As part of a garage door opening system, torsion springs are responsible for the smooth functioning of your garage door. These small but effective springs lift the garage door by twisting it up when you press the button or remote control. Over time, these metal springs tend to stretch and lose their ability to twist. When that happens, you won’t be able to open and close your garage door manually or with an automatic opener. Fortunately, replacing a broken or malfunctioning torsion spring is not too complicated. You just need patience and the right tools to complete it in no time. This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know about replacing torsion springs in your residential garage doors.
What’s the role of a torsion spring?
A torsion spring acts as a lifting mechanism to open and close a garage door. It is an essential part of a garage door opener system called a “chain-and-spider.” Most garage doors have steel torsion springs connected to your door’s header. It has a steel cable inside a protective casing that runs through a series of “rollers” attached to the garage door. The torsion spring is wound up and attached to an “end-bearing” on the opposite side. The spring looks like a long, flat piece of metal with coils on each side. Every time you press the remote button or manually pull the cable, the spring tenses up to lift the door. The garage door comprises two panels, each with a torsion spring. The springs are responsible for lifting the panels and keeping them there until they are manually lowered again.
How to spot a broken torsion spring?
Broken garage door torsion springs in Sacramento is a serious issue that can put your family at risk. A broken torsion spring can often be noticed only if you are replacing it. If you are in doubt, it is best to replace the spring. Here are a few signs of a broken spring:
- If the spring is not attached to the rollers and door, it is broken,
- If the spring does not get tightened, it is likely broken,
- If the spring is bent or twisted, it is broken,
- If the spring rusts or breaks, it is broken,
- If the spring moves with your hand, it is broken, and
- If the spring is cracked, it is broken.
Torsion Spring Replacement Cost
Replacing a torsion spring does not come cheap, especially if you hire a professional for the task. However, it is a long-term investment that is worth spending a few hundred dollars to protect your family members. Replacing a torsion spring also makes sense if you want to continue using the existing garage door. You can purchase a brand-new torsion spring online or from a nearby hardware store. Torsion springs are available in different sizes and strengths to fit different garage door models. They can be ordered online or purchased from a nearby hardware store. The average cost of replacing a torsion spring is between $30 and $150. The cost of labor to install a new spring varies and depends on the complexity of the task.
Conclusion
The garage is sometimes the most neglected and least cared-for room in the house. It’s where people store their cars, lawn tools, and other things they don’t use very often. The garage door is a very important part of the whole system and is subject to wear and tear just like everything else. The springs are especially exposed to the elements because of their location. The garage door torsion springs are the ones that open and close the door. When they break, replacement is the only option. This article is an ultimate guide to everything you need to know about replacing torsion springs in your residential garage doors.