Why You May Need Garage Door Spring Replacement for Your Home

Coming home after a long day of work and being able to park inside your garage is crucial for anyone living in the Edmonton area. Heavy winds, occasional rain showers, and long winters make having that indoor space accessible a necessity. Enjoying the convenience and comfort gets a little trickier if something is broken and you need garage door spring replacement.

 

In this article, we’ll provide some quick insight you may need for safe and reliable garage door spring repair. While we always recommend you contact our professional team at GD – Master Ltd, getting the correct info out there in the world is just as important.

How Does Garage Door Spring Work?

Garage door springs play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the door, ensuring smooth and efficient operation while minimizing strain on other components. Here’s how they contribute to achieving this balance:

Counterbalancing the Weight of the Door

Garage doors can be quite heavy, especially those made of materials like wood or steel. Torsion or extension springs are installed to counterbalance the weight of the door. When the door is closed, the springs are stretched or wound tightly, storing potential energy. This stored energy helps offset the force of gravity acting on the door, making it easier to lift manually or with the assistance of a garage door opener.

Adir (David) Forgatch standing on a ladder adds tension to the garage door spring

Ensuring Even Distribution of Weight:

Properly calibrated garage door springs distribute the weight of the door evenly along the horizontal and vertical tracks. This prevents the door from becoming misaligned or tilting to one side during operation. A balanced distribution of weight also reduces wear and tear on other components such as rollers, tracks, and hinges.

Facilitating Smooth Opening and Closing

The tension provided by the springs helps control the speed and motion of the door as it opens and closes. This prevents the door from moving too quickly or slamming shut, which could cause damage or pose safety risks. Instead, the door moves smoothly and steadily, enhancing user experience and prolonging the lifespan of the door and its components.

Reducing Strain on Opener Motor

Garage door openers are designed to handle a certain amount of weight when lifting and lowering the door. By counterbalancing the weight of the door, the springs reduce the amount of effort required from the opener motor. This extends the lifespan of the motor and other electrical components, resulting in fewer repairs and maintenance issues over time.

Minimizing Stress on Cables and Pulleys:

Garage door springs work in conjunction with lifting cables and pulleys to raise and lower the door. When the springs are properly adjusted, they relieve excess tension on the cables and pulleys, preventing them from wearing out prematurely or becoming damaged. This ensures the reliable and safe operation of the door system.

Types of Garage Door Springs

Before we proceed, we should note that trying to replace a broken garage door spring without professional experience or tools can be dangerous. These springs are under extreme tension and will hurt if improperly handled.

That being said, you typically find three types of garage door springs.

Torsion Springs

Garage door torsion springs are mounted above the door opening on a tube shaft and are under high tension when the door is closed, the springs unwind and release the stored energy to assist in lifting the door. They are typically made of hardened steel and come in various sizes and strengths to match the specific requirements of different garage door systems. They are designed to withstand the heavy weight of the garage door and provide smooth and controlled movement during operation

Garage door torsion spring

Extension Springs

The extension springs are commonly used in residential garage door systems. These springs are typically installed vertically on either side of the door tracks. They work by stretching and contracting as the garage door opens and closes. When the garage door is closed, extension springs are in a stretched position, storing energy. As the door is opened, the springs contract, releasing the stored energy to help lift the door. This action helps to counterbalance the weight of the garage door, making it easier to open manually or with a garage door opener

Torquemaster Spring System

Torquemaster spring system is an alternative to traditional torsion and extension spring setups in garage doors. The Torquemaster works by using the spring housed inside a steel tube, unlike traditional torsion springs that are exposed. When you open or close the garage door, the torsion spring twists and stores energy in the tube, helping to lift or lower the door smoothly. Learn more about Torquemaster system>> 

With most products, a garage door spring lifespan will last anywhere from 7 to 12 years, depending on the brand, quality of the part, and frequency of use. With some regular maintenance, you can easily extend this lifespan to lower your replacement needs and costs.

Close-up Right Top Corner of Torquemaster Spring System

Common Problems with Garage Door Springs

A broken garage door spring is much more common than you may think. Extreme temperatures and overuse quickly degrade these components, especially if you do not make an occasional garage door spring adjustment to the tension. Some of the more recognizable symptoms it may be time for spring replacement include:

  • Whenever you have visible damage or gaps in the spring, that only gets worse as they expand.
  • If your garage door keeps getting stuck in a halfway open/closed position whenever you attempt to operate it.
  • If you have loose cables due to the tension in the garage door spring not being at the proper setting.
  • You experience loud bangs or snaps whenever trying to open or close your door because the spring has broken. Learn more about signs of broken spring>>

 

If any of these signs occur, it may be time to consider garage door spring replacement cost. In Edmonton and the surrounding area, you can expect to pay about $225 for a single spring replacement and $349 for two springs (including labor)

Spending this money is always wise because you get professional installation without worrying about mistakes or damage to your person or property from a DIY solution.

Learn more about spring replacement cost>>

What to Expect with Garage Door Spring Replacement

Once you contact our team at GD – Master Ltd., we snap into action scheduling your appointment and bringing all the tools and parts necessary to get the job done right. This could be something as simple as a garage door spring adjustment to the tension or a complete replacement to ensure your safe and reliable door operation.

 

During the process, you’ll see our professional technicians:

 

  • Focus on Safety: We always start by putting the door into the closed position and disconnecting the apparatus from the opener.
  • Removing Old Springs: We use specific tools and procedures to safely remove old tension springs so they cannot harm anyone.
  • Installing New Springs: We will verify the model and tension required for your opener and install new springs so they are properly balanced.
  • Testing the Door: We never leave a project without first testing the door manually and with any attached automatic openers to ensure proper function.

 

Unless the damage is visible, we always start with a garage door spring adjustment. This way, we can better examine the components or extend their lifespan before suggesting a full replacement.

Final Thoughts

Garage door spring replacement isn’t an overly complex procedure, but without the experience and necessary tools, you risk damaging yourself or your property. Our YouTube video on garage door spring repair can give you a better idea of how this process unfolds.

If you live in Edmonton or the surrounding area and need your garage door torsion spring or extension repaired, give us a call at (780) 340-8564. GD – Master Ltd. is proud to be a local provider of garage door maintenance, repairs, and replacement. With same-day and next-day service, multi-year warranties, and upfront pricing, we are your best solution to a fully functioning garage door to keep your home and vehicle safe in Edmonton.

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