Is It Dangerous to Replace Your Own Garage Door Springs?

Each year, between 20,000 and 30,000 individuals are injured by garage doors. Sometimes, these injuries are even fatal, especially when children are involved. One of the easiest ways to avoid an injury is to keep your garage door, especially the springs, in proper working order.

So you may wonder if your garage door springs need to be replaced, can you replace them on your own. The short answer is no. Let’s discuss exactly why you should avoid doing this and how to have them replaced instead.

How Does the Spring System Work?

There are two main types of spring configurations your garage door may have. While you may hear the misnomer garage door tension springs, the actual types are torsion springs and extension springs.

Garage door torsion springs are very large springs located just above the garage door. Most new models use a torsion spring because they are sturdier, last longer, and are relatively safer.

However, some garage doors may come with extension springs. These will be on either side of the door on the upper tracks. These types of springs can be two to four feet long. 

Over time, springs may break due to wear and tear. Rust can also form on the springs, especially if your garage is humid.

Is Replacing Your Own Garage Door Springs Dangerous?

No matter what kind of spring system you have, replacing your own springs can be extremely dangerous. A broken spring can cause serious injury, meaning that you should not attempt to replace the springs yourself.

While the actual weight of your garage door will vary due to its thickness, size, and materials, garage doors can weigh anywhere between 130 and 400 pounds. When the door opens, the springs system need to hold the entire weight via the spring system. 

There is a lot of tension on the springs, requiring the proper knowledge, experience, and tools to safely repair. The garage door spring repair cost is worth the price to know you and your loved ones are staying safe.

The most common type of injury is when someone is crushed due to a failed spring causing the door to fall quickly and without warning. In addition, the springs or cables could fly around if they fail as well. 

How to Approach Garage Door Spring Repair

You should never replace any of the springs in your garage door yourself. Instead, you should hire a garage door technician that has the necessary training and can safely replace the springs.

It is also important that you keep an eye out for broken or weak springs. Catching the problem early can keep you and your loved ones safe.

You might be able to spot a gap in a broken torsion spring. Alternately, the door may not open; it may close forcefully or look crooked. It could also only open a few inches before closing again.

These same signs may indicate a broken extension spring. You may also see gaps in the coils or see misalignment in the doors.

In addition, keeping your garage doors well maintained can keep the springs in good condition. Your spring system should be inspected and oiled annually. If you are in a colder climate, you should have this done twice a year.

Stay Safe When Dealing With Overhead Door Springs

If your overhead door springs break, it’s important to have them fixed quickly. However, repairing them yourself is very dangerous and something you should avoid. Instead, hire a professional who can replace them safely.

Call AG Smart Garage for your free garage door repair estimate today.