Garage Door Spring Repair: Everything You Should Know

The springs on your garage door are one of the most critical, yet least understood, components of the entire system. They provide the necessary force to lift a door that can weigh several hundred pounds, making it possible for you and your automatic opener to move it with ease. When one of these springs breaks, you’ll know it, and you’ll quickly find yourself searching for a garage door spring repair service. At Local Garage Door Services FL, we believe that a well-informed homeowner is a safe homeowner, so we’ve put together the essential facts you need to know about these hardworking parts.

The Role and Types of Garage Door Springs

At its core, a garage door spring’s job is to counterbalance the weight of the door. Without them, the garage door opener would be unable to lift the immense load. The springs store mechanical energy when the door is closed and release it to help lift the door. Understanding which type of spring system your garage has is the first step in diagnosing issues and ensuring proper maintenance. The two main types found in residential garages are torsion springs and extension springs, each with a unique design and function.

Torsion Spring Systems

If you look above your closed garage door, you might see one or two large, tightly coiled springs running on a metal shaft. This is a torsion spring system. These springs work by twisting—or applying torque—as the door closes, storing energy in the process. When the door opens, the springs unwind, releasing that energy to help lift the door’s weight. Because of the incredible tension they hold, torsion springs are considered safer than their extension counterparts, as they are secured to the shaft and less likely to cause injury if they break. It’s a common practice to replace both springs even if only one breaks, as they have the same amount of wear.

Extension Spring Systems

Extension springs are located on both sides of the garage door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract to counterbalance the door’s weight. As the door lowers, the springs extend. When the door raises, they retract. A key safety feature is the cable running through the middle of each spring. This cable prevents the spring from flying across your garage if it breaks, avoiding injury or property damage. If your springs lack these cables, have them installed immediately.

Fixing broken garage door springs is not a safe DIY project. Mishandling them can cause serious injury or damage. For safe and reliable service, always contact a certified professional. If your garage door has issues, trust the experts.

NEED GARAGE DOOR REPAIR SERVICE?