Common Causes of Spring Failure Here
Garage door springs are under constant, immense tension to counterbalance the weight of the door. In Colorado Springs, several local factors contribute to their failure. The most common is simple metal fatigue from years of daily cycles, especially on older homes where original springs may be 15-20 years old.
Our climate plays a significant role. Cold winter temperatures can make the hardened steel more brittle, while summer heat can affect the temper. The low humidity offers little relief, as it doesn't slow rust, and temperature cycling alone is enough to wear springs out. Doors on west-facing garages that take full afternoon sun experience even more thermal stress.
What a Technician Does to Diagnose and Fix It
A garage door technician we connect you with will first confirm which spring has broken. Most homes in Colorado Springs have either one large torsion spring mounted above the door or two extension springs along the tracks. They will check the remaining spring(s) for signs of wear, such as gaps in the coils, and assess the cables, rollers, and track alignment, as a broken spring can cause secondary damage.
For a torsion spring repair, they will safely unwind the old spring using winding bars, replace it with a new one matched to your door's weight and size, and wind it to the proper tension. For extension springs, they will release tension from the safety cable system and install the new spring. The job typically includes a full safety inspection of the door's operation.
What You Can Check and When It's an Emergency
If your door won't open and you hear a loud bang, a spring has likely broken. Do not attempt to open the door manually, as it can fall dangerously. You can safely look from a distance for a visible gap in a torsion spring or a snapped extension spring.
This repair cannot wait. A broken spring leaves the door unbalanced, putting extreme strain on the opener and risking a complete failure where the door could crash down. It also leaves your garage insecure. A technician should be called immediately. Do not use the opener or try to force the door.
What to Expect During the Service
- A typical spring replacement takes 1 to 2 hours for a trained technician.
- The cost is primarily for the specialized labor and high-strength spring. A typical range for a single torsion spring replacement in Colorado Springs is between $200 and $350, depending on the spring type and door size.
- The technician will bring the correct new spring(s) for your specific door model and weight.
- They will perform the repair using proper safety tools like winding bars for torsion springs.
- After installation, they will test the door's balance by hand and with the opener several times.
- You will receive a verbal summary of the work done and the condition of other door components.
- The repaired door should operate smoothly and quietly, with the opener working under normal load again.
Questions homeowners ask
Can I repair a garage door spring myself?
No. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury or property damage if handled incorrectly. The repair requires specialized tools and knowledge of safe winding procedures. It is a job strictly for a trained garage door technician.
Why do both springs sometimes need replacement?
In systems with two torsion springs, they wear at a similar rate. If one breaks, the other is often near the end of its life. A technician in Colorado Springs might recommend replacing both to prevent another failure soon and to ensure even balance, which is crucial for the opener's longevity.
How long should new springs last here?
With typical daily use, a quality spring installed by a professional can last 7 to 12 years in Colorado Springs. Lifespan depends on usage cycles and the local temperature extremes. A technician can give you a realistic expectation based on your specific door and spring type.
Will a broken spring damage my garage door opener?
Yes, if you continue to use it. The opener is designed to lift a balanced door. A broken spring forces it to lift the door's full weight, which can burn out the motor or strip gears. Stop using the opener immediately until the spring is repaired to avoid a much more costly opener replacement.
What's the difference between torsion and extension springs?
Torsion springs are mounted on a shaft above the door and use torque. They are common on heavier, insulated doors typical in newer Colorado Springs homes. Extension springs run along the upper track and stretch. They are often found on lighter, single-layer doors. A technician will identify your system.
Is there a quieter spring option for my garage?
Some newer spring systems and high-cycle springs can operate more quietly. A garage door technician we connect you with can discuss options, but the primary goal of any repair in Colorado Springs is restoring safe, reliable function with a spring rated for your door's weight and local climate demands.