A garage door with a broken spring is an awful thing because sometimes you have to go to work in the morning and get the car out. In as much as it is advisable to get a professional for garage door broken spring repair, there are instances where one may be forced to open the door on his or her own until the professional arrives.
In this guide, we will walk you through the following:
- Understanding the Garage Door Spring
- The Role of Garage Door Springs
- Common Causes of Broken Springs
- Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
- Tips for Handling a Broken Garage Door Spring
- Steps On How to Manually Open a Garage Door When the Spring Is Broken
- Temporary Fixes for a Broken Garage Door Spring
- When to Call a Professional
- Finding the Right Garage Door Repair Service
Understanding the Garage Door Spring
Garage door springs are very important elements that assist in the lifting of the heavy door. There are two main types of springs: torsion springs installed above the door horizontally and extension springs installed on both sides of the door. Both types can fracture from wear and tear, rust, or an impact blow.
If a garage door spring breaks, you can hear a loud noise like a gunshot popping sound. This is the sound of the spring snapping under tension. This means that if the spring is not there, then the door will be very hard to lift with bare hands.
The Role of Garage Door Springs
Garage door springs help in balancing the weight of the door that can be opened or closed either by hand or by an opener. Torsion springs are placed above the door horizontally and are in most of the contemporary garage doors. Extension springs which are normally housed on either side of the door offer the necessary force through stretching and contraction.
Common Causes of Broken Springs
- Wear and Tear: Over time, the constant tension and release cause the metal to fatigue and eventually break.
- Rust and Corrosion: Moisture and lack of lubrication can lead to rust, weakening the springs.
- Improper Maintenance: Failure to regularly inspect and maintain the springs can lead to premature failure.
- Incorrect Installation: Using springs that are not the right size or tension for your door can lead to imbalance and breakage.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme temperatures can cause the metal to expand and contract, leading to fatigue and breakage.
Signs of a Broken Garage Door Spring
Before attempting any repairs or manual operation, it’s important to confirm that the spring is indeed broken. Here are some common signs:
- The door is unusually heavy and difficult to lift.
- After opening a few inches, the door stops.
- You hear a loud bang from the garage.
- The door appears crooked or uneven.
- There is a visible gap in the torsion spring.
Tips for Handling a Broken Garage Door Spring
Visual Inspection
Perform a visual inspection to identify a broken spring. Look for:
- Gaps in the Spring: A break in the torsion spring coil is a clear indicator.
- Stretched or Snapped Extension Springs: If the extension spring has snapped or appears stretched out, it’s broken.
- Hanging or Loose Cables: Broken springs can cause the cables to lose tension and hang loosely.
Safety First
Safety should be your top priority when dealing with a broken garage door spring. Here are some precautions to take:
- Disconnect the opener: Unplug the garage door opener to prevent accidental activation.
- Use the emergency release: Pull the red emergency release cord to disengage the door from the opener.
- Wear protective gear: Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from sharp edges and potential injuries.
Potential Hazards
Working with garage door springs is inherently dangerous due to the high tension they are under. Improper handling can lead to serious injury. Always prioritize safety and do not attempt to replace the springs yourself unless you have the proper training and tools.
Steps On How to Manually Open a Garage Door When the Spring Is Broken
1. Prepare the Door
Start by ensuring the garage door is completely closed. If it’s partially open, carefully lower it by holding the handle and guiding it down. This will prevent the door from slamming shut and causing injury or damage.
2. Disengage the Opener
Locate the emergency release cord, typically a red rope hanging from the opener rail. Pulling this cord will disconnect the door from the automatic opener, allowing you to lift it manually.
3. Position Yourself Properly
Stand in the center of the door, facing it with your feet shoulder-width apart. This position gives you the best leverage and balance for lifting the door.
4. Lift with Your Legs
Bend your knees and use your leg muscles to lift the door. Avoid using your back to prevent injury. The door will be very heavy, so enlist the help of a friend or family member if needed.
