One of the essential parts of the garage door system is the garage door springs. The garage door springs are the springs that keep the door held up when you want to raise the garage door. At some point though, just like anything else mechanical, the garage door springs eventually will break and need to be replaced. So how much does a typical garage door spring replacement cost? And what are the factors that go into that cost? We will give you the breakdown so you have some idea of the costs involved when you call a garage door company for garage door spring repair and replacement.
First, let’s give a quick disclaimer. Though the factors that go into the cost of replacing your garage door spring probably will not change over the years, the numbers will. So when reading this, prices may have changed since the time of writing this.
Typical Lifespan of a Garage Door Spring
The lifespan of a garage door spring is measured in garage door cycles, with the garage door going up and down one time considered a cycle. Most garage door springs are rated for about 10,000 cycles.
The life expectancy of a 10,000-cycle spring translates these estimates based on daily usage.
Two times daily should last about 13-14 years
Four times daily should last about 6-7 years
Six times daily should last about 4-5 years
Eight times daily should last about 3 years
Typical Cost of a Garage Door Spring Replacement
If you are looking to replace springs on a single-car garage door, the typical cost is $250-$300. If you are looking to replace springs on a two-car garage door, the typical cost is $350-$550
Factors that Go Into The Cost of a Garage Door Spring Replacement
There are several factors that go into how much your garage door spring replacement will cost. First, as noted above, is the size of the garage door, whether it’s a single or double garage door. Next is whether it’s a standard garage door spring or what is known as a high-cycle garage door spring. High-cycles can last about twice to 3 times as much usage over a standard garage door spring.
The next factor is the weight of the garage door. Thicker steel garage doors and wooden garage doors weigh more than aluminum garage doors. Because of this, you may need a thicker, heavier garage door spring that can withstand the weight of your garage door and the force of gravity.
The last factor we want to talk about is the type of garage door spring. There are garage door springs that are made by a company called Wayne Dalton that are dramatically different from your normal garage door spring. In most cases, we recommend converting over to a standard garage door spring. With a torsion spring system, you can visually inspect your garage door spring and see if it’s rusting about to break, or has broken. With a Wayne Dalton Torquemaster system, the spring is hidden, so you don’t know what’s going on up there until your garage door stops working properly. This means you have to wait until something goes wrong and have it taken apart to see if the spring is broken. For more differences, read Differences Between Torsion Springs and Wayne Dalton Springs.
Warranties
If you have a garage door company replace your springs, you will typically get a one or two-year labor warranty.
Conclusion
We hope this helps in understanding how much a typical garage door spring job is and the factors that go into that cost. If you are in the Houston area and your garage door spring has broken, contact Spectrum Overhead Door. We offer fast friendly garage door services that won’t break the bank, and will be done right the first time!
If you are like most homeowners, you are on the lookout for cost-effective solutions to maintain their homes without breaking the bank. A garage door, often overlooked, is a central feature of our homes, playing a dual role in both security and aesthetics. Like our health, where regular check-ups prevent more significant ailments, our garage doors also benefit immensely from routine tune-ups. By ensuring your garage door operates smoothly, you not only avert potential breakdowns but also save on considerable repair expenses. Let’s delve into how a simple garage door tune-up, akin to a regular health check-up or dental visit, can help Houston homeowners save both money and peace of mind.
What is a Garage Door Tune-Up?
In the simplest of terms, it’s preventive maintenance. It’s just like if you go to the doctor to get a check-up to catch anything that could go wrong early so it’s an easier and less expensive fix. Same thing with the dentist. A filling could save you from having to pull teeth later on. Your garage door and garage door opener should be treated with no less care. After all, it is not just how you get in and out of your garage, but a vital piece of home security as well. If your garage door gets stuck open, that is a welcome sign for thieves and burglars. And if something breaks on the door hardware or opener, it’s going to be more expensive to replace than if you would have maintained and tuned up the garage door yearly.
Saving Money with a Garage Door Tune-Up.
A garage door maintenance and inspection or or simply a garage door tune-up can save you hundreds of dollars, plenty of time, and lots of headaches. For example, Spectrum Overhead Door‘s garage door tune-up uses a 20 point inspection which includes joints, bolts, garage door tracks, condition of the rollers, condition of the cables, an inspection of the operator, panels, and seals. We check the condition of the garage door springs and make the needed adjustments. We make sure the garage door fits evenly to the ground when the door is closed. The tune-up also includes lubrication of all parts needed inducing operator, springs, and rollers. Just about everything on a garage door you can think of is checked.
