Garage Door Spring Repair & Replacement in Portland

Man installing a garage door

There’s nothing worse than preparing for the day ahead and then getting a sudden hard start when your garage door suddenly won’t cooperate. Fortunately, garage door spring repair is one of the most common solutions for garage door malfunction, which is often a simple and affordable solution. That is if minor unaddressed spring issues haven’t yet cascaded into worsening effects.

Since 1982, Overhead Door Company of Portland has supported the needs of homeowners throughout the Pacific Northwest with routine garage door services required for on-demand, surprise-free garage door operation. We’ll discuss how garage door spring repair is an essential and even expected aspect of garage door maintenance and how the solution is just a short service call away.

What is the Function of Your Garage Door Springs?

The springs on your garage door serve as a counterweight to support the components that raise and lower it. They don’t do the lifting themselves, but the opener mechanism cannot move the door without properly functioning springs. Depending on the type of system you have, the springs either expand or unwind to let the door go down slowly without crashing. The springs are an integral part of keeping your garage door operating safely.

 

What are the Types of Garage Door Springs?

Your garage door system may have one spring or more than one, and it may be either a torsion or extension system.

  • Torsion spring systems are the more expensive of the two, but they last longer. Most professionals recommend a torsion spring system. The springs in these systems are positioned horizontally at the header of the garage door. When the door goes down, the springs wind up. When the door goes up, the springs unwind and help lift it using the energy stored in the coils.
  • Extension spring systems are less expensive than torsion spring systems, but their useful life is shorter because they aren’t as strong. Extension springs sit over the upper tracks. This kind of system uses cables that feed through the spring. One end of the line attaches to the top of the track, and the other end attaches to the other end of the track. As the door closes, the spring stretches. When the door opens, the spring contracts and helps lift the door.

 

What Kinds of Issues Can Garage Door Springs Develop?

Over time, your garage door springs get weaker and less effective at counteracting gravity. If left unchecked, the weakened springs lead to a cascade of other problems that may render your door opener ineffective. Besides getting weaker from time and repetition, springs can also warp or get rusty. While there is no way to avoid them altogether, you can address these issues through routine maintenance of your garage door system.

In a torsion or extension spring system, broken or severely worn springs will create further wear throughout the garage door’s cabling, which isn’t designed to handle the entire weight of the garage door by itself. This creates a cascading effect where any of the following issues could occur:

  • Broken cables
  • Motor damage
  • Bent tracks
  • Dropped doors

Dropped doors could then damage the door itself, leading to much more costly repairs or replacement needs than just the springs. The force of a dropped door impacting the ground could also translate to more structural damage to the garage door mounting points, both to the garage door system and the garage structure itself.

Satisfaction Guaranteed With Our Garage Door Spring Repair Services In Portland 

Since garage door springs are under high pressure, they can be dangerous and unsuitable for DIY repairs. If your system isn’t functioning as effectively as it once did, for your own safety, call Overhead Door Company of Portland for expert garage door spring repair. 

Our technicians will also provide a complete checkup and inspection of your garage door for signs of age-related problems, such as rust or evidence of wear. We’ll then repair or replace any worn springs and components to ensure continued safe operation. 

Even if your doors are working well, it’s a good idea to schedule an annual inspection. It will go a long way to avoiding catastrophic failure down the road for many long years of safe and efficient garage door functioning.

FAQS

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY GARAGE DOOR SPRING IS BROKEN?

There are several possible signs of garage door spring malfunction, including:

  • Door won’t open at all
  • Inconsistent open/close rates
  • “Jerky” opening movements
  • Telltale “springy” or loud banging noise when spring breaks

When in doubt, we recommend scheduling an inspection.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS BE REPLACED?

As mentioned, the springs wear over time, because they must lift and lower around 300 pounds or more with consistent control. Garage door springs have a lifecycle of 10,000 open/closes, making replacement typically necessary every 7–12 years. 

HOW LONG DOES A GARAGE DOOR SPRING REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT TYPICALLY TAKE?

For the simplest replacement needs, garage door spring repair will take between 60 and 90 minutes. Of course, more significant, system-wide damage will require more time and further repairs. Our technicians will provide you with a thorough assessment of your garage door’s condition, so you know exactly what to expect.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SCHEDULE GARAGE DOOR MAINTENANCE?

To prevent sudden issues, regular garage door spring repair should be part of a comprehensive routine garage door maintenance plan. Generally, an annual inspection is sufficient, but twice a year may be wise if you suspect any issues.

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