Torsion Springs Vs. Extension Springs
Most Denver garage doors are fitted with either torsion springs or extension springs. Understanding the difference is critical because it will allow you to locate the spring system and have the ability to pinpoint a potential issue.
- Extension springs – Located just above the horizontal tracks on each side of your garage door, extension springs look like two giant spirals with hooks on both ends. When you activate your garage door opener, the springs extend to either raise or lower the door. Extension springs are rated to handle an exact weight of a door, and over time and repeated use, the spring system will eventually become worn and fail.
- Torsion springs – A torsion spring system is similar to an extension spring in appearance. The spring is a long coil with a component on the end that allows both ends to become attached to the door. However, while an extension spring extends to lift and lower the garage door, a torsion spring twists to raise and lower the garage door.
What is the superior garage door spring: torsion spring or extension spring?
Your garage doors have an average lifespan of between 15 and 30 years. If your door is older and the spring system has been replaced several times previously, you might be wondering if you should purchase a replacement door that features a torsion spring or extension spring system.
Garage door torsion springs are the better option because they last longer, are more balanced, require less maintenance, and are constructed of fewer parts. A typical door on upscale residential properties is fitted with torsion springs because they are typically superior to extension springs.
Extension springs are often a much better option if you are on a tight budget. However, be aware that one of the most common reasons most garage doors will fail is that the extension springs are worn and require immediate repair. To avoid future inconvenience, costly repairs, and unnecessary garage door services, consider investing in a garage door fitted with torsion springs.
Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are Failing
Your garage doors aren’t working as efficiently and effectively as they had in the past, and you are wondering if a broken garage door spring is the culprit. Here are a few clear signs that your torsion springs or extension springs are failing and need immediate maintenance:
- The garage door is crooked or contorted – Do the top panels of the garage doors seem crooked, or are they sagging? If one of the torsion springs or extension springs snaps or is damaged, it can cause the door to appear uneven. This will not allow the door to run smoothly up and down the track.
- The door closes too quickly – You have noticed something strange: The garage doors are suddenly closing much quicker than usual. If you find yourself waiting much less time for the garage door to reach the ground, or if the door feels heavy, you should inspect either garage spring. When a torsion spring snaps or breaks, the spring system cannot support the door’s weight, and the door will close much more quickly. If this occurs, you need to immediately call the professionals at Ben’s Garage Door in Denver, Colorado. A broken spring that cannot support the garage door’s weight poses a serious safety hazard that must be addressed ASAP.
- The doors jerk when they open or close – The garage doors should open smoothly and quickly. If the garage doors are suddenly jerking closed, the issue is more than likely broken springs. Torsion springs or an extension door spring that is corroded or damaged cannot function properly, which will cause a noticeable disruption to the door’s ability to smoothly open and close. However, be aware that a broken garage door spring is not the only culprit. The issue might be a damaged roller, belt, or pulley. This is why if you notice any potential problem with your Denver metro area garage, it is best to leave the diagnosis and broken garage door spring repair to the professionals.
- What is that Noise? – Garage doors are not always quiet, but if you are beginning to notice a new, strange sound, such as a squeaking or grinding metal, the issue could be a broken garage door spring. If you are in the garage when the spring breaks, you might even hear a loud “snap.”
- The garage doors won’t open or close at all – When your garage door stops working altogether, it is an obvious sign of a problem. Unfortunately, the culprit could be any number of things, from a broken door spring to a failing garage door opener, busted hinges, or broken belts. When your door stops working, it is best to allow professionals to diagnose and fix the issue. Otherwise, you could spend hundreds of dollars and waste an entire weekend trying to find and fix the issue on your own.
- Examine the door cables – Often, the door cables will also be affected if there is an issue with the springs. Locate the door cables, which are attached to the springs. Check the tension of the door cables. The cables should be taught. If the cables are loose, there is a good chance the issue is damaged, rusted, or failing springs.
