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Garage Door Spring Repair: Not a DIY Job
Your garage door suddenly stops working. After a quick online search, you suspect a broken spring. You might be tempted to tackle the repair yourself to save some time and money. However, when it comes to garage door springs, a DIY approach can be a dangerous and costly mistake. At Local Garage Door Repair Boca Raton FL, we’ve seen firsthand what can go wrong, and we want to help you avoid a serious accident.
This guide explains the critical role garage door springs play, the significant risks involved in repairing them yourself, and why calling a professional is always the safest and smartest choice.
What Do Garage Door Springs Do?
Garage door springs are the powerhouse of your garage door system. They are wound under extreme tension to counterbalance the door’s weight, which can be several hundred pounds. This tension allows the door to open and close smoothly with minimal effort from you or the automatic opener.
There are two main types of springs:
- Torsion Springs: These are mounted on a metal shaft above the garage door. They twist to create torque, which lifts the door. A standard residential door might have one or two torsion springs.
- Extension Springs: These are located on either side of the door, running parallel to the horizontal tracks. They stretch and contract to support and lift the door.
Because these springs hold so much potential energy, they can be incredibly dangerous when they break or are handled improperly.
The Dangers of DIY Spring Repair
Garage door spring repair isn’t like fixing a leaky faucet or patching drywall. The process requires specialized tools and a deep understanding of the mechanics involved. Here are the primary reasons why this is a job best left to the experts.
Extreme Risk of Serious Injury
The single most important reason to avoid DIY spring repair is the risk of injury. The tension stored in these springs is immense. If that energy is released uncontrollably, the spring can whip around with incredible force, causing severe lacerations, broken bones, or worse. The heavy winding bars used for torsion springs can also fly out if they slip, becoming dangerous projectiles. Furthermore, if the door isn’t properly secured, it can come crashing down, leading to catastrophic damage or injury.
The Need for Specialized Tools and Knowledge
Replacing garage door springs requires more than just a standard toolbox. Professionals use specific tools, like winding bars for torsion springs, that are designed to handle the tension safely. Using improper tools, like screwdrivers or rebar, is a common mistake that often leads to accidents.
Beyond the tools, technicians have the training to correctly identify the right type and size of spring for your door’s weight and height. Installing the wrong spring can cause the door to operate erratically, damage the opener, or fail prematurely.
Potential for More Damage (and Higher Costs)
A failed DIY repair can easily lead to more extensive and expensive problems. You could damage the garage door panels, tracks, cables, or the automatic opener. A door that falls unexpectedly can also damage your vehicle or anything else in its path.
What started as an attempt to save a few hundred dollars can quickly turn into a repair bill costing thousands. Hiring a professional from the start ensures the job is done correctly, preventing additional damage and future headaches.
When to Call a Professional
You should contact a garage door repair specialist if you notice any of these signs:
- A visible gap in a torsion spring.
- An elongated or dangling extension spring.
- The garage door opener strains but the door won’t lift.
- The door feels extremely heavy when you try to lift it manually.
- You hear a loud bang from the garage, which often signals a spring has snapped.
Trust the Professionals for Safe, Reliable Repair
Fixing a broken garage door spring is a complex and hazardous task that should only be handled by a trained and experienced technician. The risks of personal injury and property damage are simply too high for a DIY project. For safe, efficient, and reliable service, contact Local Garage Door Repair Boca Raton FL. Our expert team has the right tools and knowledge to get your garage door working perfectly again, giving you peace of mind.