is truly no alternative.

I really don’t want to find myself in this sort of situation. Are there any preventive measures?

There are. We recommend inspecting and lubricating your garage door twice a year. The best times are in early spring, and just before the onset of winter. You’ll check the door over for any problems, and lubricate any metal parts that contact other metal parts (the springs, rollers and hinges).

All you need to do for the springs is apply a bit of oil for metal and then use a rag to wipe off any excess. This protects the springs from surface rust, and also reduces the noise that can result from coils rubbing on one another. It also makes your springs last longer.

I’d rather just have you do it. Is that okay?

It most certainly is. We can conduct a 28‑point check‑up for your home’s garage door. This includes inspecting the door, making routine adjustments, and lubricating the moving parts. If we identify a part that should be changed, we’ll let you know, and we’ll also provide you with a quote before we do any work. We’ll also give you a report that will state clearly the condition of your garage door

If you need a garage door checkup, repairs, or a new opener, we will be happy to come to your home. You can arrange a service call online or reach us by phone at 1-800-696-1926 for a free quote. And if you’re just planning your ultimate garage door, visit our Design Centre to experiment with styles, colors, windows, and more.

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