- The Door feels heavier than normal – Manually lift your door and ask yourself: Does this door seem heavier than normal? Often, if you struggle to lift the door, it is because the door’s weight is not being adequately secured by the springs.
- Examine the torsion spring – A torsion spring is a tightly wound coil, and there should be no noticeable gaps between these coils. This ensures that when the torsion spring twists, it is able to create enough force to lift or close the doors. Unfortunately, if there is even a small gap between the coils in the spring, it can cause the doors to fail completely.
- There is obvious damage to the door spring – Finally, if your garage doors don’t seem to work like they used to, and you suspect a broken spring is the issue, the best option is to simply examine each garage spring for clear signs of wear, tear, corrosion, or other serious damage.
If the garage door torsion spring or extension spring broke, or if you notice any severe signs of damage, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Bens’ Garage Door in Denver, Colorado. One of our courteous, amazing technicians is available to detect and fix the issue. We will even come to fix or replace your broken garage door spring on the weekend!
Why Are My Garage Door Springs Failing
The average life expectancy of door springs can vary widely. For example, torsion springs typically last longer than extension springs. However, if you open and close the door more often, you will obviously wear out the garage door torsion spring or extension door spring much more quickly.
In addition to normal wear and tear, here are a few other reasons your garage door springs failed, causing you to require garage door spring repair:
- Improper maintenance – Like all other garage door parts, it is critical to properly maintain both your extension or torsion garage door spring. Want to know how to properly maintain your springs and avoid an unnecessary garage door spring repair? Keep reading to find out!
- Improper installation – Unfortunately, if the technicians did not install the spring system properly, it would not work correctly. Improper installation of both types of springs can not only negatively impact the springs’ performance but is also a safety hazard.
- Installation of springs should not be a weekend DIY project; instead, springs should always be installed by a professional garage door company.
- Corrosion – The winters in Denver can be brutal. Between the melting snow and ice, and if your springs come into contact with too much moisture, they can quickly become corroded. This is especially true if your garage door is fitted with older metal extension springs.
It is highly recommended that because you live in Denver, your older metal extension springs should be replaced with newer, top-of-the-line torsion springs.
Precision Spring Repair Best Practices
Your garage door is still in great shape, and a garage door company has recommended installing a replacement garage door spring. However, which is the best option for your needs and budget? You will be offered a few services and options to help you make a more informed decision.
- Best Practice #1 – Replace Both Springs – If one spring breaks, you might consider only replacing one spring. Unfortunately, while this might be the more inexpensive option, it is not safe. It is highly recommended that if one spring broke, you should still install two springs. This will ensure that the springs wear at the same rate, which will allow the springs to handle the garage door’s weight more evenly.
- Best Practice #2 – Using The Right Springs – You know you need to fix your garage door springs but aren’t sure what the best option is for you and your budget. The professional staff at Ben’s Garage Door will help you choose the ideal spring system replacement for your wallet. For example, if your doors are fitted with an older torsion spring system, and the repair would cost more than the door is worth, we can help you determine if the better option would be to completely replace the old one with a new replacement garage door.
- Best Practice #3 – Safety Inspection – Finally, because your car is such a huge investment, it is best that before and after the broken springs are replaced, a thorough safety inspection is performed. In addition to inspecting the broken springs, our technician will test the garage door opener, inspect each panel, and determine if any other equipment is damaged and requires a fix. Don’t worry because we always provide a free, no-obligation estimate before we perform any single garage door repair.
About how much does it cost to replace a spring on a garage door in Colorado?
The average cost of a garage door spring repair and replacement varies depending on several factors. For example, the cost to replace two torsion springs is anywhere between $200 to $400 per torsion spring. It will cost you almost half to replace two extension springs. Customers also need to factor in the cost of labor.
Depending on which Denver garage door company you work with, the price of labor can be anywhere from $150 to over $200 an hour. Another company might charge a flat rate, so make sure to inquire about pricing before hiring a particular Denver garage door company.
Can I Replace Garage Door Spring Myself?
