Garage Door Spring Repair: The Definitive Guide

What are the Different Kinds of Garage Door Springs?

Most garage doors in San Diego have different springs depending on the type you install. Knowing what kind of spring your door has matters because there is a big difference in replacing them. This mechanism is either an extension spring or a torsion spring.

1. Extension Springs

You can identify what you have by conducting a visual inspection. For example, should you have a door system with a thin, lengthy spring running parallel to the door tracks, you have extension springs. You will find them high up in the air.

2. Torsion Springs

In contrast, torsion springs are quite big and fat. They usually rest on a giant metal rod next to your garage door opener. Meanwhile, if you have quite an old door model that swings up in the air, they can be equipped with old vertical springs running on the sides, along with additional extension springs in the air.

3. Similarities Between Them

Though they all look different, the springs function in the same way. They use the garage door’s weight, along with gravity, to tense up when the door closes. Through this, there will be a lot of force to lift the heavy door.

4. Differences When It Comes to Force

The difference between the springs is the extension ones stretch when loaded. Thus, the energy is stored outwards. In the meantime, torsion springs twist when you lower the door. So, to release energy back, the untwist the opposite direction.

How Do I Know if the Garage Door Spring is Problematic?

With your garage door going up and down multiple times in a day, it can cause a lot of wear and tear on your springs. Unfortunately, most owners take pushing their remote opener for granted. And when it acts up, you need a solution ASAP because you need your car out of the garage. But, most of all, you also need the door down again to protect your property and belongings.

Though there could be several reasons for a garage door malfunction, it is often related to broken springs. Though you may not see a visible break, you will know there is something wrong if you notice the following:

• Hear weird, squeaking sounds.
• Your door may also refuse to open at all.
• There is a misalignment in the garage door.
• Your garage door opens a bit then slams back down to the ground.
• The cables that usually attach to the spring are now dangling.
• They look crooked or off track.
• You will see the door opening slowly.
• The door gets stuck in the tracks.

Remember, when the spring is compromised, there is not enough power or force to lift the door. For this reason, you will have issues opening your garage door may it be via opener or manually. Do not attempt to yank it open forcefully because you can cause further damage.

You can definitely try to replace the garage door springs on your own, but only if you have experience since the spring is a complex mechanism. Otherwise, this can be dangerous because if the heavy spring snaps, it can cause severe injuries. If the process is not something you feel confident to take on, calling for professional help is necessary.

How Much Does Garage Door Spring Repair Cost?

The answer depends on what needs to be serviced and replaced. Residential garage door springs cost around $150 to $350 for both materials and labor. The springs alone cost $30 to $75 each, depending on what type you get. Labor alone from an experienced San Diego garage door repairman costs $75 to $150.

In the meantime, commercial garage doors cost more, priced at $350 and higher. Commercial grade springs themselves are more expensive, costing from $100 to $500. Labor for commercial springs is around $150 to $300. These garage door services and parts cost more because commercial doors are heavier and get more wear and tear than residential ones.

Getting the springs repaired always equates to a replacement. After all, you cannot take your chances on a faulty garage door spring. On top of that, a typical door includes two springs. It is common for people not to notice the first broken spring until the second one gives out.

Notably, if you notice that one spring is already compromised, you should replace both to ascertain the garage door balance. One faulty spring means improper lifting. It also indicates that the other spring will follow suit and give out. Besides, getting both replaced at the same time will cost cheaper.

The price you pay will increase if you have more multiple doors. If you also have other components that need replacement, you can pay up to $500. On top of that, you may need to have your door balanced and the other parts lubricated. For this simpler job, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100.

Notably, garage door springs in San Diego, CA, last for only about 10 to 20 thousand cycles. With heavy use and lack of proper maintenance, they will eventually break. The garage door springs are typically the primary culprit of a malfunctioning door.

Specific Garage Door Spring Pricing and Replacement

Garage door spring repairs mostly equate to replacement because they are difficult to repair. Think of it as a broken rubber band. It is impossible to put it back together because you compromise the integrity of the material. At times, you can get away with a spring tune which means winding, balancing, or lubricating the spring for better performance. If you want to know the specific cost for each type of spring replacement, read below.

1. Torsion Spring Costs

Replacing torsion springs costs from $75 to $150 for one single spring. This includes both materials and labor. If you attempt a DIY, you can buy the spring alone, costing $30 to $100 depending on the model you get.

Ideally, you should replace both torsion springs found above the door at the same time. You can expect a life expectancy of 10 to 20 thousand cycles. This equates to 8 to 15 years, depending on how heavy you use the doors.

