Garage doors are complex pieces of machinery that are also often one of the most important entry points into the home, which means they face quite a bit of wear and tear over their lifespans. They need servicing every so often to ensure they can operate efficiently, with some issues being more common than others. 

What is the most common residential garage door service request we get at Creative Door Services? It’s a simple component that does so much: springs! 

Garage Door Spring Problems Lead the Way

By far the most common service request that any garage door repair company gets is for broken or worn-out torsion springs or spring tubes. Springs are an important component in any garage door mechanism; without them, the garage door opener would have a much more difficult time moving the door. 

Why Are Spring Issues So Common?

As mentioned above, the springs are among the most important parts of any garage door system. The tension that they are under from supporting the weight of the garage door, combined with the frequent usage they often face, means they are the component that suffers the most wear and tear. 

The average lifespan for a garage door spring is approximately 7 years. Most of the time, springs will break due to the wear and tear they face over time. However, in more humid conditions, your springs may be more vulnerable to rust and corrosion, which will decrease their lifespan. 

Signs of a Spring Problem

Detecting issues with your springs is easy if you know what to look for. If you’re vigilant and watch for the following signs, you’ll be able to tell when you need spring replacements much more easily: 

1. Issues with the Garage Door’s Appearance and Function: One easy way to tell if your springs need replacing is by looking at your garage door. Some signs that indicate a worn-out spring are:
   • A crooked or off-track garage door
   • The door opens a few inches before closing again
   • The door falls harshly when closing
   • The cables that are attached to the springs are dangling
   • Your door doesn’t open at all
      
2. Damage to the Spring Itself: You can also detect broken springs by giving them a visual inspection. Some major red flags to look for include:
   • The spring being stretched out so that there’s no mechanical tension or energy left. You may notice this when the door is closed
   • A two-inch gap in the spring where it has broken. This can happen when a spring is at the end of its lifespan 
      
3. Listen for Loud Noises: It is also possible that you will hear the spring breaking. Because torsion springs are under a lot of tension, they make quite a noise when they break. You’ll likely hear a loud bang, followed by a harsh metal-on-metal sound as the broken spring spirals around the shaft. 

Can I Fix It Myself?

NO! You should never attempt spring replacements yourself. It is one of the most dangerous garage door repairs to perform. 

Even if you’re an avid and experienced DIY-er, garage door repairs should always be left to a licensed and trained professional. Garage doors weigh as much as 400 pounds, which means the springs are under a lot of tension from supporting that weight. If you don’t know what you’re doing and don’t have the right tools, trying to replace the springs yourself could lead to serious injury and risk damage to your door and its system. Instead of risking your safety, call Creative Door Services to have a licensed technician come and handle everything for you.

How Creative Door Services Helps Homeowners Maintain Garage Doors

Garage doors are used, on average, 3-5 times per day, which adds up to more than 1,500 cycles per year. Over time, your springs will begin to wear out, eventually breaking and creating a massive inconvenience for you. Whether your door won’t open when you’re trying to leave for work or it won’t close when you’re done working in your shop for the day, a broken spring can be a headache to contend with. Fortunately, there’s no better professional to turn to than Creative Door Services.

We have an extensive inventory of parts and tools that allow us to service all makes and models of residential garage doors. When you need your springs replaced, or if there are any other issues with your door system, just call our highly experienced team. Most of our branches offer same-day services, so you’re not left hanging with a garage door that refuses to work. 

Call Creative Door Services for Repairs and Maintenance and Protect Your Investment

Creative Door Services has more than 55 years of experience repairing and servicing garage doors for homes of all kinds. Our technicians are fully trained and certified, and they take safety extremely seriously, ensuring that you can feel confident in the service you’re getting. 

We have locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba to help homeowners keep their garage doors in working condition throughout the year. Contact your closest location to request a quote and get your door back on track.