Your garage door spring broke, and you have always considered yourself something of a DIY master. You repair every other issue in your house, so why wouldn’t you try to tackle a spring replacement on your own? Unless you are fully equipped with all the necessary tools and knowledge to handle the job, it is best left to the professionals.
How Can I Maintain My Garage Door Spring System?
Remember when a proper garage door spring maintenance was mentioned a few paragraphs ago? Maintaining your spring system is the simplest, easiest way to prevent having to do business with a garage door service company. If you want to avoid an unnecessary spring installation, here are a few simple tips to help you properly care for your door springs:
- Perform a simple weight balance test – An easy way to determine if you need to schedule a garage door spring repair is to perform a simple weight test. Once you activate the garage door opener, wait a few seconds and press the button when the door is mid-level. The door should stop smoothly and should be quiet and not jerk. If there is a noticeable jerk or lurch, it could be a sign one or both of the springs are broken and need to be replaced.
- Lubricate the springs – Like other moving parts, friction is a concern. The best way to prevent unnecessary wear and tear caused by friction and prevent an unnecessary torsion spring or extension spring replacement is to lubricate the springs periodically. To begin, locate the springs and clean them with a dry cloth to remove any dirt, debris, and moisture. Next, apply the lubricant according to the package directions. Not sure which spring lubricant to use? Please pick up your phone and give us a call. We will recommend the proper lubricant for you. If you don’t feel comfortable applying the lubricant, a representative from our business will come out and inspect the springs and apply the right product.
Call us at the very first sign of trouble
If you notice any problems with your garage door, give us a call right away. Our service is fast, simple, and guaranteed. Calling at the first sign of trouble to have your door springs replaced will help prevent more costly repairs down the road.
What Should I Do If My Denver Garage Door Spring System Fail?
Your springs are clearly broken and need to be replaced immediately. First thing: Do not move your car in or out of the garage or press your garage door opener. Even if the door can move, activating the garage door with a broken spring can often cause other components to fail.
Next, pick up your cell phone and contact Ben’s Garage Door in Denver. A representative from our business can expertly diagnose the issue and perform any necessary garage door repair.
Remember, it is never advisable to repair your garage door on your own. In addition to being a complicated piece of machinery, performing a DIY garage door repair is one of the most common reasons why house owners require a replacement to be installed.
Pick Up the Phone and Call Ben’s Garage Door
In addition to performing an expert garage door spring repair, the professionals at Ben’s Garage Door are ready to handle any necessary garage door repair and replacement.
Services we offer
We service almost every brand and model of garage door in the Denver area. Here are a few more services our business provides its customers:
- Emergency garage door repair
- Garage door replacement service
- Door opener repair and replacement
- Frame repair
Additionally, our business can masterfully service every component on your current or new garage door, from the lock and weatherstripping to the bearing, shaft, and track!
A Top-to-Bottom Inspection of Your Garage Doors
When you hire Ben’s Garage Doors, you can be sure that we will conduct a thorough garage door inspection and recommend and perform the necessary tune-up services. Our experts have the knowledge, skills, and tools to conduct a complete and unbiased door inspection before conducting any tune-up services, from a simple spring replacement to hanging a replacement door.
Our expert door inspection includes:
- Lock functioning
- Roller condition
- Hinge conditions
- Mounting hardware
- Lubricating components
- Weatherstrip/ seals
- Panel condition
- Drums condition
- Bearing condition
- Shaft condition
- Track condition
- Safety/ service labels
- Back hangs
Once our 15-point inspection is complete, we will quickly provide you with a comprehensive overview of your door’s condition. Before we perform any necessary repair or replace a single component, we will provide you with a very detailed breakdown of the repair and the potential cost of parts and labor. Rest assured that you will not spend any money upfront, and instead, if you are not happy with our cost analysis, you do not need to hire us to replace or repair any damaged components.
Garage Door Installation
Need a new garage door installed? The professionals at Ben’s Garage Door can install any custom or stock door in the Denver area. We only work with the top door manufacturers in the business, including CHI Garage Doors, Northwest Doors, Martin Garage Doors, and Clopay.