Don’t Have The “If It is Not Broke Don’t Fix It” Mentality.
The “if it is not broke don’t fix it” mentality can cost you dearly down the road For example, garage door springs are rated by cycles. A cycle is each time they open and close. Like anything else metal, they can expand and rust over time. This causes the springs to not have the right tension to hold the garage door. If not addressed over time, the spring can break causing your garage door to get stuck. If you have a left and right garage door spring and one to break, it is recommended to replace both because otherwise, you have uneven wear, causing the older spring to break sooner than later. That is TWO springs that you would need to replace. The easier and less expensive option is having a garage door tune-up, every 2 years, where the technician would test and adjust your garage door springs tension.
Taking another scenario, this time your chain on your garage door opener. That chain needs to stay lubricated. Yet like so many other things, it gets put on your “honey-do” list, which keeps getting pushed off or forgotten. Left long enough, that can damage your operator, causing serious problems with your garage door. With a garage door maintenance checkup, that issue can be caught and taken care of early saving you time and money.
Get The Tune-Up, Save Money.
You can see from the examples above that if you get your garage door checked out and tuned up, the parts will last longer and you will avoid costly repairs. You will avoid parts breaking and or catching breaking parts early enough to keep them from causing more harm, thus saving you money.
Spectrum Overhead Door LLC is a locally owned and operated garage door repair company in Houston. With hundreds of satisfied clients and customers, we treat everyone with respect, explaining the problem and giving the most economical solutions to their garage door problems. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a garage door tune-up, call us at (281) 748-9542
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To many Houstonians, their garage door is an essential part of their home. Many homeowners use their garage door as the front door and entrance into their home. So when you find you can’t get the garage door to open or close as it should, it can be frustrating and a hindrance to your daily life. If your garage door will not close, that could also pose a home security risk. If that has happened to you, don’t panic. Here are some common garage door problems and solutions.
Common Garage Door Problems – Openers
Your Garage Door Safety Sensors Are Not Working Properly.
If your garage door seems to be stuck open, one reason could be your safety sensor. Garage doors have a safety sensor on both the left and right sides, and they are usually designed with a special lighting sensor. When you are closing your garage door, if the sensors show some blinking lights, it means that it is sending the wrong signal to the opener about the alignment. In order to fix the issue, you can simply push against the metal bracket, and when the lights come back to solid, the opener should work accurately. Also, with this being Houston, and since we have a huge dust and pollen problem as well as humidity, these things may settle on the sensor due to the wind. In this case, you may need to clean the sensor to prevent the issue.
Lack of Power to Motor.
One of the more common reasons your garage door has stopped working is the lack of power to the garage door motor. Check to make sure your operator is plugged in and there is no damage to the cord. You may also want to check to make sure the breaker the garage door opener is on has not tripped. If your garage door opener does not have a built-in battery backup, it would be a good idea to get a battery backup.
Damage Due to Power Surge.
The Houston area has a history of strong storms. An unexpected power surge due to a storm could cause a surge to a shared power grid. This can sometimes cause garage door openers to malfunction and cause the issue of unexpected opening and closing. If you do not have your garage door opener on a surge protector, this could cause damage to the circuit board or the opener. This power surge possibility is another good reason to look into battery backups for your garage door opener.
Garage Door Not Responding to Remote
Check the batteries in the remote. Replace them if necessary. Also, ensure that the remote is within the proper range and pointing directly at the opener when pressing the buttons. If the problem persists, reprogram the remote according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Garage Door Not Opening or Closing Fully
This could be due to misalignment of the safety sensors. Make sure they are properly aligned and clean from any dust or debris. Look for any obstructions in the path of the door that might be preventing it from closing or opening completely. Additionally, adjust the open and close limit settings on the opener unit as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Garage Door Reverses After Hitting the Floor:
This issue might be caused by an obstruction or debris on the floor near the door. Clear the area and check the bottom of the door for any objects that might be triggering the safety sensors. Also, examine the sensor alignment and make necessary adjustments.
Garage Door Motor Running, but Door Not Moving
If you hear the motor running but the door is not moving, the drive gear or sprocket might be worn out. Inspect these components and replace them if necessary. It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s manual or seek professional help for this task.
