You may never notice a problem with your garage springs until you push that button and the heavy door fails to open. It’s a perplexing problem for many homeowners, and the only solution is to have a garage door spring repair or replacement. Although you can quickly call garage door repair experts, it’s also important to know what causes garage door springs to fail, how long you should expect the spring to last, and more. This vital information can prevent you from getting late to an appointment because you couldn’t drive out of your garage.
What Causes Broken Garage Door Springs?
When your garage spring fails, you need the expertise of a garage spring replacement or repair company. Here are four reasons why your garage door springs fail:
Wear and Tear
The primary reason why garage door springs break or fail is due to wear and tear. Most garage springs can last up to 10,000 cycles. You mostly make at least two cycles per day as you drive in and out of your garage. It can be more if your spouse uses the same garage door, you go on some errands, or kids open it for no reason.
Poor Maintenance
Garage door springs can last longer with basic maintenance on the opener system and the garage door. Ensure the tracks aren’t loose, clogged with grease, or bent since these issues can put more pressure on the springs. Also, remember to spray some lubricant down the coil at least thrice per year and perform garage door evaluations after a few months and especially in winter.
Rust Buildup
Failure to lubricate your garage door spring regularly leads to rust buildup on the springs, which shortens their lifespan. Rust leads to friction on the springs and also weakens them. Once the integrity of the springs breaks down, the constant coiling and uncoiling will eventually make the spring snap.
Improper Installation
If there was an installation error on your garage door spring, it could also lead to breakage. In case you don’t seek expert help, you can end up replacing one spring with a double spring system. As a result, there is an imbalance in the two springs, making the new spring break prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions about Garage Door Repair
How Do I Tell My Garage Door Needs Replacement?
If your garage door has good quality springs, it can last for about seven to 12 years. However, this may vary due to frequent opening and closing of the garage door and poor quality spring that lasts only a year.
If you are unsure of when to do a replacement, you can consider the following factors:
- The spring’s diameter
- Door’s weight
- Size of the wire
- Length of the spring
You can also seek help from a garage door spring professional to conduct some tests and determine if it’s time for garage door replacement.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Spring on a Garage Door?
The cost of professional garage door spring repair may vary from $100 to $350. The difference in pricing is due to the labor and materials required.
What Is the Cost of a Garage Spring Replacement?
In some cases, it’s not possible to repair the garage door springs, so a professional has to do a garage spring replacement. The entire job can cost around $150 to $300, including labor and the costs of springs.
Schedule Service with the Experts Today
Garage door springs are essential for the operation of your garage door system. In case of breakage or failure, Precision Garage Door professionals can help you out. Schedule expert service with us today for a quick garage door spring repair or replacement.