Replacing Garage Door Springs: To DIY or Not?

Your garage door springs do the heavy lifting every time you open or close your door. When they break, your entire garage door system can come to a standstill — and deciding how to fix them becomes urgent. Many homeowners wonder: Should I replace the springs myself, or call a professional? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each approach, and why safety should be your top priority.

Why Garage Door Springs Break

Garage door springs — either torsion springs or extension springs — are under extreme tension. Over time, daily wear and tear causes metal fatigue, which can lead to sudden breakage. Signs your springs may be failing include:

• A loud bang from the garage
• A door that won’t open or closes too quickly
• Gaps or stretched coils in the spring
• Crooked or jerky door movement

The Risks of DIY Spring Replacement

Replacing garage door springs may look straightforward, but it’s one of the most dangerous garage door repairs. Springs are wound tightly to support hundreds of pounds of tension. One wrong move can cause:

• Serious injuries from spring recoil or flying tools
• Damage to your garage door system
• Misalignment that strains your opener and shortens its lifespan

Even experienced DIYers often underestimate the precision, tools, and safety precautions required to complete this repair safely.

FAQs

How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?

Common signs include a loud bang from the garage, the door becoming very heavy or not opening, gaps in the spring coil, or the door appearing crooked when moving.

Can I open my garage door with a broken spring?

It’s not recommended. Operating the door can damage the opener or cause the door to slam shut unexpectedly, creating a serious safety risk.

What’s the difference between torsion and extension springs?

Torsion springs sit above the door and use torque to lift it, while extension springs run along the sides and stretch to counterbalance the weight. Most modern systems use torsion springs for better safety and longevity.

How long do garage door springs last in Virginia?

Typically 7–10 years, or about 10,000 open/close cycles. Heavy use or lack of maintenance can shorten their lifespan.

Why is it dangerous to replace garage door springs yourself?

Springs are under extreme tension. Improper removal or installation can cause them to snap violently, leading to severe injuries or damage.

How much does professional spring replacement cost?

Costs vary based on the door size and spring type, but professional service is usually a few hundred dollars — far less than the cost of medical bills or further repairs from a failed DIY attempt.

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Why Hiring a Professional Is the Safer Choice

A licensed garage door technician from A1 Door Company can:

• Safely remove and replace broken springs
• Select the correct spring type and size for your specific door
• Balance and test the door for smooth, reliable operation
• Inspect related components (cables, bearings, drums) for hidden wear

Professional service ensures the job is done quickly, correctly, and — most importantly — safely.

Cost vs. Safety: The Real Value

While DIY might seem like a money-saver, a single injury or damaged part can cost far more than a professional repair. Hiring an expert not only protects your safety but also helps prevent future breakdowns, saving you money in the long run.

When to Call A1 Door Company

If your garage door springs are broken, do not attempt to lift or move the door. Instead, contact the trusted local technicians at A1 Door Company. We offer fast, reliable spring replacement services throughout the Richmond area and can get your door running smoothly again the same day.

How to Replace Garage Door Springs — Key Takeaway

Replacing garage door springs is a precise, high-risk task that should only be handled by trained professionals. While it may seem like a simple DIY project, springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury or damage if handled incorrectly. To help homeowners understand what’s involved, here’s an overview of the careful step-by-step process the expert technicians at A1 Door Company follow when replacing broken springs — and why it’s always safest to leave this job to the pros.

How Professionals Replace Garage Door Springs

For safety, garage door spring replacement should only be performed by trained technicians.

Here’s an overview of the process our pros follow:

Step 1: Disconnect Opener and Secure the Door

The first step is to unplug the garage door opener and clamp the door to the track. This keeps the door from moving unexpectedly during the repair process.

Step 2: Remove the Old Spring

Technicians carefully unwind the broken spring using winding bars to release tension safely. Once fully unwound, the spring is detached from the torsion bar and removed.

Step 3: Measure and Select a New Spring

Precise measurements are taken to determine the correct size and strength of the replacement spring. This ensures the door is properly counterbalanced after installation.

Step 4: Install and Wind the New Spring

The new spring is mounted on the torsion bar and wound to the exact tension required for the door’s weight. This is one of the most dangerous steps and must be done with precision.

Step 5: Reconnect and Test the Door

After the new spring is in place, the opener is reconnected. The door is then opened and closed several times to confirm smooth operation and proper balance.

Step 6: Lubricate and Inspect

To finish, technicians lubricate all moving parts and perform a complete safety inspection of the door system — including cables, bearings, and drums — to catch any other issues early.

Leave Spring Replacement to the Pros

Attempting to replace garage door springs yourself can lead to serious injury or costly damage.

Don’t risk injury — schedule safe, same-day spring replacement with A1 Door Company.