Broken garage door spring repair is essential for keeping your garage door functioning safely, and Gulliver Garage Doors specializes in replacing garage door springs and cables to avoid damage. Our team ensures that torsion springs and extension springs are handled properly to help you safely open your garage door without risking injury.
Broken Garage Door Spring: Emergency Steps
When your garage door spring breaks, safety should come first. Here’s what to do right away in an emergency.
Initial Safety Precautions
- Never use the garage door opener if a spring is broken.
- Wear safety gear like gloves and eye protection when dealing with the door parts.
- Don’t stand under the door. It might fall and cause serious injuries.
Identifying Spring Type
It helps to know what kind of spring you have:
- Torsion springs sit above the door and twist to provide tension.
- Extension springs stretch along the sides of the door track when it opens.
Knowing this can guide you on what type of repair or replacement you need.
Manual Lifting (If Car Trapped)
If your car is stuck inside:
- Get two or more adults to help lift the heavy garage door.
- Make sure everyone knows what to do before lifting.
- Use enough force but be careful—it can be dangerous.
Safely Disengaging the Opener
To open the door manually:
- Find the emergency release cord hanging from your garage door opener.
- Pull it firmly to disconnect the opener from the door.
- Lift the door by hand while it’s in manual mode. Be sure helpers balance and support it right.
Following these steps keeps you safe and stops more damage when a broken garage door spring causes trouble in Edmonton.
Types of Garage Door Springs & How They Work
Garage doors mostly use two types of springs: torsion springs and extension springs. Both create the tension that lifts and lowers your door safely, but they do it differently.
- Torsion springs sit on a metal rod right above the door. When you close the door, these springs twist tight and store energy. Then, when you open it, they slowly unwind to help lift the door smoothly. People often need torsion spring replacement because these springs carry heavy loads well and usually last longer than extension springs.
- Extension springs run along each side of the garage door track. They stretch out when the door closes and pull it up as they contract while opening. If one breaks or weakens, you might need extension spring repair.
- Some garages have dual garage door springs, which means two torsion or extension springs work together. This helps balance the door better and makes things safer. You can also get double-life springs, which last about twice as long because they have higher cycle ratings (more on that later).
Signs of Failing Springs
- Worn coils: Rusty or stretched spots on the coils show weakening metal.
- Uneven tension: The door feels heavier on one side when you lift it by hand.
- Loud banging noise: A loud bang often means a torsion or extension spring snapped.
- Slow door movement: The opener struggles more than usual to lift the door.
If you see any of these signs, don’t keep using automatic openers until pros check it out. They know how to handle safe torsion spring replacement or extension spring repair.
Factors Affecting Garage Door Spring Replacement Cost
If your garage door spring breaks, you’ll want to replace it fast. In Edmonton, the price for garage door spring replacement can change a lot. It depends on the kind of spring you need, how much work is involved, and the parts used. Knowing this helps you get ready for what to spend.
Several things affect the total cost:
- Spring Type: Torsion springs cost more than extension springs because they are trickier to install.
- Labor Charges: In Edmonton, labor rates usually run from $80 to $150 an hour. If it’s an emergency or a tough fix, expect higher fees.
- Parts Quality & Compatibility: Using original parts made for your garage door hardware costs more but fits better than generic ones.
- Garage Door Hardware Condition: If tracks or cables need fixing too, that adds to your bill.
- Professional Installation vs. DIY: Pros charge more but guarantee the job is done safely.
DIY Garage Door Spring Repair
Fixing a broken garage door spring takes special tools and safety gear. You need spring winding bars, C-clamps, lock pliers, an open-end wrench, and an adjustable wrench. A garage door spring replacement kit usually has the right springs and hardware like winding cones.
Before you start, read up on garage door safety precautions. Wear eye protection and thick gloves. Springs can snap or shoot bits when they break. Know how torsion and extension springs work so you don’t get hurt.
