If you have a garage, the chances are you’re using it without much thought to keeping your car sheltered from various weather conditions. Not to mention, it’s a fantastic storage space!
However, that blissful image can be quickly shattered by a broken garage door spring. This essential part (or parts, depending on their type and the size of your garage door) ensure that the door opens and closes seamlessly.
When lowered, the springs are tense. If you want to open the door, the tension is released, and the springs help with the lifting.
Sometimes, this mechanism malfunctions. As a result, you should act fast to be able to use your garage safely.
In this article, you’ll find the answers to important questions regarding garage door springs and what goes into their replacement. Without any further ado, let’s get on with it!
Types of Garage Door Springs
Your garage is equipped with one of the two types of spring systems:
- An extension spring system has two springs located on both sides on the garage door track. When the door is in motion, they extend and contract with the assistance of cables and pulleys.
- A torsion spring system, depending on the garage door size, uses one or two coiled springs. The springs have cable drums at both ends and are placed horizontally on a steel shaft, running parallel to the door and serving as a counterbalance. According to experts from A1 Garage, it’s more expensive and difficult to install, but it also lasts longer and is considered safer.
Why Do Garage Door Springs Break?
Some of the most common aspects are the lifespan and the number of up-and-down cycles. Most garage door springs break due to the excessive tension when the door is lowered or closed.
Remember never to walk under a moving garage door because when the springs break, it may come crashing down and harm you.
Are Garage Door Springs Expensive?
You’ll pay a different price depending on the type of this element. An extension spring costs between $20 and $50, and a torsion spring costs between $30 to $100.
Keep in mind that even if you have a two-spring system and only one spring is broken, it’s better to replace both springs at the same time. It will be cheaper and will also improve the functionality and balance of your garage door.
Professional Repair or DIY?
There is no conclusive answer to this question, as you may encounter different prices depending on the type of springs and whether you want to make repairs on your own or hire an expert. Generally, the average range is between $150 and $300. Let’s take a look at both options:
Cost of DIY Replacement
If you want to repair the springs yourself, you just need to buy a set of springs. However, it’s a dangerous operation, and if you don’t have proper knowledge, you could get seriously injured. As such, you may have to pay more and buy tools that can ensure your safety and help you complete the task in the first place. If you’re an amateur, the repair process will also take more of your time.
Cost of Professional Replacement
Hiring a professional may seem like the best option for you, especially if you’re not sure whether you can do it safely.
Now, the replacement cost will differ depending on the spring type, the type of service you need, your location, and the company you choose.
That being said, the replacement cost for torsion springs will be between $140 and $270 for a single torsion and between $200 and $350 for a double torsion.
An extension spring replacement runs $120 to $160 for a single extension, while double extension replacement costs between $160 to $200.
How Long Will They Last?
Besides the cost, you may be wondering how durable the garage door springs are and, if there’s a need, how long does it take to replace them. We’ve got the answer to both questions!
Item Durability
It depends on the type of springs and can be broken down to years or up-and-down cycles. Usually, torsion springs have a life expectancy of 7 to 14 years, or between 10,000 and 20,000 up-and-down cycles, depending on how often you use your garage door.
On the other hand, extension springs last from 4 to 10 years, or between 5,000 to 15,000 cycles. After that, experts advise replacing them with torsion springs.
Garage Door Spring Replacement Time
A professional can replace a broken garage door spring between 30 minutes to 1 hour. It may take you more than that if you’re doing it for the first time.
The Bottom Line
Whether you choose to replace a broken garage door spring (or springs) on your own or hire a professional to do it, it’s up to you.
Keep in mind that while changing a broken spring doesn’t take much time, you may find it challenging if you’ve never done this before.
What’s more, the process can be dangerous, as your garage door is more likely to slam down abruptly without a set of springs that function correctly. As such, it might be best to call an expert and let them handle the repairs. It will be more expensive, but it will also be safer.
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