2. Extension Spring Costs

If you call the pros to replace the extension spring, you will spend around $50 to $100 for both parts and labor. If you buy the spring alone, they cost around $15 to $45. Since these are thinner, they are easier to install and cost lesser than the torsion variant.

However, because of the build quality, they also will not last as long. The typical lifespan of this mechanism is between 8,000 to 15,000 cycles. That translates to around 7 to 12 years. Most extension springs come with a 3 to 5-year warranty. You can make your door springs last longer with proper garage door maintenance.

3. Spring and Cable Replacement Costs

If you need to replace both the garage door and cable, it will cost around $175 to $450. Should you need cable replacement only, you will be billed $75 to $200. However, it will be cheaper to combine a cable and spring replacement. Notably, you may also end up replacing the garage roller and drums, which will add more to your invoice.

4. Double Garage Door or Roll Up Spring Costs

Double door springs cost an additional $15 to $30 per spring because you need a larger spring to accommodate all the extra weight. However, labor costs will remain the same as repairing a normal, single spring.

In the meantime, there is no difference in the price, no matter the door type. The cost hinges on the spring type. However, the material, size, or space around your garage will affect the difficulty of the job. For example, if the San Diego County professionals have a hard time accessing the doors to repair the springs or tighten certain parts, it may end up increasing your final bill.

Is It Important to Have a Garage Door Tune-Up?

If you want to extend the life of your garage door, you need an inspection and maintenance from a >garage door professional. This means that your door will work efficiently. You also reduce wear and tear because you replace worn-out parts before they break and put lubricants to avoid excessive friction.

For best results, have your garage door system inspected once or twice a year. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 for a tune-up. The price will vary, depending on the parts that need lubrication and replacement. Typically, this service includes:

• Lubrication of the springs
• Adjusting the spring tension
• Checking the door balance
• Tightening loose nuts and bolts
• Inspection of cables, drums, tracks, and roller

If you want to save on money, you can also attempt DIY spring lubrication. Be sure to use the proper lubricants from the hardware to prevent any issues. Check our article on proper garage door lubrication for proper guidance.

Can an Extension Spring Be Converted to a Torsion Spring System?

Since torsion springs are fatter and sturdier, you may want to convert your system to this model. You can expect more life expectancy for this one. You need to allow around $400 to $800 for both parts and the kit to make the switch. The conversion kit by itself can cost $250 to $500.

Some old units get lucky and find compatible hardware. However, you need to install a new system for most doors if you want to upgrade to torsion springs. A professional will come to remove the old spring and install the following:

• Torsion anchor or mount
• Center bearing plate
• Cable drums
• Spring tube or rod
• End bearing plates

Is it Possible to Do a DIY Spring Replacement?

Hiring a professional is the best way to handle your garage door spring. The reason why is that the spring bears a lot of load and tension and you can face serious injuries if it accidentally snaps. On top of that, if something goes haywire, the garage door itself can collapse. A garage door weighs at least 150 pounds, and this destroys expensive objects and hurts people.

Thus, removing these springs is dangerous for someone who has received no training. Even those who feel like they have some handyman experience need to leave this job for the pros. Hiring a professional to handle the springs is safer because they have the proper equipment and experience to do everything. They will do the following:

1. Turn off your garage door power supply to ensure it does not move while work is in progress.
2. Find the exact measurement of existing door springs to get the best replacement parts.
3. Unwind the existing spring with specialized tools and remove them.
4. Install the newly bought spring.
5. Wind the new springs up properly to ensure the best tension.
6. Lubricate the newly installed springs.
7. Test the doors for proper function and adjust it if necessary.

Remember, your garage door springs carry a lot of tension. After all, it is responsible for carrying the load of your entire door. When the heavy garage door lowers to the ground, it pushes down on the big springs. They carry all the weight and bear immense pressure. With this, your garage opener makes it easier to lift the heavy door when you need to open it again.

If this acts up, call for a professional inspection right away before the problem escalates. Most likely, your garage door gets more use than the front entry door. After all, it is a primary entry and exit point.

Contact Coastal Garage Doors Today

When it comes to springs, you can only do small lubrication jobs and tightening jobs. Otherwise, spring replacement is best left for professionals. If you need help, call our team at Coastal Garage doors in San Diego.

We can replace your door springs with the exact model to ensure your garage door functions smoothly. You can also count on us to provide regular maintenance to extend the life of your garage door system.  Check out our website gallery to see our past work. Our many happy clients prove that we are the leading garage door and parts provider in this region.

Some of the locations in and around San Diego County which our company serves includes: Encinitas, Alpine, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Pacific Beach, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Carlsbad, and more.