Custom Door Installation
In addition to our other fantastic garage door services, we can also hang your customer door. Many homeowners, especially owners who are putting their property on the market, opt for a custom door because it provides a unique finish and can attract potential buyers. Having a custom door hung can be tricky, which is why many companies do not offer this service.
If you are tired of looking for a company willing to hang your customer door, look no further than Ben’s Garage Door. We have the necessary tools, equipment, and knowledge to hang even the most ornate custom door.
Garage door Tune-Up Services
A regular tune-up and inspections play a huge part in your security, privacy, and comfort. It is important for the proper working condition of your doors and your loved one’s safety. Call our professional tune-up service experts to inspect and maintain your garage doors. Our experts are trained to notice even the most minor concerns.
Highly Trained Technicians
From a simple torsion spring replacement to a complex replacement, our expert technicians in Denver are some of the best in the business! Our technicians are extensively trained and able to tackle any repair and garage door services you might need, even on the weekend!
Our business is highly rated
We have proudly served the Denver area for over ten years. We are licensed, insured, and a very proud member of the International Door Association. Ask any of our former customers in Englewood, Broomfield, Arvada, and Lakewood, and you will quickly see that when it comes to repairing garage doors or installing a replacement door, our business cannot be matched.
A Denver garage door company you can trust
We offer a wide variety of quality garage door services. However, our customers’ most common question is: How much will it really cost to service or replace my broken Denver garage door?
Before you provide any Denver service, a business representative will perform a thorough inspection and provide you with a completely free estimate. This estimate will include the overall cost of parts and labor.
Hire the Best Garage Doors Service in Denver
Your garage is more than a place you store your car. It is a workshop, your kid’s summer hangout, and a place where you go to relax and unwind. You want to hire a business you can trust and that has a proven track record of excellence. We provide unparalleled service and will provide you with a no-cost quote before we start any job. Why wait? Give us a call right away at (720) 712-1360 with each and every one of your garage door installation and repair needs!
Reviews of Ben’s Garage Door
I wanted my quiet garage door back
“I installed a new garage door in my Broomfield door. After a few months, the doors started to squeak and eventually stopped working altogether. My car was trapped in the garage, and I needed a garage door spring repair right away and on my lunch break! The professionals at Ben’s Garage Door came out and were able to diagnose and repair the broken springs. They even replaced my outdated garage door opener!”
I needed a garage door spring repair in Golden, CO
I live in Golden, a small town outside of Denver, and commute every day to the city. My garage door would not open at all, and I didn’t have the money to replace or install a new one. Ben’s Garage Door had the correct springs on hand, and he replaced the spring in a matter of hours. If you ever need a garage door spring repair or other garage door services, call Ben’s Garage Door immediately!”
My car was stuck in the garage
“I need my vehicle to get the kids to Sunday soccer practice, and it was stuck in the garage. Unfortunately, emergency garage door service is not a standard service offered in the smaller towns outside Denver. I called Ben’s Garage Door, and a technician came right away. Luckily, I needed a spring replacement, and the technician had the right springs at the shop. He was able to quickly do the job and replace the right springs in no time flat. My kids even made it to soccer on time!”
I couldn’t figure out how to install my new door opener
“I am embarrassed to write this, but when it came time to replace my door opener, I was completely out of my league. I have needed other door services previously, including a spring replacement. A business representative came out right away and replaced my current opener with the new model. The technician was also able to repair my photo eye sensor and replace the broken pane of glass in the door. The repair was quick, and the service was top-notch.”
I wanted to work with a business I could trust
“I am new to Colorado and needed the door on my new garage fixed immediately. I am unfamiliar with any business near me, so I hopped on the internet and checked the reviews. Ben’s Garage Door had terrific reviews, so I called them. A technician was dispatched within minutes, and the replacement was performed very fast. I cannot say enough about the prompt service and courteous technician.”
