8 min read
Your garage door springs are the unsung heroes of your home's largest moving component. These heavy-duty springs counterbalance the weight of your garage door.which can weigh anywhere from 150 to 400 pounds.making it possible for you to open and close the door with minimal effort. Without properly functioning springs, your garage door would be virtually impossible to lift manually, and your opener motor would burn out quickly trying to compensate.
At Tonasket Garage Doors, we've been replacing garage door springs for over 21 years, and we've seen firsthand how important these components are to your daily routine and home security.
Torsion springs are mounted horizontally above your garage door opening. They work by twisting and storing mechanical energy when the door closes. When you open the door, this stored energy helps lift the heavy door panels. Most residential doors use one or two torsion springs, depending on the door's size and weight.
Advantages of torsion springs: - Longer lifespan (typically 15,000-20,000 cycles) - Smoother operation with less wear on other components, More controlled door movement, Better balance for heavier doors
Extension springs are mounted on either side of the door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. They stretch and extend when the door closes, then contract to help lift the door when opening.
Characteristics of extension springs: - Less expensive initially, Easier to access for maintenance, Shorter lifespan (around 10,000 cycles) - Can be more dangerous if not properly contained
Knowing when your springs are failing can prevent inconvenient breakdowns and potential safety hazards. Watch for these warning signs:
1. Door Feels Heavy When Opening Manually If your door suddenly feels much heavier than usual when you try to lift it manually (with the opener disconnected), your springs may be losing tension or failing.
2. Visible Wear or Rust Inspect your springs regularly for signs of rust, corrosion, or stretched coils. Heavy rust weakens the metal and increases the risk of sudden failure.
3. Door Opens Unevenly If one side of your door lifts before the other, one spring may be weaker than its counterpart.
4. Loud Bang from the Garage A sudden loud noise from your garage often indicates a spring has broken. This is the sound of stored tension being released suddenly.
5. Door Won't Stay Open If your door falls quickly when you let go halfway up, or won't stay in a partially open position, your springs aren't providing proper counterbalance.
6. Visible Gap in the Spring A broken torsion spring will show a visible gap of several inches in the coils. This is a clear sign of complete failure.
We cannot stress this enough: garage door spring replacement is not a DIY project. Here's why:
Garage door springs are under tremendous tension.enough to cause serious injury or death if they snap unexpectedly. Professional technicians have specialized tools and training to safely release and reinstall springs.
Springs must be precisely matched to your door's weight and size. Using the wrong springs leads to: - Premature wear on other components, Opener motor strain, Unbalanced door operation, Safety hazards
Professional installation typically includes warranties on both parts and labor. DIY replacement voids most manufacturer warranties and leaves you without recourse if problems arise.
When our technicians replace springs, we also inspect cables, rollers, tracks, and other components. This comprehensive approach prevents future problems and extends the life of your entire system.
When you call Tonasket Garage Doors for spring replacement, here's the process:
1. Assessment: We inspect your door system and measure springs precisely 2. Quote: You receive upfront pricing before any work begins 3. Safe Release: We safely release tension from existing springs 4. Removal: Old springs are carefully removed 5. Installation: New springs are installed and calibrated 6. Balance Test: We ensure the door is perfectly balanced 7. Safety Check: All safety features are tested 8. Cleanup: We leave your garage as clean as we found it
While springs will eventually wear out, you can maximize their lifespan:
- Regular lubrication: Apply garage door lubricant to springs every 6 months - Annual maintenance: Schedule professional inspections annually - Balanced operation: Ensure your door is properly balanced - Avoid extreme temperatures: Insulate your garage if possible
If you've noticed any warning signs or it's been over 10 years since your springs were replaced, it's time for an inspection. Contact Tonasket Garage Doors at (509) 397-7830 for a free assessment. We offer same-day service, 1-year warranty on all work, and 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Don't wait for a spring failure to leave you stranded.or worse, cause an injury. Call today!