Have you ever been scared by a loud noise from your garage? If you went out to check and nobody’s there, your garage door spring may have broken.
A good way to check is to disconnect your automatic garage door opener and try to raise the door by hand. If it won’t open or won’t stay open, you probably need a new spring for your garage door.
We’ll walk you through what to do if your garage door spring broke. You may want to attempt the repairs yourself but it is a complex project.
Test Your Garage Door
If you think you’ve got a garage door spring break, take a few minutes to test the door. If you have an emergency cord attached to the door, pull down on it to see if your door will open.
Another way to tell if your garage door spring is broken is that it’s bent at the top. This is the result of the mechanism trying — and failing — to lift more weight than it’s accustomed to.
You may also notice that your garage door is moving in a “jerky” manner, or that it’s hanging crookedly. All of these signs indicate that your garage door spring needs to be repaired.
Finally, you may be able to see your broken spring. Don’t try to remove it yourself. Complex torsion spring replacement projects are best left to the pros.
Maintaining Your Garage Door Spring
Once you have your garage door spring replaced, you’re going to want to clean it at least twice per year. Springs break from rust, a lack of maintenance, and normal wear and tear.
A garage door spring break might also stem from harsh winter weather. Depending upon where you live, you might want to check and clean the springs before and after the winter months.
You can also check the balance on your garage door springs by lifting the door up manually every few weeks. If you notice that there’s some tension or that the door is raising up unevenly, it might be time to replace your springs.
There are two types of garage door springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Prices range from $35 to about $100, but the investment is worth it: broken garage doors can be life-threatening.
Finding a Local Contractor
Once you’ve determined that you need a new garage spring, it’s important to find a reliable contractor that can do the job quickly. If you’ve worked with someone before on a roofing project or other home improvement project, ask them if they can perform the needed repairs.
If you’re planning to sell your home, having a garage door that’s in good working order is key. Once you repair your garage door spring, it should last you for several years. Experts say that having a working garage door can increase the value of your home by more than it costs to install it.
Good luck with your home improvement project! Drop us a line and let us know how you’ve tackled replacing your garage door spring.