Garage Door Making Excessive Noise
Lubricate all moving parts of the garage door opener, including rollers, tracks, hinges, and the chain or belt. Tighten any loose nuts and bolts that might be causing vibrations and noise. If the problem persists, consider upgrading to a quieter model or consult a professional for further inspection.
Garage Door Opener Remote Interference
Other electronic devices or nearby frequencies might be interfering with the garage door opener remote signal. Try reprogramming the remote to a different frequency or install a signal booster to improve the range and reduce interference.
Garage Door Opener Motor Overheating
Check for obstructions that might be straining the door motor. Ensure that the motor is properly ventilated and not covered with debris. If the motor continues to overheat, it may be a sign of a more significant problem, and you should seek professional assistance.
Your Garage Door Opener Has Worn Out.
Though we would love for things to last forever, after about 10 to 15 years, a garage door opener just might give out. In this case, it might be best to just replace the garage door opener due to advancements in garage door technology that allows for features like garage door monitoring, and a quieter opener.
If your garage door movement is not aligned and has gotten stuck, it could possibly be that your garage door track has gotten bent or misaligned. If one of them is slanted towards the garage door, causing a hindrance to the normal operation, this issue can be adjusted with the help of a screwdriver and wrench.
You Have Rusty Rollers.
If your garage door stops before touching the ground, it could be that your rollers are rusted and need to be changed. Rusted rollers create friction, which can trick the garage door and makes it believe that the door has reached the ground before it touches it.
Malfunctioning Door Hinges
Hinges allow the door sections to move smoothly during operation. If they are damaged or worn, the door may bind or become misaligned. Inspect the hinges for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, replace them with appropriate replacement hinges.
Worn Cables
Garage door cables can wear out over time and may eventually snap, causing the door to become unstable and unsafe. If you notice frayed or worn cables, contact a professional technician to replace them promptly. Avoid attempting to replace cables yourself, as it requires specialized knowledge and tools.
You Have a Heavy Garage Door.
Your garage door, especially if it’s a wooden door, can get swollen and heavier over time. It is possible that it has tried to close too hard for the sensors, causing the door to go back up. This could also cause the springs to wear out sooner.
Your Garage Door Springs May Have Given Out.
As just mentioned, it is possible that a heavy door, rust, or even just time may have done your garage door springs in. Your garage door springs are designed to counterbalance the weight of the door making the door almost weightless for both manual and opener operation. If the spring(s) is broken the door will become extremely heavy and difficult to open. This can lead to garage door opener motor damage as well.
If you live in the Houston area and your garage door is not working, it could be one of these common problems. Now, truthfully you could try to chase down what is causing the problem and fix it yourself. However, that can take time and comes with the risk of making costly mistakes. Spectrum Overhead Door has been repairing garage doors in Houston since 2006 with award-winning service. We believe in fast, friendly service and reasonable pricing. Call for a free quote at 281-748-9542 or if you live in East Houston 713-557-3407.
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Garage door springs, also known as torsion springs, are an integral part of how the garage door system works. When it breaks or wears out it can be a real issue. Your garage door will either not lift or will close improperly. In times like these there is a choice to make, call a professional or do it yourself. So, should you hire a professional for garage door spring repair?
First, A Disclaimer
A quick note before we get started. Typically, in most posts mentioning whether should you hire a pro for garage door spring repair done by garage door companies, they are going to gently nudge you into calling a professional. The reason is obvious. They are a professional garage door company and they need business. We here at Spectrum Overhead Door LLC are different. We have a sister company, Parts 4 Garage Doors, who can outfit DIYers with pretty much all the garage door supplies they need to get the job done. That said, we can give you a fair and honest opinion about doing garage door spring repair yourself or calling a professional to do it for you.
How Does a Garage Door Spring Work?
First, let’s go into how garage door springs work. Garage doors can be quite heavy, especially if they are made of solid wood or have added insulation. The torsion spring’s main purpose is to counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easier to lift manually or via a garage door opener. As the garage door is closed, the torsion springs wind up around the metal shaft, creating torque and storing potential energy. This energy is in the form of mechanical tension within the coiled spring. The garage door springs operate usually by being mounted horizontally above the door opening and the door comes down, cables that are attached to the bottom corners of the door cause the springs to wind up creating that mechanical tension within the coiled spring. When the door is opened, the springs unwind, and the energy helps lift the garage door.
