Action Garage Door Repair Specialists is dedicated to providing the best garage door repair and installation services in the DFW metroplex, Austin, and Houston, Texas. Our team has worked for decades honing our skills and ensuring that each garage door service we provide places our customers first.

When it comes to garage door springs, we get a lot of questions concerning their operation and what repairs these essential parts entail. To better educate our community, we have created this FAQ guide about garage door springs and our garage door spring repair and replacement services. As always, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team!

How Do Garage Door Springs Work?

Garage door springs act as a counterbalance system, making a garage door feel lighter while easing the opening and closing the door. Depending on what type of garage door spring you have changes how it operates. Here is an overview of the two different types:

Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are mounted above the garage door on a tube that is bolted together in the middle. Other parts of the torsion spring system mounted to the torsion tube include the drums, bearings, and cables. Torsion springs need to be wound a specific number of times based on the height of your garage door. Winding them increases the amount of tension, aiding in making the garage door feel lighter, but this also makes them extremely dangerous to handle.

As the garage door opens, the springs begin to unwind, allowing the garage door to travel from the vertical tracks to the horizontal tracks. The cable wraps around the drum at the same time this is happening to help hold the door in place. 

Extension Springs

Extension springs stretch alongside the horizontal tracks of your garage door. These operate by pulling the garage door upwards against the force of gravity to support the weight. This is accomplished through a pulley system that allows the springs to stretch as the door closes. This allows the garage door to close gradually instead of slamming down.

Why Are Garage Door Springs Dangerous?

Garage door springs are placed under an extreme amount of tension. When that tension is released, it can lead to a serious accident if you’re in the way. Anyone who has not been properly trained to handle garage door springs should never attempt to adjust them or mess them on their own. Doing so can lead to serious injuries such as lacerations, severed fingers, broken bones, and in worst cases, death.

How Long Do Garage Door Springs Last?

Torsion garage door springs have an average life expectancy of 5 years depending on how often they are used and how well maintained they are. 

Extension garage door springs have an average lifespan of 5-9 years depending on how often they are used. However, it is important to note that most extension garage door springs are being phased out due to safety issues with the operation.

Are There Different Sizes of Garage Door Springs?

Yes. Not all garage doors are the same and take the same types of springs. If you need help knowing what size garage door spring you need, our team at Action Garage Door is here for you!

How Do I Know If My Garage Door Springs Need to Be Replaced?

These are the signs that can alert you that your garage door springs need repair:

• The garage door is not opening smoothly: If the garage door is catching on its way up or not catching at all, something is out of order. It is important to get a garage door inspection though before you automatically assume it is the springs. Other hardware issues with the pulleys, belts, rollers, and tracks can also cause issues when opening or closing your garage door.
• There is a loud bang when the door rises: If you hear a loud noise when your garage door comes to a stop, this could be a sign that the torsion springs may have broken. You may also notice gaps in the springs or notice that they are beginning to unwind. If you notice any of these, do not operate your garage door and call a repair specialist immediately.

How Can I Best Maintain My Garage Door Springs?

It is important to call in a garage door repair specialist every six months to do an inspection on your garage door springs and properly lubricate them. Doing this will help increase their lifespan and reduce spring binding. During this inspection, our experts will also check your hinges, rollers, and bearings to ensure that there isn’t undue stress on your garage door opener.

Who Are You Going to Call When Your Garage Door Springs Need Repairs?

The team at Action Garage Door Repair Specialists has been specially trained to handle garage door springs, allowing us to work safely with them, reducing the risk of injury. We work hard to ensure that your garage door is safe for you and your family to use and that it lasts for years. Contact our team today for more information on our garage door spring repair and replacement services or to schedule an appointment.