Garage door springs are the unsung heroes behind your garage door’s smooth opening and closing. But these hardworking springs wear out over time, leaving you to replace them. Imagine your door getting stuck midway or slamming shut because of a faulty spring—a problem that needs immediate attention. However, replacing a garage door spring is no simple task and has significant safety risks if not done correctly.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to replace garage door springs, from deciding whether to attempt it yourself to understand the costs and safety precautions involved. While it’s possible to replace the springs on your own, the high tension in these springs makes it a dangerous DIY job, often best left to professionals.
If you’re wondering about the process, costs, or whether it’s safe to handle independently, keep reading to get the answers and advice you need before tackling this essential garage door repair.
Can I Replace the Garage Door Spring Myself?
Replacing a garage door spring is a more dangerous and complex DIY task that homeowners may consider tackling. While it’s technically possible to replace the spring yourself, weighing the risks and understanding what’s involved before proceeding is crucial.
Why DIY Spring Replacement Is Challenging
Garage door springs are under immense tension. Whether torsion or extension types, they are responsible for counterbalancing the heavy weight of the garage door—often several hundred pounds. When a spring breaks, the door can become unstable, and the spring itself may snap back with tremendous force.
Torsion springs, in particular, are mounted above the garage door and store a lot of tension. Handling them requires special tools and expertise to avoid injury or damage to your garage door system. Extension springs, which run along the sides of the door, also store considerable energy and pose safety risks if not handled correctly.
What’s Involved in Replacing a Garage Door Spring
If you’re considering replacing the garage door spring yourself, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Identify the Type of Spring:
Garage doors typically have either torsion or extension springs. The process of replacing these springs is different, so the first step is to identify the type of spring you have.
- Purchase the Right Replacement Spring:
Springs come in various sizes, and getting the correct size and strength for your garage door is essential. If the spring is too weak or too strong, it can cause the door to malfunction.
- Get the Right Tools:
Replacing a torsion spring requires special winding bars and other tools not commonly found in a typical home toolkit. These tools are necessary to install and tension the spring safely.
- Safety Precautions:
Wear safety goggles and gloves when working with springs. Also, ensure that no one else is around when replacing the spring to avoid accidents. Disconnecting the garage door opener is also a critical safety step to prevent the door from being operated while working on it.
- Follow Precise Instructions:
Each step of the process—removing the old spring, installing the new one, and tensioning the spring correctly—requires precision. If done improperly, the door could become imbalanced, or the spring could fail prematurely.
Should You DIY or Call a Professional?
While it’s possible to replace garage door springs yourself, it’s generally recommended that you hire a professional unless you have significant mechanical experience and the right tools. The risks of injury or damage to your door can outweigh the cost savings, making professional replacement the safer option.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Coil Spring on a Garage Door?
The cost to replace a new garage door spring can vary based on several factors, including the type of spring, labor rates in your area, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs:
Average Costs for Professional Replacement
- Torsion Spring Replacement:
Replacing a torsion spring typically costs between $150 and $350, including both parts and labor. This price covers the cost of the spring itself (around $50 to $100) and the service charge for the technician’s labor, which usually ranges from $100 to $250, depending on your location.
- Extension Spring Replacement:
Extension springs are usually less expensive to replace. The total cost for professional replacement can range from $100 to $200, with the spring costing around $20 to $50.
DIY Replacement Costs
If you decide to replace the spring yourself, you’ll only need to pay for the cost of the spring and any necessary tools. Here’s an estimate of the DIY costs:
- Torsion Spring:
A new torsion spring typically costs between $50 and $100, but you may also need to purchase specialized winding bars, which cost around $20 to $30. Thus, the total DIY cost could range from $70 to $130.
- Extension Spring:
A pair of extension springs cost between $20 and $50, and these springs are more accessible to replace without specialized tools. The total cost for DIY replacement is around $20 to $60.
Factors That Can Affect Cost
- Location:
Labor costs can vary depending on where you live. Larger cities or areas with a high cost of living tend to have higher service charges for professional replacement.
- Garage Door Size and Weight:
Heavier or custom garage doors may require stronger springs, which can increase the cost of the replacement parts.
- Emergency or Same-Day Service:
If you need your garage door spring replaced urgently, many companies offer same-day or emergency services for an additional fee, typically around $50 to $100 extra.
- Spring Quality:
Higher-quality springs, often designed to last longer or provide smoother operation, may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run by lasting longer.
Is It Safe to Replace Garage Door Springs?
Safety is a major concern when replacing garage door springs, which is why many homeowners opt for professional service rather than doing it themselves. Here’s what you need to know about the potential risks and precautions involved.
Why Garage Door Springs Are Dangerous
Garage door springs are under significant tension, which helps the door open and close smoothly. However, this tension also makes the springs dangerous to handle if you’re not experienced.
- Torsion Springs:
Torsion springs are tightly wound and store a large amount of energy. If the spring is not handled correctly during replacement, it can suddenly release that energy, potentially causing severe injuries. The most common accidents involve the spring unwinding uncontrollably, leading to cuts, bruises, or even broken bones.