Questions and Answers to Help You Decide If You Should Hire A Professional Garage Door Tech.
To do this comparison, we are going to go at it by way of answering typical questions and breaking down each perspective.
Q. Is repairing or replacing a garage door spring difficult?
A. Replacing a garage door spring is not that difficult if you are used to doing DIY home repair projects. The key is following directions and proceeding with safety in mind.
Q. Is replacing a garage door spring dangerous?
A. Yes, if you are not careful. There is a lot of torque wound up in garage door springs. If one snaps it can cause damage and bodily injury. That being said, if you follow proper safety protocols and procedures the danger of doing it yourself can be mitigated.
Q. Is replacing a garage door spring time-consuming?
A. Replacing a garage door spring should take you only a couple of hours, for example, in an afternoon. So, this really depends on the amount of free time you have and how urgent the situation is. If you need the spring fixed right away and have plans, such as meetings or kids’ soccer practice, it might be more beneficial to call a professional.
Q. Is it more expensive to call a professional to change my garage door spring?
A. This is both a yes and no. It really depends. Initially, it usually is a lot more expensive to call a professional. The reason we say it is also no is twofold. First, it depends on how good you are at DIY projects. If you don’t regularly do DIY projects or don’t really have that “handy person” talent, it could cost you more due to fixing mistakes. This leads to the second part, parts, and labor warranty. In most cases, you get a two-parts labor warranty. So, if something does go wrong on installation, it’s covered at no extra charge. The same goes for months down the line. If you have done the replacement yourself, only to have something go wrong, like the spring going loose, you have to take the time to fix it yourself. With a labor warranty, the garage door company fixes it for you saving you time and money in the long run.
Which one is better? It depends. If you are comfortable with doing DIY home repairs and have the time, we see no reason to tell you not to do your own spring repairs. But if you are not comfortable, or don’t have the extra time, or want the peace of mind of parts and labor warranty, then you may want to call a professional. There really is no cut-and-dry answer whether it’s better to call a professional to replace your garage door springs or replace the springs yourself. If you plan on doing the replacement DIY style, we suggest reading How to replace garage door torsion springs by our sister company, Parts 4 Garage Doors.
Spectrum Overhead Door LLC has been replacing garage door springs in the Houston area since 2006. We have award-winning service and can usually be there on the same day! Call our main office: 281-748-9542 to schedule an appointment today!
Your garage door is not only a functional and convenient entry point to your home but also an important aesthetic element. To maintain its appearance and functionality, it’s crucial to prevent rust from developing on your garage door. A painted metal garage door is a forget-about-it kind of thing when it comes to rust and corrosion, yet that is not the case. Especially here in the Houston area where we have a combination of high humidity and saltwater air the closer you get to the coast or ship channel. In this blog post, we will provide you with valuable tips to help you in preventing garage door rust and corrosion.
Tips on Preventing Rust on Your Garage Door
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
One of the best ways to prevent rust on your door is to clean your garage door and then inspect for cracks or chips in the paint. In order to do so, follow these steps:
Gather Supplies: Grab a bucket of warm water, mild detergent or dish soap, a soft brush or sponge, and a garden hose.
Clean the Door: Dilute the mild detergent or dish soap in the bucket of warm water and use it to gently scrub the garage door. Pay close attention to areas that accumulate dirt or debris, such as hinges, handles, and bottom edges. Rinse the door thoroughly with a garden hose.
Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, use a soft cloth or towel to dry the door completely, paying special attention to any areas where water tends to accumulate.
Inspect for Damage: While cleaning, inspect the door for signs of rust or damage. Look for areas where the paint may have chipped or where the protective coating has worn off. Promptly address any issues to prevent rust from spreading.
Getting Rid Of Current Rust
If you find rust in your inspection, you have a few options. If the rust is really bad but only on one or two panels, you can replace the panel instead of replacing the whole door. If the rust is superficial you can remove the rust. It’s important to remove all of the rust so it does not spread and stop the oxidization process for good.
Thoroughly wipe down all of your garage door rust with a cloth soaked in white vinegar.
Once you’ve removed all the rust that you can with a cloth, it’s time to go over the rusted areas with a steel wool pad.