Don’t use the wrong or cheap tools. Use only tools made for your spring type. This helps you fix the door right and keeps you safe while working.
Additional Safety Precautions Emphasized
Put safety first when dealing with broken garage door springs. Those springs store a lot of tension that can cause bad accidents if it slips out while fixing. To stay safe:
- Don’t stand under or close to any moving parts.
- Always wear eye protection and gloves.
- Follow all instructions carefully if doing repairs yourself.
- If unsure at all, call pro technicians who know how to replace springs safely.
Don’t risk it just to save time or money. Staying safe stops many serious injuries from bad repairs or broken springs.
Choosing a Professional Garage Door Spring Repair Service
A broken garage door spring can cause real problems. Fixing it yourself is risky without the right tools and skills. A professional garage door repair technician knows how to handle this safely. They use specialized tools and safety gear to get the job done right. These trained professionals follow strict garage door safety standards, like UL 325 compliance. That means your door will work safely after the repair.
The professional installation also includes a full check of all parts. This helps catch any issues before they turn into bigger problems. Such thorough inspection makes your garage door last longer and work better.
Importance of Experience & Certifications
Experience counts a lot when fixing broken garage door springs. Certified garage door technicians have the training to handle springs properly and follow safety rules. These trained professionals provide professional installation with care, cutting down mistakes that could cause harm or damage.
Picking certified experts means you get people who know different spring types and how to adjust tension right. This is key for repairs that match what the manufacturer says.
Questions to Ask Potential Contractors
- Do you offer a warranty on labor and parts?
- Can I get a detailed estimate of all costs?
- Are your technicians certified or licensed?
- Do you meet local building codes and UL 325 safety standards?
These questions help you find clear prices and good work backed by warranties.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs don’t last forever. They usually handle about 10,000 to 20,000 cycles before wearing out. Taking care of them can make them last longer and save you money. Stick to a regular garage door maintenance schedule to keep your springs working well and safely.
Signs of Wear and Tear to Watch For
Check your garage door springs often to spot problems early. Here’s what to look for:
- Worn coils: Watch for gaps or stretched parts in the coils.
- Uneven tension: Feel if one spring is tighter or looser than the other.
- Noisy operation: Squeaks or grinding sounds can mean worn parts or low lubricant.
- Slow movement: If the door moves slowly, weak springs might be the cause.
When inspecting, follow garage door safety tips. Always unplug power first and wear eye protection.
Proactive Measures to Prevent Future Failures
Finding issues early stops more damage and helps your springs last longer. You can try these steps:
- Inspect your garage door every six months.
- Put garage door lubricant on all moving parts, especially the springs.
- Don’t force the door open by yourself; get help if needed.
- Fix small problems quickly so they don’t get worse.
Get Reliable Broken Garage Door Spring Services!
When your garage door spring breaks, it can bring your entire day to a halt—leaving your vehicle stuck inside, compromising your home’s security, and creating a serious safety hazard. At Gulliver Garage Doors, we specialize in professional broken garage door spring repair that restores your door’s function quickly and safely.
Our expert technicians are trained to handle both torsion and extension springs, ensuring a precise fix with durable, high-quality parts designed to last. We understand that a broken spring is an urgent issue, which is why we offer prompt response times, transparent pricing, and courteous service you can trust.
Don’t risk injury by trying to fix it yourself—let Gulliver Garage Doors handle the repair and get your garage door working smoothly again today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the garage door opener manual release and how does it help?
The manual release disconnects the opener from the door. It lets you open the door by hand during spring failure or power outage.
How do I measure garage door coil size for spring replacement?
Measure the wire diameter, inside diameter, and length of the spring coil to find a correct match.
What tools are needed for garage door spring winding?
You need winding bars, C-clamps, lock pliers, adjustable and open-end wrenches for safe spring tension adjustments.
How does garage door spring tension affect door operation?
Proper spring tension balances door weight. Incorrect tension causes slow movement or strain on the opener.