- Extension Springs:
Extension springs stretch as the door closes and retract as it opens. If an extension spring breaks, it can snap back forcefully, dangerous to anyone nearby. Extension springs often come with safety cables to prevent them from whipping around if they break.
Common Injuries When Replacing Garage Door Springs
- Cuts and Bruises:
Springs can snap suddenly if improperly handled, leading to cuts, bruises, or even puncture wounds from sharp edges or tools.
- Eye Injuries:
Flying debris or parts of the spring can cause serious eye injuries if you’re not wearing protective eyewear.
- Falling Garage Doors:
If the spring is removed without securing the door, the garage door itself could fall, causing injury or damaging your car or belongings.
Safety Precautions for DIY Replacement
If you decide to replace the garage door spring yourself, here are some crucial safety tips:
- Wear Protective Gear:
Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and sturdy clothing to protect yourself from flying parts or sudden movements.
- Secure the Door:
Before removing the old spring, clamp the garage door or use a C-clamp on the tracks to prevent the door from moving. Disconnect the garage door opener to ensure the door cannot be opened accidentally.
- Use the Right Tools:
If you’re working with torsion springs, using the correct winding bars to control the tension is essential. Never use makeshift tools or underestimate the force of the spring.
- Work Slowly and Methodically:
Take your time and follow all instructions carefully. Hasty or careless work increases the likelihood of accidents.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Garage Door Spring?
The time it takes to replace a garage door spring depends on whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional. While the job isn’t particularly time-consuming, it does require precision and care.
Professional Replacement Time
A garage door technician can typically replace a spring in 30 minutes to 1 hour. The process is straightforward for an experienced technician with the right tools and knows exactly what to do. The job may take slightly longer if the technician needs to replace multiple springs or conduct additional repairs.
DIY Replacement Time
Attempting to replace the spring yourself usually takes longer. On average, DIY spring replacement takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on your experience level and how easily you can access the necessary tools.
Factors That Can Affect Replacement Time
- Type of Spring:
Torsion springs are more complex to replace than extension springs, mainly because of the tension involved and the tools required. Torsion spring replacement typically takes longer due to the careful unwinding and winding needed to install the spring safely.
- Experience Level:
If this is your first time replacing a garage door spring, expect the process to take longer as you familiarize yourself with the door’s mechanics and the specific steps required.
- Condition of the Door:
If other parts of your garage door system (like the cables, pulleys, or tracks) are worn out or damaged, replacing those parts will take more time. A technician may need to address these additional issues before safely replacing the spring.
- Access to Tools:
As mentioned earlier, special tools are required for torsion spring replacement. If you don’t have the right tools, you’ll spend extra time sourcing or purchasing them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Replace Garage Door Spring
How to know if garage door springs are bad?
Garage door springs are likely bad if the door is difficult to open, makes loud noises, or moves unevenly. You might also notice gaps in the springs or see that they are visibly stretched or broken. A malfunctioning spring can cause the door to close suddenly or not stay in position when opened. Regular inspection helps in identifying any early signs of wear and tear.
What is the life of a garage door spring?
The typical lifespan of a garage door spring is around 10,000 cycles, with each cycle representing one full opening and closing of the door. This usually translates to about 7-10 years of usage, depending on how frequently the door is operated. Heavy use, poor maintenance, and extreme weather conditions can shorten the spring’s life.
What causes garage door springs to fail?
Garage door springs often fail due to wear and tear from regular use. Over time, the metal weakens and loses tension. Rust, lack of lubrication, and poor-quality springs can also cause premature failure. Sudden temperature changes may contribute to metal fatigue, causing the springs to break unexpectedly.
Do garage door springs need to be tightened?
No, garage door springs should not be tightened manually as they are calibrated to provide the correct tension. Over time, springs may lose tension, but attempting to tighten or adjust them can be dangerous and should be left to professionals. If a spring seems loose or the door isn’t balanced, it may need replacement or professional adjustment.
Do garage door springs need lubrication?
Yes, garage door springs need regular lubrication to reduce friction and prevent rust. Lubricating the springs at least twice a year with a silicone-based or lithium grease helps prolong their lifespan and ensures smooth operation. Avoid using heavy oils, as they can attract dust and debris, leading to premature wear.
Conclusion
Replacing a garage door spring is not a task to be taken lightly. While some homeowners may have the experience and tools necessary to replace the spring themselves, the risks make this a job best left to professionals in most cases. A broken garage door spring can leave your home vulnerable or make the door inoperable, so it’s essential to address the issue quickly and safely.
Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, ensure you have the right tools, knowledge, and safety precautions in place. With proper care, your new garage door spring will provide many years of smooth, safe operation, helping to maintain your garage’s convenience and functionality.
End Note
At Rock River Door, we know that replacing a garage door spring can be daunting. Whether dealing with a broken spring or considering a full garage door repair, our professional team is here to help. From expert garage door installation to reliable garage door openers, we have the experience to handle any situation. We also offer commercial door services and high-quality CHI and Haas Garage Doors.
Check out our gallery and recent projects to see the kind of work we do. We’re always ready to assist with your garage door needs when serving areas like Rockford, Roscoe, and South Beloit. Visit our services page or contact us to schedule a consultation. Let us handle your spring replacement safely and professionally!
