Garage Door Jurupa Valley Team
Garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your garage door system. They do the heavy lifting, literally, making it possible for you to effortlessly open and close a door that can weigh 200+ pounds. Understanding how they work and when they need replacement is crucial for every homeowner.
There are two main types of springs used in residential garage doors:
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They work by twisting and storing mechanical energy when the door closes. When you open the door, this stored energy helps lift the heavy panels. Torsion springs are: - More durable and longer-lasting, Provide smoother, more controlled operation, Safer when they break (contained on the shaft) - More expensive but worth the investment
Extension springs run along the horizontal tracks on either side of the door. They stretch (extend) when the door closes and contract to help lift it open. Extension springs: - Are less expensive initially, Can be more dangerous if they break without safety cables, Require more maintenance, Are common in older installations
Most garage door springs are rated for a specific number of cycles, with one cycle being one complete open and close. Standard springs are typically rated for 10,000 cycles. If you open your garage door 4 times per day, that's approximately 1,460 cycles per year, giving you roughly 7 years of service.
High-cycle springs rated for 25,000 or even 50,000 cycles are available and worth considering, especially if you use your garage door frequently.
Watch for these indicators that your springs are failing:
1. The door feels heavy: If your door suddenly seems harder to lift, the springs may be losing tension.
2. Visible wear or damage: Look for gaps in the spring coils, rust, or stretched sections.
3. The door opens unevenly: One spring failing before the other can cause the door to tilt.
4. Loud bang from the garage: A broken spring releases tremendous energy and makes a distinctive sound.
5. The door won't stay open: Weak springs can't hold the door in the open position.
Garage door spring replacement is one home repair that should NEVER be attempted as a DIY project. Here's why:
Extreme Tension: Torsion springs are under incredible tension. A spring rated for a 200-pound door stores enough energy to cause serious injury or death if released improperly.
Specialized Tools: Proper spring replacement requires winding bars, clamps, and other specialized tools most homeowners don't have.
Precise Measurements: Springs must be precisely matched to your door's weight and dimensions. Incorrect springs can damage your door system or fail prematurely.
Safety Cables: Extension spring systems should always have safety cables properly installed.
When you call Garage Door Jurupa Valley for spring replacement:
1. We'll inspect your entire door system 2. Measure and select the correct spring type and size 3. Safely release tension on the old spring 4. Install the new spring with proper tension 5. Test and adjust the door balance 6. Inspect and lubricate all moving parts 7. Clean up completely
Most spring replacements take about an hour, and we carry common spring sizes on our trucks for same-day service.
While springs will eventually wear out, you can maximize their lifespan: - Apply lubricant to the springs twice yearly, Keep the door balanced (have it checked annually) - Don't block the door during operation, Address small issues before they become big problems
If your springs are showing signs of wear or your door isn't operating smoothly, contact us today. We provide free inspections and honest assessments of your spring condition.