What Are The Benefits Of Replacing A Spring Door?
Cost
The cost of garage door springs depends on the type and length you need. For instance, extension springs cost between $30 and $100 each to replace, while torsion springs can be more expensive. In addition to the costs of new springs, homeowners should also consider labor rates. They can range from $75 to $150 for a residential repair that takes about 1 to 2 hours. The labor rate may be higher in rural areas or if the pro needs to travel long distances.Other costs can include balancing and lubricating the springs, which will help them last longer. Homeowners can do this on their own or hire a professional to ensure the job is done correctly. It is important to keep the springs lubricated because dry coils can break more easily. You can lubricate them using a silicone-based lubricant. This will prevent them from rusting or drying out and extend their lifespan. This is especially important if you use your garage door regularly.
Lifespan
When homeowners need a new garage door spring, they typically have to decide whether to go for a high-cycle or low-cycle option. The lifespan of the spring is based on cycles, with one cycle equaling the opening and closing of the garage door. High-cycle options have lifespans of up to 20 years. The lifespan of a garage door spring also depends on environmental conditions. Wet climates can lead to rust and moisture buildup, which will wear down the springs faster than they would in a dryer environment. This can reduce the lifespan of the garage door spring and increase the risk of it breaking.Homeowners can avoid these issues by keeping the garage door springs lubricated. Using a silicone-based lubricant can help protect the springs from rusting and drying out. WD-40 is another good choice, but it is best to have a professional lubricate the springs so that they don’t damage them. Homeowners can also opt for springs that have a lifetime warranty to get more longevity from their investment.
Safety
Garage door springs offset the weight of a heavy garage door, allowing it to open and close smoothly. They apply twisting force to a torsion tube, with drums at the ends of the tube acting like reels and winding up the lift cables that attach to the garage door. This system is safe to operate when properly maintained. However, it can pose a safety hazard if the springs break.Several steps must be taken to perform a garage door spring replacement safely. These include releasing the tension on the old springs and ensuring that the new ones are the correct length. You can check the springs’ length by counting the number of coils or referring to wire size measurement charts. You can also use the old springs as a guide for measuring your new ones. Make sure to use the right tools, such as winding bars, for the job. Using the wrong tools can cause injury.
Installation
It is essential to follow the correct installation procedures for garage door spring replacement. This can be very dangerous if not done correctly. Many people have been maimed or even killed trying to replace their own broken garage door springs. It is therefore best to leave this job to a professional. The first step is to remove the old springs by loosening the set screws in the center bracket. Then, detach the lift cables from the cable drums. Loosen the setscrews holding the cable drums to the ends of the torsion bar and slide them off. Next, measure the length of the unwound spring inside the torsion cones. Then, purchase a new spring that is the same length as the original one.Once the new springs are installed, tighten the set screws and reattach the center bearing. Then, using the winding bars, start twisting the torsion bar to "load" the springs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the number of turns needed to fully load the springs.