Garage Door Spring Repair: What You Need To Know About Its Types And Functions

Garage Door Spring Repair: What You Need To Know About Its Types and Functions

Let’s talk about garage door springs. You know, those unassuming coils of metal that quietly do the heavy lifting until they don’t. Picture this: you’re halfway through your morning coffee, hit the garage door button, and—BANG—suddenly your door sounds like it’s auditioning for a horror movie. Yep, springs are the unsung heroes (or villains) of your garage. But don’t panic—we’ve got your back. At Long Beach Garage Doors, we’ve tackled more spring disasters than we can count, and today, we’re sharing the inside scoop.

The Two Types of Garage Door Springs: Torsion vs. Extension

Let’s start with the basics. Garage doors rely on one of two spring systems to open smoothly. Think of them as the “yin and yang” of garage door mechanics—different, but equally critical.

Torsion Springs: The Heavy Lifters

Torsion springs are the beefy coils mounted horizontally above your garage door. They work by twisting (hence “torsion”) to store energy, which helps lift the door. Here’s why we love them:

• Durability: They last longer than extension springs—usually 7–12 years with proper care.
• Safety: They’re less likely to snap violently since the tension is contained.
• Smooth Operation: Perfect for heavy doors (like those fancy custom wood ones).

But here’s the catch: torsion springs are not a DIY project. Messing with these requires tools, expertise, and a healthy respect for physics. Trust us, we’ve seen enough “hold my beer” moments to know this isn’t worth the risk.

Extension Springs: The Stretchy Sidekicks

Extension springs run vertically along the sides of your door, stretching and contracting to assist with lifting. They’re common in lighter doors and older setups. Pros?

• Affordability: Generally cheaper to install or replace.
• Simplicity: Easier to access for repairs (but still not a DIY task).

Downsides? They’re prone to wear and tear, and if one fails, it can whip around like a metal snake. Fun times, right?

Why Springs Matter More Than You Think

Garage door springs handle about 90% of the door’s weight. Without them, your opener would burn out faster than a pop star on a world tour. Here’s what happens when springs fail:

• Your door becomes a noisy garage door (think creaks, groans, and metallic screeches).
• The door might jerk or get stuck halfway, which is not the workout your arms signed up for.
• Cables can snap, leading to garage door cable repair—another headache.

FYI: If your door starts acting like it’s possessed, call a pro. Seriously. At Long Beach Garage Doors, we’ve rescued folks from DIY disasters more times than we’d like to admit.

“Is My Spring Broken?” – 5 Signs to Watch For

Wondering if your springs are toast? Here’s our cheat sheet:

1. The Door Won’t Budge: If your opener strains like it’s lifting a truck, the springs might be done.
2. Gaps in the Coils: Visible space between torsion spring loops? That’s a red flag.
3. Sudden Loud Noises: A broken spring sounds like a gunshot. No exaggeration.
4. Uneven Movement: Does the door tilt or jerk? Hello, spring imbalance.
5. Age: If your springs are older than your smartphone, replace them preemptively.

Repair vs. Replacement: What’s the Right Call?

Here’s where things get spicy. A broken spring always needs replacement—no shortcuts. But what if only one torsion spring fails on a dual-spring system? Technically, you could replace just one, but we recommend swapping both. Why?

• Balance: Mismatched springs strain the system.
• Cost Efficiency: Pay once instead of twice when the second one snaps next month.

For garage door spring replacement cost, prices vary based on spring type and door weight. Locally in Long Beach, torsion springs run $150–$300+ per spring, including labor. Extension springs? Closer to $100–$200. Pro tip: Skip the “cheapest” option. Quality matters unless you enjoy repeat repairs.

How to Keep Your Springs Happy (Yes, Maintenance Exists)

Want to avoid sudden spring drama? A little garage door maintenance goes a long way:

• Lubricate: Hit springs and rollers with silicone spray every 3–6 months.
• Inspect: Look for rust, gaps, or frayed cables.
• Balance Test: Disconnect the opener and lift the door manually. If it doesn’t stay put halfway, your springs are slacking.

And hey, if you’re not into playing mechanic, we offer garage door service plans. Just saying.

Torsion vs. Extension Springs: Quick Comparison

FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered

1. Can I replace garage door springs myself?
Nope. Unless you’ve got a death wish and a toolkit worthy of a mechanic. Springs are under insane tension—leave this to pros like us.

2. How urgent is spring replacement?
Very. A broken spring strains your opener, cables, and tracks. Postponing repairs = higher garage door repair cost later.

3. What’s included in professional spring replacement?
At Long Beach Garage Doors, we handle removal, installation, lubrication, balance testing, and safety checks. No loose ends.

4. Do you offer emergency services?
Absolutely. Garage door stuck open at 2 a.m.? We’ve got your back (and your stuff) covered.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Spring Drama Ruin Your Day

Look, garage door springs aren’t glamorous, but they’re the backbone of your system. Ignore them, and you’ll face opener meltdowns, cable snaps, or worse—a door that crashes down like a bad punchline.

Whether you’re dealing with a noisy garage door, a broken spring, or just need routine garage door maintenance, Long Beach Garage Doors is here to help. We’re local, we’re obsessed with smooth operation, and we’ve got the expertise to keep your door in check.

So next time your door starts jerking, screeching, or impersonating a haunted house prop, give us a shout. Because nobody deserves a garage door that’s more high-maintenance than a reality TV star. 😉

Need help? Call Long Beach Garage Doors today—we’ll handle the heavy lifting (literally).