Repaint Your Garage Door
A fresh coat of paint not only enhances the visual appeal of your garage door but also provides an added layer of protection against rust. Follow these guidelines:
Prepare the Surface: Use sandpaper or a wire brush to remove any loose paint or rust from the door. Smooth out the surface, ensuring there are no rough edges.
Apply Rust-Inhibiting Primer: Use a rust-inhibiting primer suitable for your garage door material (steel or aluminum) to create a smooth and uniform surface for paint application. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times.
Paint the Door: Choose a high-quality exterior paint designed for metal surfaces and apply it evenly to the primed surface. Apply multiple thin coats for optimal coverage. Ensure the paint is completely dry before exposing the door to moisture or harsh weather conditions.
Check Your Weatherstripping
Inspect the door for any gaps, cracks, or damaged weatherstripping. Repair or replace them to prevent water and moisture from seeping into the door and causing rust.
Watch What You Store in Your Garage
In truth, everything said up till now really is common sense advice. Yet the one not really found or talked about much that can cause rust and corrosion of your garage door and garage door part is what you store in your garage. More specifically talking about things like pool cleaner chemicals. Pool chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Garages are generally not the best place to store pool chemicals unless they are locked in a storage bin or cabinet. Oxidizers and strong acids corrode metal and can cause heavy rusting of anything metal in your garage, including the garage door itself.
Conclusion
Preventing rust on your garage door requires consistent maintenance and proactive measures. By following the tips you can ensure that your garage door remains rust-free and in optimal condition for years to come. If rust has gotten to your garage door in Houston, Spectrum Overhead Door has been repairing and replacing garage doors since 2006. Give us a call at 281-748-9542 and book your free estimate today!
Garage doors are an essential component of a home’s security and accessibility, and their operation relies heavily on the springs that support their weight. Holding that weight takes a toll on your garage door springs. That means your garage door spring doesn’t work forever, though we wish it would. Torsion springs are the type of garage door springs found on most homes. springs are located above the door and wind up tightly to store energy when the door is closed, then unwind to release that energy when the door is opened. Garage door torsion springs tend to break about 10 to 15,000 cycles depending on the type of torsion spring you have. For Single springs, the life expectancy is usually 7-10,00 cycles, dual springs up to and around 15 thousand cycles, and high cycle springs can last up to 40,000 cycles. That equates to about 10-15 years of usage on your garage door springs. It really depends on not just the type of spring you have to be also how much use your garage door gets. Some use their garage door as their front door, so the garage door springs get more use per day. If you feel it helps you in explaining to your garage door technician what part is broken or if you plan to try to replace the garage door spring yourself ( which we don’t recommend unless you have the right tools and are good at home repairs) we are going to explain how to measure your garage door spring.
Now when you see a broken garage door spring, there is usually about a 2-inch gap between the pieces of spring. It is easy to confuse as to whether include the gap or not in your measurements and answer to that is you do not include the gap.
How to Measure Your Garage Door Spring
You will need Tape Measure.
There are three measurements you will take:
Length
Inner Diameter Size
Wire Size or Known as Coil Wire Size
Garage Door Spring Length
There is a couple of ways you can measure the length of your garage door spring if it is still on the torsion tube. You can take your tape measure and go from the first coil to the last coil. Then measure the gap and subtract the gap measurement from the overall length. You can also measure the two sections separately and then add them together. Either way, do not measure a spring that is still under tension, as it will give you a false reading.
Garage Door Spring Inner Diameter
After that, you are going to want to measure the inner diameter of the spring. Most residential garage door springs are 2 inches, though there are occasions where it is 1 3/4. Commercial garage door springs start at 2 5/8.
Wire Size
The next measurement you want to take is to take your tape measure and put it at the end of the coil. Stretch your tape measure out and count 20 coils and see what the length of that is. The amount of 20 divided by the length will help give you the wire size. You will get a fraction, which you will convert to a decimal. We have broken down some of the common ones for you.
Our sister company, Parts 4 Garage Doors, has put together a video that also shows how to measure a garage door spring.
Though this is not super complicated, unless you have some handy person-type skills, it really is best to call a professional to replace your broken garage door spring. Spectrum Overhead Door LL has been fixing garage door springs in Houston since 2006 with award-winning service. We treat our customers the way we would like to be treated and have the knowledge and skills to get the job done right the first time. If your garage door spring is broken and you are in the Houston area, give us a call 281-748-9542 to schedule your appointment.
