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If you need the best garage door spring repair services in Houston, TX, Call us at (832) 570-3845 for quality services.
Spring is the main component of the garage door system that balances the door weight for its easy opening and closing. Without them, the door would be extremely heavy to lift, whether manually or with an opener. Spring undergoes breakage because of constant tension and they go through cycles of winding/unwinding or stretching/contracting every time you use the door.
Over time, this leads to wear and tear. The sudden release of tension can cause the spring to fly off and injure someone or damage property. can put extra strain on other parts of the garage door system, leading to further damage. Hence it is important to have on time spring repair services to avoid any inconvenience. We at Easy Garage Door Repair are your local experts, providing reliable emergency garage door services. Call us now for immediate assistance and expert repairs.
Torsion Springs: These springs are mounted above the garage door, typically on a shaft. They work by twisting, storing energy as the door closes and releasing it to lift the door open. Torsion springs are generally considered more durable and can handle heavier doors compared to extension springs. They are also generally safer as if they break, the pieces are contained on the shaft.
Extension Springs: These springs are located on either side of the garage door, running parallel to the tracks. They work by stretching, storing energy as the door closes and pulling the door open. Extension springs are often found on lighter, single-car garage doors. They are less expensive than torsion springs, but they are more dangerous if they break, because the broken pieces can fly across the garage.
The springs (whether torsion or extension) are at their maximum tension when the door is closed. Torsion springs are tightly wound, and extension springs are stretched. This tension stores the energy needed to lift the heavy door.
When you open the door (manually or with an opener), the force applied starts to overcome the door’s weight. As the door starts to move upwards, the springs begin to unwind (torsion) or contract (extension). This releases the stored potential energy.
The energy released by the springs provides an upward force that counteracts the downward pull of the door’s weight. This counterbalance makes the door feel lighter and easier to lift. The cables attached to the springs (and the door itself) are pulled by the spring’s force. These cables, guided by drums (torsion springs) or pulleys (extension springs), transfer the lifting force to the door.
The rollers, attached to the edges of the door, move along the tracks, guiding the door smoothly upwards. The spring’s force, combined with the track system, ensures the door opens evenly. When the door is fully open, the springs are at their least tension (though still under some tension to hold the door up). They have transferred their stored energy to lift the door.
As the door closes, the process reverses. The weight of the door forces the springs to wind up (torsion) or stretch (extension) again, storing energy for the next opening cycle. The cables and rollers guide the door smoothly down the tracks. This cycle repeats every time the door is opened and closed.
The constant cycling of opening and closing the door puts immense stress on the springs. Just like bending a paperclip repeatedly, the metal fatigues over time, eventually leading to cracks and breakage. This is the most common cause of broken garage door spring and is directly related to the number of cycles the spring has performed.
Rust and corrosion, often exacerbated by humidity or exposure to moisture, weaken the spring steel. Extreme temperature fluctuations are also great cause of broken garage door spring. Cold temperatures can make the metal brittle, while heat can cause it to lose tension.
Regular lubrication is crucial to reduce friction and prevent rust. Ignoring signs of wear, such as gaps in the coils, unusual noises, or slow door movement, can lead to more significant problems and premature failure. Proper maintenance significantly extends spring life.
Improper installation, using the wrong size or type of spring, or an unbalanced door puts undue stress on the springs. An unbalanced door forces the springs to work harder, shortening their lifespan. These issues often require professional attention.
Accidental damage, like hitting the door, can directly damage the springs. Excessively heavy doors (e.g., solid wood) place a greater load on the springs, accelerating wear and tear. These factors contribute to premature spring failure.
Professional garage door spring repair, installation, and maintenance is a specialized job due to the high tension involved. Here’s a detailed look at the process:
The technician first inspects the entire door system, including the springs, cables, tracks, rollers, and opener. They identify the type of springs (torsion or extension), their size, and the extent of the damage. The garage door opener is unplugged to prevent accidental operation during the repair. Releasing tension (for torsion springs) is the most critical and dangerous step. The technician uses specialized tools (winding bars and locking pliers) to carefully release the tension from the torsion springs. This should only be done by a trained professional. The door is secured in place, often with clamps or supports, to prevent it from moving during the repair.