5. Secure the Door
Once the door is open, prop it up with a sturdy object, such as a 2×4 piece of wood or a ladder. This will prevent the door from crashing down while you move your vehicle or perform any necessary tasks.
Temporary Fixes for a Broken Garage Door Spring
While opening the door manually is a temporary solution, you’ll eventually need to fix the garage door spring. Here are some temporary solutions to think about:
Lubricate the Hinges and Tracks
Applying a garage door lubricant to the hinges, tracks, and rollers can reduce friction and make the door easier to lift manually. Use a silicone-based spray to avoid attracting dirt and debris.
Use a Come-Along Tool
A come-along tool, which is a hand-operated winch, can provide additional leverage to lift the door. Attach it securely to the door and a stable anchor point, then use the tool to assist in lifting the door.
Replace the Spring Yourself
If you have experience with garage door repairs and the necessary tools, you might consider replacing the spring yourself. However, this can be dangerous due to the high tension involved, and it’s generally recommended to leave this task to professionals.
Install a Temporary Brace
If the door is frequently used, consider installing a temporary brace to provide additional support. This can help prevent further damage to the door and components until professional repairs are made.
When to Contact a Professional
Fixing a garage door spring can be a complex and dangerous task. It’s best to contact a professional for garage door broken spring repair. Here are some reasons to seek professional help:
- Safety: Professionals have the tools and expertise to handle the high tension of garage door springs safely. Attempting to repair or replace the springs yourself can result in serious injury.
- Efficiency: A professional can quickly diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs, saving you time and effort. In addition, they own superior replacement parts that might not be accessible to the wider community.
- Warranty: Many garage door companies offer warranties for their repairs, giving you peace of mind. A professional repair ensures that the job is done correctly and that any potential issues are covered by the warranty.
Finding the Right Garage Door Repair Service
When looking for a repair service, keep the following things in mind:
- Reputation: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers. A reliable company will have a track record of happy customers and excellent reviews. Online review platforms and word-of-mouth recommendations can be valuable resources.
- Experience: Select a company that has a great deal of experience fixing garage doors.
Experienced technicians are more likely to diagnose and fix the problem correctly the first time. - Availability: Find a service that offers emergency repairs and can respond quickly. A broken garage door spring can be a significant inconvenience, and timely repairs are essential.
- Pricing: Get quotes from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Be wary of extremely low or high estimates and ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs.
Furthermore, if you want to rely on the services of a great company, that great company is Supreme Garage Door. They have excellent repair service provisions and these are highly accredited in the market. An example would be typing in Google ‘garage door near me‘, and you will get a list of companies available but be sure to select one that has sufficient experience in garage door broken spring repair.
Conclusion
Managing a garage door that has a faulty spring is quite complicated and can prove to be irritating. Although you can open the door as explained above, it is advisable to call a professional to come and fix the problem permanently. It is also important to be cautious, and getting a professional to carry out the repair work is advised since it also ensures that the garage door is safe and functioning optimally.
FAQs
1. What to do if my garage door spring breaks?
If your garage door spring breaks, avoid using the door and call a professional for repair. In the meantime, you can open the door manually using the emergency release cord and lift it carefully.
2. Can you manually open a garage door if the spring is broken?
Yes, you can manually open a garage door if the spring is broken. However, the door will be very heavy, so use proper lifting techniques and get help if needed.
3. How much does it cost to fix a broken garage door spring?
The cost to fix a broken garage door spring varies depending on the type of spring and labor rates in your area. You should budget between $150 and $300 on average. Factors influencing the cost include the type of spring, the complexity of the repair, and any additional parts required.
4. What does a broken garage door spring look like?
A broken garage door spring may have a visible gap or separation. Torsion springs, which are located above the door, will appear to have a break in the coil. Extension springs will look stretched out or may have a noticeable break in the metal.
5. How common is it for a garage door spring to break?
Garage door springs can break over time due to wear and tear. The average lifespan of a garage door spring is about 7-9 years, depending on usage. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating the springs and ensuring proper balance, can help extend their lifespan.