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Where To Buy/ServiceGarage Door Spring Replacement 101
Functional garage door springs are necessary for a smooth, safe door operation. Without them, your door becomes a heavy, cumbersome burden. But when it comes to replacing these important components, many homeowners are left wondering where to start. Understanding the signs that indicate replacement, the importance of safety, and the benefits of professional installation can make the process less daunting.
Most garage door spring systems are designed to last 10,000 cycles, with a cycle being an open and close of your door. Ask yourself the following questions when considering spring replacement:
- Have you lived in your home for 7 years or more?
- Do you use your door daily?
- Are the springs on your door the same ones that were on your door when you moved in?
If you answered "yes" to the above questions, it's time to replace the springs on your door.
Why do springs break over time?
Like many other metal products, garage door springs break down over time as they are put under tension, bent, twisted, or pulled. If you live in a region with cold winters, the low temperatures can make your springs increasingly brittle and susceptible to breaking.
How much does spring repair cost?
Professional spring repair cost can vary based on your home improvement market, so contact your local garage door dealer for pricing.
Garage door springs are under a lot of pressure – literally. The springs counterbalance the weight of the door, which can be several hundred pounds. A broken spring can release this tension with great force, potentially causing serious injury. Even when replacing springs, the new ones remain under tension. For this reason, it's crucial to exercise extreme caution when working with garage door springs.
Safety gear like sturdy gloves and safety glasses are a must. Never place your hands or face between the spring and any hard object. Make sure the garage door is securely closed and clamped before starting any work. If you're unsure about any part of the process, don't hesitate to call a professional. They have the training and equipment to safely navigate spring replacement.
While it's technically possible to replace garage door springs yourself, it's not a project for the faint of heart. DIY replacement requires specialized tools, physical strength, and a good understanding of how garage door mechanisms work. One wrong move can lead to serious injury or further damage to your door system.
Hiring a professional, on the other hand, ensures the job is done quickly and safely. Garage door technicians have the experience and knowledge to correctly size new springs to your door's weight and specifications. They can also inspect the rest of your door system, catching any other potential issues before they become major problems. While there's a cost associated with professional replacement, the safety benefits and peace of mind are well worth it.
For torsion springs, Clopay strongly recommends that only a trained garage door professional install standard torsion springs. These springs need to be wound manually and can cause serious injury if the tension is released inadvertently.
Standard extension springs can also be tricky. If you choose to install extension springs on your own, carefully follow the instructions included with your garage door. See your owner's manual for more details.
Clopay's EZ-SET® Spring Systems are designed to simplify the garage door installation process for do-it-yourselfers who have the confidence, tools and experience to tackle a project of this nature. EZ-SET Spring Systems include the EZ-SET Extension Spring System and the EZ-SET Torsion Spring System. EZ-SET is safer and uses common tools (3/8" drill) for installation versus the specialized tools required for standard spring systems. Both EZ-SET systems include an installation how-to video.
EZ-SET Extension
Clopay's patented EZ-SET Extension Spring System unique system eliminates the need to manually lift the deadweight of unsprung garage doors. If you choose to install a door with extension springs, we recommend you use EZ-SET.
EZ-SET Torsion
Once a job exclusively for trained garage door professionals, Clopay's EZ-SET Torsion Spring System makes torsion spring installation faster and easier for the do-it-yourselfer. Our system eliminates the difficult and dangerous manual winding process, with the ability to set the spring tension in seconds with a 3/8" power drill.
A user-friendly 45-degree drill input angle allows the installer to stand securely on the ground instead of on a ladder. This eliminates the need to manually lift the deadweight of an unsprung door. And with this system there is no need to locate and prepare the center mounting pad!
EZ-SET comes standard on select Clopay garage doors or it can be special ordered through a distributor.
Standard Extension Springs
These are coiled springs installed above the door's horizontal track. Experienced do-it-yourselfer's can install these springs by closely following the installation instructions and safety warnings included with each Clopay garage door.
Standard Torsion Springs
These include a shaft, spring and drum assembly installed directly above the door opening. The torsion spring distributes the garage door's weight evenly, which is critical with a wide and/or extremely heavy door. Standard torsion springs should only be installed and removed by a trained garage door professional.
Safety Containment Cables
Clopay extension springs come with a safety containment cable system that spans the entire length of the spring and prevents loose ends from causing damage or injury. If your garage doors have extension springs, be sure they utilize a safety containment cable. Torsion springs are mounted on a shaft that acts as a containment system for that specific type of spring system.
Safe-T-Bracket
Many injuries occur when unqualified do-it-yourselfers attempt to remove or adjust the bottom bracket that connects the lifting cables to the spring system. This bracket is under extreme pressure. If it becomes loose, it can separate from the garage door's overall structure and cause injuries or property damage. Clopay's patented Safe-T-Bracket™ cannot be removed under normal circumstances until after the spring tension has been released.
Once your new springs are installed, proper maintenance is key to extending their life and preventing future problems. Follow these tips to keep your springs in top condition and working at their best.
Regular Check-Ups: Even new springs need regular attention. Check your springs every month for signs of wear, rust, corrosion, or loose connections. If you spot any problems, don't delay in contacting a professional.
Keep Them Lubricated: Lubrication is key to prolonging the life of your springs. Use a silicone-based lubricant and apply a thin coat to the springs. Open and close the garage door several times to spread the lubricant evenly. Plan to lubricate every 3-6 months.
Balancing is Important: Proper balancing prevents your springs from wearing out too quickly. To check the balance, turn off the automatic opener and open the door manually. If it stays put halfway open, the springs are balanced. If not, you'll need a professional to adjust them.
Safety First: Never try to adjust or tighten the springs yourself - the high tension makes it dangerous. Also, avoid using a wire brush to remove rust, as this can cause further damage.
While the above tips are helpful, some maintenance is best left to the pros. They can do a more thorough inspection and make any necessary adjustments safely. Keep an ear out for loud screeching or grinding noises, uneven movement, or if the door feels heavy to lift. These are signs your springs need attention to prevent them from wearing out or breaking prematurely.
If your garage door is struggling to open or has stopped working altogether, don't put off fixing the problem. A broken spring can lead to further damage to your door system, not to mention the inconvenience of a non-functioning door. If you're in the market for a whole new door, consider Clopay®. We offer a wide selection of high-quality garage doors in various styles and materials. Contact your local Clopay dealer to explore our extensive selection and find the perfect fit for your home.
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