A garage door serves as an essential part of your home, not just for securing your vehicle but for providing safety and convenience. However, like any other mechanical system, it requires regular upkeep. One of the most critical parts of your garage door is the springs. When these springs start to wear out or break, your garage door’s functionality is compromised, and things can quickly go downhill. Knowing when to repair or replace your garage door springs is essential to avoid costly damages and inconvenience.
In this post, we’ll explore the top five signs that indicate your dual torsion springs or two-spring garage door setup might need repair. We’ll also cover how fixing broken double springs or installing double torsion springs can help restore your garage door’s performance. Stay with us as we break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand and take action on!
1. Unusual Noises When Opening or Closing Your Garage Door
Is your garage door making strange squeaking, creaking, or popping noises as it opens or closes? It’s not just an annoying sound—these noises are often a sign that your garage door springs are on their last legs. Springs are under significant tension and wear out over time, causing them to make these unwanted noises when they become misaligned or damaged.
If your two-spring garage door setup is making noises during operation, it could mean that the springs need immediate attention. A single broken or weakened spring can cause the door to become uneven, leading to additional strain on other components. This may even lead to complete failure if not addressed in time.
What To Do: If you’re noticing these sounds, it’s essential to have a professional assess the situation. Ignoring the issue could lead to more severe damage. Remember, fixing broken double springs on your own could be dangerous, as they’re under significant tension.
2. The Garage Door Won’t Open or Close Properly
When your garage door refuses to open or close completely, it’s one of the most obvious signs that something’s wrong with the springs. Specifically, the springs might have lost their ability to store energy, which is essential for lifting and lowering the heavy garage door.
If you have a dual torsion spring system, one of the springs might have snapped or lost tension. In a two-spring garage door setup, this issue might not be immediately obvious unless you know how to check the springs properly. If only one spring is still working, the door will likely become unbalanced and unable to function correctly.
What To Do: If your garage door isn’t opening or closing all the way or is getting stuck halfway, you should immediately call in a professional. Fixing broken double springs is not a DIY job and requires specialized tools and expertise.
3. The Door Appears Uneven or Slanted
Does your garage door look crooked or uneven as it moves? If so, there’s a good chance that one or both of your torsion springs have failed. A misaligned or unbalanced door indicates a significant issue with the springs. In particular, the force needed to lift the door is no longer evenly distributed across both springs. In a two-spring setup, if one spring is compromised, the other one can’t handle the load alone, causing the door to lean or move unevenly.
What To Do: Uneven movement of the garage door should be taken seriously. You could end up causing more damage to the tracks, cables, or other parts if the problem isn’t addressed quickly. Installing double torsion springs or repairing the existing ones might be necessary to get the door functioning properly again.
4. The Door Opens Very Slowly or Jerks During Operation
If your garage door opens slowly, hesitates, or jerks as it moves, there might be an issue with your springs. The springs provide the tension and power needed to lift the door. If they are worn out or damaged, they won’t be able to perform their job properly, causing the door to move sluggishly or jerk as it operates.
What To Do: If you notice any irregularities in the door’s motion, call a professional to inspect the springs and their components. If the springs are indeed damaged, fixing broken double springs may restore the smooth operation of your garage door.
5. Visible Signs of Wear, Rust, or Damage on the Springs
The springs of your garage door are under a lot of pressure, and over time, wear and tear are inevitable. If you notice any visible signs of damage such as rust, gaps, or other noticeable wear on your springs, it’s time to take action. Rust can weaken the metal and make it more prone to breaking, while gaps indicate that the spring has lost its tension or elasticity.
What To Do: A simple visual inspection can give you an idea of the state of your springs. If you spot any of these issues, it’s best to replace the springs before they break completely. Installing new double torsion springs can ensure that your garage door functions smoothly and safely.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your garage door’s springs is essential for ensuring its smooth operation and longevity. If you notice any of the signs we’ve discussed—whether it’s unusual noises, uneven movement, or visible damage—don’t wait to take action. Fixing broken double springs or installing new dual torsion springs can prevent further damage and ensure your garage door is operating safely and efficiently.
Whether you’re dealing with a faulty two-spring garage door setup or just want to ensure your springs are in good condition, it’s always a good idea to have a professional assess the situation. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will save you money in the long run and avoid the headache of a malfunctioning garage door
FAQs About Garage Door Springs
1. How long do garage door springs last?
On average, garage door springs last around 10,000 cycles (which translates to about 7 to 10 years of normal use). Factors like usage frequency, maintenance, and weather conditions can affect the lifespan of your springs.
2. Can I fix garage door springs myself?
Fixing or replacing garage door springs can be dangerous due to the high tension they’re under. It’s always best to call a professional for repairs, as they have the tools and expertise to handle the job safely.
3. How much does it cost to replace garage door springs?
The cost to replace garage door springs can vary depending on the type of springs and labor involved. On average, expect to pay between $200 to $400 for spring replacement. However, getting an accurate quote from a professional is essential.
4. What happens if I don’t repair broken springs?
If broken springs are left untreated, the door may not function properly, causing further damage to the tracks, cables, and opener. In some cases, it may lead to complete garage door failure.
5. Can I prevent my garage door springs from breaking?
Regular maintenance, including lubricating the springs, checking for wear and tear, and scheduling professional inspections, can help extend the life of your garage door springs.