- Discover the importance of garage door openers
- Learn what to look for when you need to repair openers
- Explore options for repairing or replacing garage door openers
Central to the smooth operation of your garage door—and a smooth day—are your garage door springs. If you notice that your garage door spring broke, avoid the temptation to try a DIY fix. Searching, 'how to fix a spring on a garage door' then attempting a fix on your own can risk serious injury. Garage door springs are dangerous because of the amount of weight and tension they hold.
We understand the desire to attempt a DIY repair. Companies may offer a variety of spring options to choose from and without knowing the ins and outs it's easy to focus only on one factor. This could lead to replacing your current spring with one that won't last very long. So, instead of trying to replace garage door springs on your own, read this blog for tipson what to look for while searching for a company that knows how to repair garage door springs.
1. Consider the Cost To Replace Garage Door Springs
If the torsion or extension spring on your garage door breaks within six years of installation, we recommend replacing your garage door spring with one of higher quality to reduce future spring repair costs. The incremental cost of a better-constructed spring will be more than offset by its longer life cycle.
For torsion springs, consider asking potential repair companies what the lifespan of the springs they offer are. Use these guidelines to determine which level is best for your budget and garage:
- Below average: Spring lasts less than six years
- Average: Spring lasts six to eight years
- Above average: Spring lasts eight to 10 years
- Superior performance: Spring lasts 10+ years
When an extension spring breaks, you have fewer options to upgrade to a higher quality spring than a torsion spring. As a result, the garage spring repair cycle and costs tend to remain relatively unchanged unless they install an extension spring with enhanced connections. You could, however, take the opportunity to convert to a torsion spring system.
2. How to Identify High-Quality Garage Door Springs
Garage door repair companies often use the broken spring's specs to determine the wire gauge and length of the replacement spring. If your garage door spring broke within six years or less, chances are the replacement spring will have a similar outcome. You can avoid that by selecting a more durable replacement.
In general, springs with a thicker wire gauge and longer length are more durable and long-lasting. When comparing cost estimates to replace a garage door spring, the homeowner should consider the differences in potential performance and durability based on the wire thickness and length of the proposed replacement spring.
- Wire Length: If the spring wire gauges, their thickness, are the same, the longer spring will be the more durable of the two.
- Wire Thickness: if the wire gauges are different, the thicker wire gauge will be more durable. You don't need to factor in the length.
- LIfespan: Don't forget to factor in the estimated lifespan of the spring mentioned above. Ultimately, a spring with a longer estimated lifespan will be the most cost-effective and high-quality option.
3. 10,000+ Cycles is Not a High-Performance Spring
For all springs, 10,000+ cycles has become the standard rating for most garage door springs produced domestically or imported. Some garage door spring manufacturers claim their springs are capable of 15,000 to 20,000 garage door cycles in a well-maintained garage. Those additional cycles would save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Based on our experience, you'll still get better performance on average from a 20,000+ rated spring than a 10,000+ rated spring, even if it doesn't last the additional 10,000 cycles. Instead, the spring may last 15,000 cycles or a 50% performance improvement versus 100%. The incremental cost for the additional 50% performance gain will still reduce your future costs to replace a garage door spring.
4. Know Your Garage Door Spring Repair Companies
For homeowners who want a higher-quality spring replacement to lower their long-term repair costs, search for companies that know how to fix a spring on a garage door. You can read about their spring repair and check for recent reviews. The best service companies usually have current reviews reflecting high customer satisfaction.
Call the best prospects to ask about their fees, warranties, and expected performance of their garage door replacement springs. If possible, get estimates from repair companies that offer free quotes to avoid being subject to the service fee trap.
When finally deciding on a company to make your garage door spring repair, base your choice on which one provides the best value for your needs and budget, and inspire the most confidence in their ability to replace your garage door spring with one of superior quality and performance.
5. Schedule Preventative Maintenance to Reduce Garage Door Spring Costs
Whether a garage door spring lasts as many cycles as the manufacturer intended depends in large part on the maintenance done throughout its lifespan. Scheduled maintenance every 1 to 2 years helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear on all components of a garage system, especially springs, which can save repair costs in the long run. Schedule your maintenance today with Balanced Garage Doors. Our fast and professional technicians offer maintenance and repair across North Georgia, with locations in Alpharetta, Marietta, and Lawrenceville, GA.