Both springs are replaced at the same time, even if only one is broken, as the other spring is likely to fail soon due to similar wear. The technician disconnects the broken spring (or both springs) from the shaft or brackets. The new springs are carefully installed, ensuring they are the correct size and type for the door. For torsion springs, this involves mounting them on the shaft and securing them with the appropriate hardware. For extension springs, they are attached to the tracks and the door.
Tensioning the Springs (For Torsion Springs):
Using winding bars, the technician carefully winds the torsion springs to the correct number of turns, as specified by the spring manufacturer or determined by door weight calculations. This process requires precision and strength. The winding bars are removed, and the springs are secured in place with the retaining cones and set screws.
Cable Inspection or Replacement
The cables are inspected for fraying, damage, or wear. If necessary, they are replaced. The pulleys on extension spring systems are also checked for wear and replaced if needed.
Balance and Adjustment:
The door is manually lifted to ensure it is properly balanced. An unbalanced door puts excessive stress on the springs and opener. The technician makes any necessary adjustments to the spring tension, cable length, or track alignment to ensure smooth and balanced operation.
Lubrication and Final Checks:
The springs, cables, rollers, and tracks are lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant. The safety sensors at the bottom of the door are tested to ensure they are working correctly. These sensors are crucial for preventing accidents. The garage door opener is plugged back in, and the door is tested to ensure it opens and closes smoothly and safely. The technician cleans up the work area. They explain the work performed, provide maintenance tips, and answer any questions the customer may have. They may also provide information on the lifespan of the new springs.
Spring Maintenance (Ongoing):
Homeowners should lubricate the springs, cables, rollers, and tracks at least twice a year with a silicone-based lubricant. Regularly inspect the springs for signs of wear, such as rust, gaps in the coils, or any other visible damage. It’s recommended to have the garage door system professionally inspected and serviced annually.
Are you experiencing a garage door emergency? A broken garage door spring can bring your day to a screeching halt, trapping your car inside or leaving your home vulnerable. Don’t let a broken spring disrupt your life any longer. We offer fast, reliable, and professional emergency garage door spring repair services throughout Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas.
We understand that garage door issues don’t stick to a 9-to-5 schedule, which is why we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are searching for emergency garage door spring services near you in Houston, contact us immediately for fast and reliable services.
The lifespan of garage door springs varies. Several factors affect their longevity. These include frequency of use, maintenance, and the quality of the springs themselves. Generally, they last between 5 and 10 years. However, this is just an estimate. Some springs may last longer, while others may fail sooner. With proper inspection and maintenanace, spring lanst longers for years.
We properly check the conditions of springs and perform repair or replacement whatever needed the most. You can lubricate the springs with a garage door lubricant. Do this about twice a year. Clean the garage door tracks regularly and free of debris. Avoid any actions that could put undue stress on the door. A professional tune-up every year is also a good idea. This allows a technician to inspect all components. They can identify potential issues early.
Replacing garage door springs is extremely dangerous. These springs are under high tension. Improper handling can lead to serious injury. We strongly advise against DIY spring replacement. It’s best to leave this job to a trained professional. Their expertise and specialized tools ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
The cost of garage door spring repair varies. Several factors influence the price such as type of springs, labor costs, and your location. Most experts charge $150 to $500 for spring repair services. It’s best to get quotes from several reputable garage door companies.
A broken spring is often obvious. You might hear a loud bang, the door may be crooked, or it might not open or close completely. Sometimes the door will be stuck. Visually, you might see a gap in the spring. If you notice any of these signs, do not attempt to operate the door. Call a professional immediately to avoid safety concerns.
We’re dedicated to providing Houston residents with superior garage door repair, installation services, and new garage doors & openers.
